Astrology and the Secret Cult of Mithra - David Rives

The secret cult of Mithraism was a religious order that was practiced by many in the Roman world. The religion was spread across the Mediterranean by the Cilician pirates, and worship centers were incorporated into Roman cities. In 2007, I was able to photograph a remarkably preserved representation of the mystery god, in the Vatican Museum in Rome. Examination of the sculpture reveals the important role astrological symbolism played in this pagan practice. Mithra, wearing a cape and a Phrygian cap, is