The Eleusinian and Bacchic Mysteries

initiation in which is unveiled to us the Present as a new birth from our own life. Thus the great problem of Idealism is symbolically solved in the Eleusinia." Source: Atlantic Monthly, vol. iv. September, 1859.

These were the most celebrated of all the sacred orgies and were called, by way of eminence, The Mysteries. Although exhibiting apparently the features of an Eastern origin, they were evidently copied from the rites of Isis in Egypt, an idea of which, more or less correct, may be found in The Metamorphoses of Apuleius and The Epicurean by Thomas Moore. Every act, rite, and person engaged in them was symbolical; and the individual revealing them was put to death without mercy. So also was any uninitiated person who happened to be present. Persons of all ages and both sexes were initiated; and neglect in this respect, as in the case of Socrates, was regarded as impious and atheistical. It was required of all candidates that they should be first admitted at the Mikra (Lesser Mysteries) of Agræ, by a process of fasting called purification, after which they were styled mystæ (initiates). A year later, they might enter the higher degree. In this they learned the aporrheta (secret teachings), and were thenceforth denominated ephori (overseers), or epoptæ (those who have attained full insight). To some of the interior mysteries, however, only a very select number obtained admission. From these were taken all the ministers of holy rites. The Hierophant who presided was bound to celibacy and required to devote his entire life to his sacred office.