The most widely acclaimed and influential religious cult in the ancient Greek world, for almost 2000 years, was the Eleusinian Mysteries, the Mystery Rites of Dionysos and associated Hellenic deities. Drawing participants from Rome, Egypt and all around the Mediterranean, the Mysteries influenced and inspired many of the greatest minds including Aristotle, Homer and Plutarch. But initiates were sworn to secrecy; and with the advent of Christianity, the Roman Empire stamped out this "cult." How did adherents of Hellene Mystery Deities performed their worship? What was the symbolism of the sacred objects and the actions performed? The God Who Comes is a meticulously researched exploration of how and why these rites were performed, based upon archaeological, scholarly and iconographic evidence -- a refutation of facile New Age inventions. Cicero said, "Athens never created anything nobler than those sublime Mysteries through which we became gentler and have advanced from a barbarous and rustic life to a more civilized one, so that we not only live more joyfully but also die with a better hope." The author traces how the rituals were related chronologically; why it seems that many aspects of ritual action are unclear or appear transposed; and why no scholar intent upon probing the hows and wherefores of ancient Mystery rites had ever presented them in any sort of chronological, easily-understood manner. She examines parallels in diverse civilizations including the use of hallucinogens in religious rites, and archetypal deities such as shape-changers (like the Navajo Coyote). The book includes an index, Greek-to-English glossary, extensive footnotes and bibliography

Delve into the enigmatic world of Dionysus, the god of ecstasy and revelry, in "The Mysteries of Dionysus." This captivating book explores the multifaceted aspects of Dionysus, unraveling the myths, rituals, and influences surrounding this deity, whose legacy continues to mystify and inspire. The Origins of Dionysus: Tracing the Mythological Roots Embark on a journey through time as you trace the mythological origins of Dionysus, uncovering the tales and legends that have shaped his identity. The Dionysian Cult: Exploring the Ancient Worship Practices Discover the secrets of the Dionysian cult, where worshippers engaged in fervent and often unconventional rituals to commune with their god. Dionysus and Wine: Symbolism and Rituals Uncover the symbolism of wine in the worship of Dionysus and the rituals that celebrated its transformative power. The Thiasos: Unraveling the Mysteries of Dionysian Processions Explore the vibrant processions of the Thiasos, where followers of Dionysus engaged in ecstatic revelry and dance. Dionysus in Art and Literature: Depictions and Interpretations Examine the rich history of Dionysus's portrayal in art and literature, from ancient Greek masterpieces to modern interpretations. Dionysus and Theater: The Birth of Tragedy Discover how Dionysus played a pivotal role in the birth of Greek tragedy and the development of theater. Dionysus and Ecstasy: Understanding the Divine Madness Delve into the concept of divine madness and the profound influence it had on the worshippers of Dionysus. Bacchic Revelry: Unleashing the Wild Side of Dionysian Celebrations Experience the wild and uninhibited Bacchic celebrations that honored Dionysus, challenging societal norms. The Dionysian Mysteries: Initiations and Secret Rites Peer into the secretive world of Dionysian mysteries and the initiation rituals that transformed the lives of the initiated. Dionysus and Gender: Exploring the Fluidity of Identity Unearth the fluidity of gender and identity in the worship of Dionysus, where traditional boundaries blurred. Dionysus and Transformation: The Power of Metamorphosis Explore the transformative power of Dionysus, where his influence led to personal and societal metamorphoses. Dionysus and Nature: The Connection to the Earth and the Environment Understand the deep connection between Dionysus and nature, where the god's influence extended to the environment. Dionysus and the Other Gods: Relationships and Interactions Examine Dionysus's relationships and interactions with other gods in the Greek pantheon, shedding light on his divine presence. Dionysus in Non-Greek Cultures: Influence and Adaptation Witness the spread of Dionysian worship beyond Greece and its adaptation in various cultures around the world. The Legacy of Dionysus: Contemporary Celebrations and Interpretations Discover how Dionysus's legacy continues to thrive in contemporary celebrations and interpretations, influencing art, culture, and spirituality. Unveil the mysteries of Dionysus and embark on an intellectual and spiritual journey into the heart of this god of ecstasy. "The Mysteries of Dionysus" invites you to explore the multifaceted facets of a deity whose influence transcends time and culture, offering profound insights into the human experience.

This essay, published in 1820, was an attempt to prove that modern Freemasonry derived from ancient Greek philosophical and religious ideas. Hippolyto da Costa (1774-1823), was a Brazilian journalist, author, Freemason and world traveller. He was imprisoned for being a Freemason by the Inquisition in Portugal in 1802; he escaped in 1805.

The Cult of Dionysus is strongly associated with satyrs, centaurs, and sileni, and its characteristic symbols are the bull, the serpent, tigers/leopards, the ivy, and the wine. The Dionysia and Lenaia festivals in Athens were dedicated to Dionysus, as well as the Phallic processions. Initiates worshipped him in the Dionysian Mysteries, which were comparable to and linked with the Orphic Mysteries, and may have influenced Gnosticism.

Go on a journey through the Mysteries of Dionysus from ancient days to modern times Et takes you on an adventure through the hidden mysteries of Dionysus. Touching on topics of initiation, tribal dance, psychedelics and rave culture, this book is a fascinating read.

Written by an international team of acknowledged experts, this excellent book studies a wide range of contributions and showcases new research on the archaeology, ritual and history of Greek mystery cults. With a lack of written evidence that exists for the mysteries, archaeology has proved central to explaining their significance and this volume is key to understanding a phenomenon central to Greek religion and society.