Initiation into secret societies

Rituals concerned with groups, such as initiation into secret societies and into cults, are normally considered separately from those concerned with the status of individuals. The organization of secret societies is usually hierarchical. Initiation places the new member at the foot of a ladder of position, each rung of which is characterized by its own secrets and initiation rituals. The elaboration of this internal structure may be extremely complex. The final stages in all such rituals is one in which the initiate receives new powers. The ritual itself is a display of esoteric lore, which is only partly explained to the initiated. Much of it remains mysterious, indicating deeper levels of understanding, associated with higher rank in the organization.