Offering liturgies to Mithras

I

Persons: The Pater (Chief Priest of the Mithraic Cult) Setting: A subterranean Mithraeum, adorned with the customary tauroctony and astrological symbols. The air is thick with incense, and the only light emanates from flickering torches, casting deep shadows upon the carved reliefs.

(The Pater, robed in the distinctive attire of his high office, stands before the central altar, upon which the sacred fire burns. He has performed the initial purifications and now prepares to address the Unconquered God on behalf of the assembled initiates, or perhaps in solemn solitude, reflecting the profound mysteries entrusted to his keeping.)

I. Praeparatio et Introitus – The Hallowing of the Sacred Cave

Hark! Let the profane withdraw, and let the echoes of the mundane world be stilled at the threshold of this, our Spelaeum, this terrestrial adytum hewn from the very bosom of Earth, in simulacrum of that primordial cavern wherein the great God, Mithras, Himself, did first manifest His petrogenous glory. Here, where the veil between the seen and the unseen grows thin as the finest Sidonian silk, let every soul be attuned to the vibrations of the firmament, and every heart be a crucible for the reception of divine truths. I, Pater, servant of the servants of the Invincible One, do consecrate anew this hallowed space, that it may be a fortress against the encroaching shadows of Tartarus, and a beacon for those who navigate the arduous path of the Sevenfold Initiation. Let the scent of frankincense and myrrh ascend, a fragrant missive to the celestial spheres, and let the waters of lustration purify our intentions, rendering us meet to stand in the presence of the numinous.

II. Invocatio Magna – The Grand Invocation of the Unconquered Sun-God

O Thou, Mithras, Deus Invictus, Soli Invicto socius et amicus! Thou, whose genesis was not of woman born, but who didst burst forth, a radiant epiphany, from the generative rock, bearing the Phrygian cap as Thy diadem and the torch of illumination as Thy sceptre! We call upon Thee, Lord of the Wide Pastures, Mediator between the Empyrean heights and the terrestrial sphere, Thou who art the very fulcrum of the cosmic axis! From Thy sidereal throne, where Thou dost survey the harmonious dance of the planets and the unwavering procession of the constellations, incline Thine ear unto our humble supplications.

Thou art the Tauroctonous Hero, whose doughty arm didst subdue the Primeval Bull, that from its very lifeblood, the Earth might be fecundated and all manner of beneficent creation might spring forth – the waving corn, the fruitful vine, the myriad creatures that roam the land and swim the seas. By the sacred dagger, whose thrust was not an act of destruction but of sublime transformation, we beseech Thy presence. By the faithful Dog, who lapped at the vital ichor, and by the Scorpion, that sought to poison the fount of generation, yet failed before Thy might; by Cautes, with torch uplifted, symbol of ascendant day, and Cautopates, with torch reversed, denoting the waning light and the soul's descent, we adjure Thee: Be present with us, O Mithras!

III. Narratio Divina – The Recounting of the Sacred Deed and Cosmic Order

Let us now call to mind, with reverent contemplation, those sacred narratives which form the bedrock of our faith. Consider, O initiates, how the God, at the behest of the Solar Messenger, the Corax, did reluctantly undertake the great hunt, pursuing the Lunar Bull across verdant meads and through shadowed vales. Reflect upon the arduous struggle, the capture, and the momentous sacrifice within the cave – that cosmogonic act which did set in motion the very gears of the universe. For from the Bull's spinal cord sprang the wheat, and from its blood the vine, symbols of that sustenance, both corporal and spiritual, which we, Thy votaries, do share in mystic communion.

The planets themselves, those wandering fires, bear witness to Thy dominion: Saturnus, ancient and profound; Jupiter, regal and beneficent; Mars, impetuous and martial; Venus, radiant with love's glow; Mercurius, swift messenger of the gods; and Luna, queen of the nocturnal sky – all bow to Thy pre-eminence, O Sol-Mithras, around whom their celestial ballet revolves. Thou art the architect of the seasons, the guarantor of oaths, the protector of the righteous, and the stern judge of the perfidious. Through Thee, the discordant elements find their concord, and the chaotic impulses of the lower world are brought into harmonious alignment with the divine will of the highest Gods.

