Note 327 — Chapter III · THE ORIGIN OF GNOSTICISM
Reading edition
The word used (πλάσμα) properly means image. But no image or idol has been mentioned. It is curious that in the Mithraic mysteries, we hear of the initiates, apparently during the reception of a candidate, “striking [him?] with birds’ wings.” Cf. the text attributed (doubtfully) to St Augustine in Cumont, Textes et Monuments relatifs aux Mystères de Mithra, Bruxelles, 1896, t. II. p. 8.