We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Solstice Within Mithraeum

by Cosmists

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Purchasable with gift card

     

about

Cosmists Winter Solstice Ritual, 2011

lyrics

The Mithraeum was either an adapted natural cave or cavern or an artificial building imitating a cavern. Mithraea were dark and windowless, even if they were not actually in a subterranean space or in a natural cave. When possible, the mithraeum was constructed within or below an existing building. The site of a mithraeum may also be identified by its separate entrance or vestibule, its "cave", called the spelaeum or spelunca, with raised benches along the side walls for the ritual meal, and its sanctuary at the far end, often in a recess, before which the pedestal-like altar stood. Many mithraea that follow this basic plan are scattered over much of the Roman Empire's former area, particularly where the legions were stationed along the frontiers (such as Britain). Others may be recognized by their characteristic layout, even though converted as crypts beneath Christian churches.
The mithraeum itself was arranged as an "image of the universe". It is noticed by some researchers that this movement, especially in the context of mithraic iconography (see below), seems to stem from the neoplatonic concept that the "running" of the sun from solstice to solstice is a parallel for the movement of the soul through the universe, from pre-existence, into the body, and then beyond the physical body into an afterlife.

credits

released December 23, 2011
Andrew Joron-Theremin, voice
Mark Pino-Drum kit, voice

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Cosmists Berkeley, California

Consisting of Andrew Joron on theremin, CJ McCaslin on trumpet, and Mark Pino on drums, Cosmists formed in the late summer of 2011. Our music is improvised. We work with energy.

contact / help

Contact Cosmists

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Cosmists, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now