The central figure in the Mithraic mysteries was born from a virgin mother named Anahid, a human who had given birth to a god. The birth took place around the winter solstice, which is to say, on or about December 25. During his career on Earth, Mithra was attended by followers corresponding to the signs of the zodiac, of which there are twelve. Virgin birth, savior of humanity, born on December 25, twelve apostles—is
