Mithras Candle was born in Philadelphia from a diverse range of sources including art school, a countercultural upbringing, a passion for nature and nearly two decades of exposure to connections between science, light, health and mysticism at the Light Research Program of Jefferson University.
Ancient Mithras
The ancient god Mithras was of Persian/Zoroastrian origin, a protector of truth and a god of illumination who was later incorporated into a mystery cult in ancient Rome. It is thought that beeswax candles first made an appearance in the west during Roman Mithraic mystery rituals (which took place in temples such as the one pictured here, in Northern England). One Mithraic symbol involves a lion (the trial of Leo) with a bee in its mouth, which we have adopted.
Ben, chandler and proprietor
Ben looks to candle-making as a luminous mirror - reflecting his diverse interests in art, science, history and conservation. Among numerous other moods, Ben burns beeswax candles while writing and performing ambient and electronic music, and hopes to find more ways to integrate candle culture back into the zeitgeist.
Sochi, chandler and spiritual advisor
Sochi joined Mithras in 2019 to strengthen the business with her entrepreneurial prowess. She is our spiritual guide, bringing elements of mystical tradition and Earth honoring ritual to Mithras’ radiant mission. When she isn’t casting candle magic she can be found helping folks buy and sell homes as a licensed realtor with Little Sparrow Homes. Real estate is a rich and rewarding career, but sharing sparks of holy golden light is Sochi’s true calling. She thinks beeswax candles are the perfect housewarming gift.
Related Links:
We are a member of the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild:
http://www.phillybeekeepers.org/
An excellent summary of some of the current research into blue light exposure at night:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
Much of the gorgeous photography on this site was done by:
http://davidscottkessler.com/
Ben's Musical Self:
http://benwarfield.space
https://benwarfield.bandcamp.com/
http://www.soundcloud.com/benwarfield