IV. Oblatio Sacra – The Solemn Offering

Wherefore, in recognition of these profound verities, and in humble gratitude for Thy unceasing vigilance, we now present our offerings, not of costly hecatombs as the uninitiated might suppose, but of that which is pure and emblematic of our devotion. Behold, O Mithras, this bread, fruit of the transformed Bull, representing the sustenance of life and the fellowship that binds us as one brotherhood. Behold this wine, pressed from the sacred vine, its ruddy hue a reminder of that life-giving stream, which promises not mere existence, but true vitality and the hope of transcendence. Let the smoke of this choice incense, gathered from the distant groves of Saba, bear our prayers aloft, mingling with the ethereal currents that flow between this world and the next. Accept these tokens, Pater et Genitor, not for their intrinsic worth, but as symbols of our hearts laid bare before Thine altar, hearts dedicated to the pursuit of truth, the upholding of loyalty, and the unyielding fight against the forces of darkness.

V. Preces et Petitiones – Supplications for Strength and Illumination

Now, therefore, with souls uplifted and spirits attuned to Thy divine frequency, we lay before Thee our earnest petitions. For the Pater, who stands as Thy earthly representative, grant wisdom to guide, fortitude to endure, and clarity of vision to discern the sacred path. For the Heliodromi, who course like the Sun, grant swiftness in duty and unwavering radiance in example. For the Persae, guardians of the fruits of the Earth, grant discernment and purity of heart. For the Leones, whose fiery nature embodies courage, grant strength in adversity and mastery over the passions. For the Milites, Thy loyal soldiers, grant unwavering discipline, steadfast loyalty, and victory in the righteous cause against all that is base and corrupting. For the Nymphi, brides of the sacred mystery, grant purity, devotion, and the grace of spiritual fecundity. For the Coraces, messengers of Thy will, grant fidelity and the ability to convey Thy truths with unblemished tongue.

For all who have entered this sacred brotherhood, from the newest neophyte to the most venerable elder, we implore Thy continued protection. Shield us from the machinations of the Lie, from the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and from the frailty of our own mortal natures. Strengthen our resolve, illuminate our understanding, and bind us ever closer in the unbreakable bonds of fraternal devotion. For the Roman Eagle, and for the prosperity and stability of the Empire under whose aegis we gather, we likewise entreat Thy favour, that order may prevail and civilization may flourish, reflecting on Earth the harmony of Thy celestial kingdom.

VI. Communio Symbolica – The Symbolic Feast of Remembrance

Let us now prepare to partake, in spirit if not always in substance, of that sacred repast which Thou didst share with Thy companion, Sol Invictus, after the completion of Thy mighty labours. This act of communion, a solemn anamnesis, serves to remind us of the eternal covenant between Thee and Thy chosen, a pact sealed not in perishable ink, but in the very fabric of creation. As we break bread together, let us remember the unity that flows from the one source; as we share the cup, let us recall the life-stream that invigorates the cosmos. May this act fortify our souls, knitting us together as soldiers in Thy celestial army, ever prepared to defend the bastions of Light.

VII. Conclusio et Benedictio Finalis – The Dismissal and Final Blessing

The sacred rites draw to their appointed close. The mysteries have been contemplated, the offerings made, the petitions voiced. Go forth now from this Spelaeum, bearing within your hearts the indelible mark of Mithras. Let the courage of the Lion, the diligence of the Persian, the swiftness of the Sun-Runner, and the wisdom of the Father inform your every thought, word, and deed. As the stars pursue their silent courses, steadfast and true, so too let your devotion be unwavering. May the Unconquered Sun-God, Mithras, Lord of Light, Protector of the Covenant, guide your steps through the labyrinth of existence. May His radiance dispel the shadows from your path, and may His strength be your shield in times of trial. Nunc dimittis in pace, secundum mysterium. (Now depart in peace, according to the mystery.) The work is concluded.

