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.