This week let's go way back in time to talk about Mystery Cults! Mystery religions were religious cults in Ancient Greece and Rome. Participation was reserved to initiates and secrecy was kept as to the particulars of the initiation and the cult practice in general.  But how did these sects function within their societies? Were they accepted? Were there conflicts? Talking just about this one aspect of life in Ancient Greece and Rome can give great insight into how people back then lived their daily lives.

There were tons of Mystery Cults flourishing in the Ancient world, but two in particular seem to stand out as having special significance; the Mysteries of Isis and the Mithraic Mysteries.  Isis is a goddess of Ancient Egyptian origin, whose worship spread throughout the Greco-Roman world. Her worshippers included men as well as women. The Mithraic Mysteries were popular accross the Roman empire. There's evidence that some women worshipped Mithras, but his popularity centered around the Roman military, which was, of course, male.

Be well. Do good. Enjoy the show!

Some of the music you'll hear on this weeks show include: Loreena McKennit: "The Old Ways"; Pharaoh's Daughter: "By Way of Haran"; Telling Point: "Forcing the Demons"; Copal: "Persian Woods"; Dead Can Dance: "Song of the Stars" and more.

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There are basically no rules - just no harsh language, no commercial self-promotion and no Christian-bashing. Please let me know what you think about the show. I'm always open to suggestions; email radiohawthorne@yahoo.com