(The Pater extinguishes the main torches, leaving only a single flame upon the altar, its light a solitary beacon in the encompassing darkness, symbolising the eternal presence of Mithras in the hearts of the faithful as they return to the world above.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

II

 Hark! Let the profane withdraw and the uninitiated avert their gaze, for we gather within this terrestrial adytum, this simulacrum of the Primal Cave, to render due worship unto the Invincible God, Mithras, Lord of Light, Mediator betwixt the Empyrean Heights and this sublunar sphere.

(The Pater, standing before the Tauroctony relief, raises his hands. Initiates, ranked upon the flanking podia according to their grade, observe in solemn silence.)

O Sol Invictus Mithras, Genetor sprung not from mortal womb but from the Living Rock, Thou whose birth was witnessed by the lonely shepherd and the silent peak! We, thy devoted soldiers and sworn brethren, assemble now beneath the watchful eyes of Cautes and Cautopates, thy eternal attendants, who signify the waxing and waning light, the very rhythm of existence thou dost command.

Behold, we present before thee this offering, not of ostentatious gold, which is but dross, nor solely of blood, though thy sacrifice of the Cosmic Bull doth grant all life, but of elements pure and resonant with thy divine nature. Here lies the fragrant incense, grains of purest frankincense, whose smoke shall ascend as doth the aspiring soul towards thy stellar courts, carrying aloft our earnest petitions. See also this vessel, containing wine, dark as the earth's hidden heart, yet potent with the fire of the sun-ripened grape, symbolising the vital essence drawn forth by thy sacred act, a draught promising fortitude and communion.

(The incense is placed upon glowing embers; its smoke begins to rise. A designated initiate pours a libation of wine upon the small altar fire or designated spot.)

We beseech thee, O Radiant Lord, Thou who doth hold the Keys of Destiny and turn the axle of the kosmos! By the sacred oath sworn, by the seven degrees of passage through which thy faithful ascend, purify our hearts. Grant unto us the unwavering loyalty of the Soldier, the keen sight of the Lion against falsehood, the wisdom of the Persian sage who contemplates thy mysteries. Vouchsafe thy strength unto the Emperor and the eternal endurance of Rome. Let Veritas guide our tongues and Fides strengthen our bonds. As thou didst conquer the Bull, grant us victory over the lower passions that seek to drag our spirits downward. Illuminate our path, O Font of Light, that our souls, when freed from this mortal coil, may navigate the planetary spheres, passing the guardians, to ultimately attain thy presence in the boundless effulgence of Aeturnitas.

Accept, O Lord of Light, this our humble devotion, this fragrant smoke, this potent stream. Let thy benevolent gaze fall upon thy servants gathered here. May our works find favour, our spirits find strength, and our community persevere in thy unconquerable name. So let it be rendered. Proceed to the sacred feast.

__________________________________________________________________________

III

An Offering Liturgy unto Mithras

Preparation of the Sanctum and the Self: Let the chamber of thy devotion, thy personal spelaeum, be cleansed and ordered. Upon thy altar, where rests the image of the Tauroctony or the radiant countenance of Sol Invictus Mithras, arrange thy offerings with care. These should consist, as our sacred traditions guide, of:

• Bread: Pure and wholesome, symbol of sustenance.
• Wine (or Water): In a chalice, representing the sacred draught.  
• Fruit: Ripe and fair, the first fruits of the season if obtainable, recalling the guardianship of the Persian.  
• Incense: Of sweet fragrance, to be burned in a censer.
• (Optional) Honey: In a small vessel, for its purifying and preservative virtues.  

Let thy mind be composed, thy spirit turned towards the divine, as if thou wert to partake in the very presence of the God.

(The Votary stands before the altar, facing the image of Mithras. Let a single candle or lamp illuminate the scene, recalling the eternal flame and the light of the God.)

