| Term | Definition |
| Prescriptive ritual | A ritual that a deity or religious authority requires to be performed |
| Situational ritual | A ritual that arises as needed, frequently in times of crisis. |
| Occasional ritual | A ritual that is performed when a particular need arises. |
| Technological ritual | A ritual that attempts to influence or control nature, especially in those situations that affect human activities and well-being. |
| Protective ritual | A ritual that is performed at the start of, or during, a dangerous activity to protect the participants or to protect the community against disaster. |
| Ideological rituals | A ritual that delineates codes of proper behavior, promotes community solidarity, articulates the community's worldview, and assists the community in managing crises. |
| Rites of Passage | Move from one social status to another ; Different forms include birth, coming of age, marriage, death |
| Altered State of Conscience | Transcendental experience, mystical experience = same thing (for most part) |
| Universal Characteristics of Altered State of Conscience | 1. Unity = most important
2. Transcendence of time/space
3. Deeply felt positive mood
4. Sense of Sacredness
5. Objectivity / Reality
6. Paradoxicality
7. Alleged Ineffability
8. Transciency
9. Persisting Positive Changes in Attitudes / Behavior |
| Religious Specialists | Shamans and Priests |
| Shamans | Has a calling w/ spirit world |
| Shaman's Role in Society | - Healer, keeper of myths, master of spirits
- Individual practitioner
- Doesn't owe obligation to a groups within the society
- Usually considered equal |
| Priest's Role in Society | - Organizes group events - usually rituals
- Uses Authority to bring public in contact w/ the divine |
| Priest | Authority established by religious organization |
