The Initiation of the Miles
The
Candidate: A man,
having passed through the preceding grades of Raven and Bridegroom, stands
forth. He has undergone the necessary preparations, his spirit tested, his
loyalty affirmed. He understands that this grade demands not just devotion but
the unwavering discipline and endurance of a soldier enlisted for a cosmic war
against the forces of darkness.
The
Commencement: Led
by the Pater or a
designated senior initiate, the candidate approaches the place of initiation.
The atmosphere within the cave shifts, taking on a graver, more martial tone.
The brethren observe, recalling the oaths they themselves have sworn, the marks
they bear.
An Invocation by the Pater: "O Mithras, Deus Invictus!
Commander of the celestial legions! And thou, Gradivus Mars, under whose star
this soldier stands! Look upon this man who seeks to bear Thy standard. Grant
him the strength of iron, the courage that knows no yielding, the loyalty that
endures unto eternity. Temper his spirit in the fires of devotion, that he may
become a true Miles,
a warrior worthy of Thy unconquered name."
The
Branding: Before
the oath, a mark of permanent allegiance may be conferred. Tertullian hints at
this solemn act, stating, "Mithras makes a sign on his soldiers'
forehead". Perhaps the Pater
approaches with a heated instrument or symbolic marker. The candidate must
endure this unflinchingly, accepting the indelible sign of his enlistment, a
mark distinguishing him forever as a soldier of the Light.
A possible Formula during
the Branding:
"Receive the sign of Mithras! Bear this mark upon thy brow, a testament to
thy unbreakable vow, a shield against the shadows, a beacon of thy service to
the Invincible One!"
The
Oath of the Soldier (Sacramentum Militiae): The candidate must now swear the
military oath, the sacramentum
that binds him to the service of Mithras with the unbreakable discipline of a
Roman legionary. Standing firm, perhaps placing his hand upon an altar or a
sword, he pronounces the vows, dedicating his strength and life to the cause of
the God.
A possible rendering of the
Oath's essence:
"I swear by Mithras Invictus, by Sol the companion of His journey, by Mars
the defender, and by all the powers of Light! I pledge unwavering loyalty,
steadfast obedience, and enduring fortitude in the eternal battle. I shall
uphold the Mysteries, defend my brethren, and follow my God wheresoever He
commands, through trial and darkness, unto victory. This oath I take, binding
my soul in this life and the next!"
The
Ritual of the Crown:
This is the defining trial of the Miles. A crown, perhaps of laurel or metal,
is presented to the initiate, not gently, but offered upon the sharp point of a
sword, a stark "mimicry of martyrdom". The candidate must not flinch
from the menacing blade. Then, as the crown is placed upon his head, he must
immediately, with his own hand, push it off, transferring it deliberately onto
his shoulder. As he does so, he declares the pivotal formula of this grade:
The Formula of Rejection: "Mithras est mea corona! Mithras is my
crown!"
By this act, he rejects earthly
honours and perishable glories, proclaiming that his true, eternal reward and
diadem rest solely in his God. Henceforth, he shall never wear a physical
crown, this refusal serving as his mark of recognition.
Bestowal
of the Grade and Symbols:
Having passed the trials and sworn the oath, the candidate is formally
recognized as Miles. The Pater
bestows upon him the attributes of his station, or acknowledges them
symbolically.
Formula of Acceptance
(intoned by the Pater):
"Nama Militibus tutela
Martis! Hail to the Soldiers under the protection of Mars!"
He is now associated with the
symbols of the spiritual warrior: the Soldier's Kitbag (pera), signifying his
readiness for the campaign; the Lance; and the Helmet, guarding his mind and
spirit in the fray. He may be described now as pius, eusebes,
or integer—devout
and pure in his service.
Conclusion: The initiation concludes. The man is
now Miles, a Soldier of Mithras, enlisted in the cosmic struggle. He carries
the invisible crown upon his shoulder, bears the sign upon his brow, and holds
the oath within his heart. In processions, he might dutifully bear the train of
the initiate preceding him, signifying his supportive role within the
hierarchy. He stands ready to fight the good fight, endure hardship, and march
steadfastly towards the final victory promised by his Invincible Commander.
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