The Invocation of the Divine Presence:

The Votary: "O Mithras, Unconquered Sun, from the petra genetrix miraculously brought forth, a nude divinity save for the Phrygian cap that crowns Thy starry brow, dagger and torch Thy hands uplifted from birth! Thou art the Genitor Luminis, the font of that supernal effulgence which doth banish terrestrial gloom! From the world-cave which Thou didst fashion, the celestial vault, Thy light descends. Even as sages beheld Thy golden glow, so too I seek Thy luminous regard upon this humble offering. Thou who art Master of Creation, whose transit with the sacred Bull, that mighty struggle and triumphant immolation, did fertilize the cosmos and bring forth life anew from blood eternal! Thou who with unerring shaft didst smite the barren rock, causing the vivifying waters to gush forth, a nectar for thirsting souls! Thou who as divine Hunter didst pursue and vanquish the symbols of crepuscular evil! Unto Thee, Deus Sol Invictus, I now prepare my heartfelt oblation."  

The Presentation of the Offerings:

(The Votary takes up each offering in turn, holding it aloft towards the image of Mithras before placing it reverently upon the altar.)

For the Bread: The Votary: "Receive, O Lord of Light, this bread, fruit of the mown earth, which Pales herself, through Thy generative will, doth render fecund. May it be unto Thee a token of that sustenance which springs eternal from Thy sacrifice, even as the flesh of the Bull, or this our substitute, did grace Thy sacred meal with Sol."  

For the Wine (or Water): The Votary: "Behold this draught, O Mithras, be it the blood of the grape or the pure water that Thou didst summon from the rock. As it was a nectar that fed the twin brothers unto immortality, so may this libation be acceptable unto Thee, a reminder of the sacred cup shared in Thy mysteries."  

For the Fruit: The Votary: "These fruits, O Divine Guardian, I present, symbols of the earth’s sweet increase, which under the Moon’s soft gaze, and through the watchful care of Thy initiated Persian, are preserved and brought to ripeness. Accept this bounty, a tribute to Thy creative and sustaining power."  

For the Incense: (The Votary lights the incense, allowing the smoke to ascend.) The Votary: "Let this fragrant smoke ascend unto Thy celestial courts, O Mithras, even as the prayers of the faithful. As the incense-burning Lions offer up their aromatic tributes in Thy sanctified grottoes, so may this perfume be pleasing unto Thee, a breath of devotion from Thy servant here below."  

(If offering Honey): The Votary: "This honey, too, I offer, O Purifier! Its sweetness a balm, its virtue a shield against corruption. As it cleansed the hands and tongue of the Lion and preserved the fruits for the Persian, so may it symbolize the purity of this my offering and the enduring nature of my vow."  

The Central Prayer of Offering:

The Votary, with hands open and palms upwards towards the altar: "Invincible Mithras, God from the Rock, Deus Sol! Before Thy sacred images and in the mystical silence of this consecrated hour, I have laid these gifts, poor tokens though they be of the earth's munificence and a heart suffused with awe. These are not the mighty bull, nor the savour of the banquet shared by Thee and Sol in the cavernous depths after Thy heroic labours. Yet, as the humble offerings of bread and water were sanctified in Thy mysteries, so too, I pray, look with benignity upon these oblations. May they serve as a conduit for Thy divine grace, a testament to my unwavering faith in Thy power, Thy victory over darkness, and Thy promise of salvation through the eternal renewal of life. For Thou art the mediator, the unconquered champion, and in Thee alone rests our hope for the dawn that dispels all night."  

Concluding Rite:

The Votary: "The offerings are made, the words are spoken. May the divine essence of Mithras pervade this place and my spirit. As the torch of Cautes doth rise, so may my soul ascend unto thee; as the torch of Cautopates descends, so may all impurities be banished. Remain with me, O Lord, in light and in shadow, until that final ascent into the eternal sunlight."  

(The Votary may now partake of a small portion of the offered bread and wine/water, in a spirit of communion. The remaining offerings should be disposed of respectfully at a later time, perhaps returned to the earth or consumed. The incense may be left to burn out. Let the Votary spend some moments in silent contemplation.)

Nama Mithras!