The initiate, carries an offering tray of sacramental cake. She wears a myrtle wreath. In her right hand she holds a laurel sprig. The women first hear sacred readings and prepare a ritual or sacred meal. [panel 1]

The key to initiation is recognizing that we have reached such a turning point, and are aware of being in a period of transition between our past and our future. Typically, prior to the ceremony, the initiands will have undergone seclusion at some distance from the community, accompanied by instruction. This period of isolation might be punctuated with purification, beatings, contests, special food, and special dress. The conscious awareness of entering a transitional state allows us and this initiate to reflect on perhaps discarding certain behavioral or emotional patterns which will be no longer valid for the 'new' circumstances, and consciously take up new ones

The frescoes beginning from the left on the north wall then to the east and complete on the third south wall. The chamber is entered through an opening located between the first and last scenes of the fresco, the door is in the west wall. The Initiation Chamber measures 15 by 25 feet, and is located in the front of the villa on the right side.

The term "mysteries" refers to secret initiation rites of the Classical world. The Greek word for "rite" means "to grow up". This ancient fresco cycle depicts statuesque women engaged in activities that have often been connected with the initiation of a young woman into the mysteries of the cult of Dionysus in preparation for marriage. Dionysiac initiation is entry into the Dionysiac community, the thiasos.  The thiasos is a mythical community, a collective power capable of insuring a blessed afterlife. Through initiation an initiate become a mythical follower of Dionysos, a Maenad or a Satyr and insured a place in the underworld after the current life passed.