What brings together candles, Advent, a pagan religion, and Jung?

In Christianity, Advent is a season observed in many Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.” The season typically lasts for four weeks, beginning on Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day) and ending on Christmas Eve.

Advent serves as a period of reflection, penance, and spiritual preparation for Christians. It is a time to focus on the anticipation of the coming of Jesus Christ, both as a historical event (the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem) and as a future promise (the Second Coming of Christ). The season is marked by various traditions, including the use of an Advent calendar, Advent wreath, and special liturgical readings and prayers.

Many churches light Advent candles on an Advent wreath, with each candle representing a different theme or aspect of the season — typically hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week, an additional candle is lit, building up to the lighting of the central Christ candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

What is the relationship between Mithraism and Advent?

Mithraism was an ancient mystery religion centered around the worship of the god Mithras. It had its roots in the Roman Empire and was particularly popular among Roman soldiers during the 1st to 4th centuries CE. The relationship between Mithraism and Advent in Christianity is a topic that scholars have explored, suggesting that there may be certain parallels or similarities in themes and symbols, such as the following

Mithraism was associated with the worship of the god Sol Invictus, the “Unconquered Sun.” Some argue that the Christian celebration of Christmas on December 25, close to the winter solstice when days start getting longer, may have been influenced by the Roman festival of Sol Invictus. In this context, the symbolism of light and the birth of the sun might be seen as a parallel to the Christian theme of Jesus as the “Light of the World.”

The Mithraeum, a Mithraic temple or meeting place, often had an underground, cave-like structure, and within this space, the central focus was an image or relief of Mithras slaying a bull. This scene, known as the tauroctony, was a central motif in Mithraic iconography.

The use of candles and torches in Mithraic rituals is inferred from the archaeological remains. Many Mithraea have contained niches or small ledges for placing lamps or candles, suggesting that the use of light was an essential element in their ceremonies. The specific details of how candles or lamps were used in Mithraic rituals remain speculative due to the secretive nature of the cult.

The symbolism of light in Mithraism is associated with the mythology of Mithras slaying the bull. Light is often interpreted as a representation of the divine and the victory of Mithras over the forces of darkness. The use of candles or lamps in the Mithraeum may have been part of the initiatory rites and symbolic of spiritual enlightenment.

Both Mithraism and Christianity incorporate themes of light and darkness. In Mithraic rituals, there was a strong emphasis on the triumph of light over darkness. Christians also use the imagery of light to symbolize the coming of Christ, who is often referred to as the “Light of the World.”

However, it’s crucial to approach these comparisons with caution. The evidence for direct influence or a causal relationship between Mithraism and Christian traditions, including Advent, is limited. The historical connections between these belief systems are complex, and any similarities may be coincidental or influenced by broader cultural and religious themes of the time.

The Advent through a Jungian lens

Analyzing the concept of Advent through a Jungian lens involves exploring how the psychological ideas of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung might shed light on the symbolic and archetypal aspects of this Christian tradition.

Advent can be seen as a symbolic journey or quest, aligning with the hero’s journey archetype. The anticipation of the birth of Christ represents a transformative event, and individuals may identify with the archetypal hero’s path toward spiritual rebirth and renewal during this season.

In Jungian psychology, the concept of the divine child represents the potential for renewal and transformation. The birth of Jesus during Advent can be viewed as the emergence of the divine child, symbolizing hope, purity, and the potential for a new beginning.

Jungian psychology often emphasizes the integration of the shadow — the unconscious, hidden aspects of the self. The juxtaposition of darkness and light in Advent, both in the literal sense (shorter days leading to the winter solstice) and the symbolic sense (anticipation of the spiritual light of Christ), can be seen as a metaphor for the integration of the shadow and the journey toward self-discovery.

Advent is a time of waiting, reflection, and preparation. From a Jungian perspective, this waiting period can be seen as a symbolic “liminal” space — a threshold between the old and the new, akin to a rite of passage. The rituals and symbols associated with Advent may serve as transformative tools in the individuation process.

Elements such as the Advent wreath, candles, and biblical narratives can be analyzed as archetypal symbols with deep psychological significance. For example, the lighting of candles can represent the illumination of consciousness, the journey from darkness to light, and the integration of opposites. The light of Mithra can share the same symbolism.

Analyzing Mithraism from a Jungian perspective

Mithraism, like many religious traditions, incorporates powerful archetypal imagery. The central motif of Mithras slaying a bull, known as the tauroctony, can be seen as an archetypal representation of cosmic struggle and transformation. In Jungian terms, the bull might symbolize primal instincts, and Mithras’ act could represent the triumph of consciousness over instinctual forces.
Solar Symbolism:

Mithraism is associated with solar symbolism, particularly through its connection with the god Sol Invictus, the “Unconquered Sun.” From a Jungian perspective, the sun often symbolizes consciousness, enlightenment, and the integration of the self. The emphasis on the sun’s unconquered nature could be seen as a representation of the enduring, transcendent aspects of the psyche.

The use of candles and torches in Mithraic rituals, inferred from archaeological findings, aligns with Jung’s emphasis on the symbolism of light as a representation of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. Initiatory rites involving light can be interpreted as symbolic journeys toward self-discovery and transformation.

Jung often discussed the importance of integrating opposites for psychological wholeness. In Mithraism, the dualistic cosmology of light and darkness can be viewed through a Jungian lens as a symbolic representation of the tension and reconciliation of opposites. The union of Mithras and the bull in the tauroctony may symbolize the integration of conflicting forces within the psyche.

Jungian psychology emphasizes the process of individuation, a journey toward self-realization and wholeness. Mithraic initiation rites, with their emphasis on symbolic death and rebirth, align with the concept of psychological transformation and the pursuit of a higher state of consciousness.

It’s important to note that interpreting religious or spiritual traditions through psychological frameworks involves a level of interpretation, and individuals may approach these ideas from various perspectives.

The Jungian lens provides one way to explore the symbolic and psychological dimensions of Advent, recognizing the richness of its archetypal themes and transformative potential.