Mystery Cult

Ancient initiatory religion centered on a secret rite that promised a transformed relationship to death — Eleusis, the cult of Mithras, the Isiac mysteries, Dionysian rites. Membership was voluntary, the inner teaching was sworn-secret, and the experience was personal rather than civic.

Greek mystēria — secret rites, from myein — to close the mouth.

• Gnosis
• Theurgy
• Mysticism