Mithraic influences in Masonry

[paul]

Masonic ritual has inherited much from Mithraic symbolism.

For example it provides an explanation for the Wardens having their columns pointing in different directions.

Mithras (who is positioned between Heaven and Earth) is commonly accompanied by Cautes and Cautopates each of whom holds a torch, commonly with one pointed upwards and one downwards



en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cautes_and_Cautopates

Also we have Mithras as the lion-headed initiator who presumably has a lion grip.

Here he is also holding a square key - to heaven perhaps - with a serpent wound around him - 7 times depending on how you count the position of the serpent head above his head




The tongs and hammer suggest metal working. Mithraic symbolism had a mysterious ladder with 7 rungs, each associated with a particular metal and each rung representing a gate. At top of the ladder there was an 8th gate.

It is difficult to find original depictions of that ladder but here is one from the floor of a Mithraic temple that might remind some of the 18th ritual

[paul]

I suppose the Wardens who may represent Cautes and Cautopates have been taught to be Cautious