All of the spiritual traditions across the globes utilize the technology of ceremony, ordinance, and ritual in their proprietary spiritual practices.In this episode, learn the origins and meanings of the words ceremony, ordinance, and ritual, and what clues their meaning has to their crucial role at the center of all magical and spiritual faith traditions throughout history. Host Ben Decker introduces the principles of initiation (to begin something, or to initiate) in both a formal context like in a school, religion, or organization; as well as in a natural spiritual context, as in the initiatory power of having a child, losing a loved one, or going through another life-changing event. Ben Decker also shares three initiatory experiences: his baptism at age 8, entering into the temple of his family's religion and performing baptisms for the dead at age 14, and entering into an Egyptian initiation in the inner chambers of all three of the great pyramids of Giza under the light of the full moon at age 30. Follow the synchronicities between these initiatory ceremonial rituals and the unexplainable things that happened following them. Show Notes"Modern Spirituality: A Guide to the Heart of Mindfulness, Meditation, and the Art of Healing," the newest book by Ben Decker is now available everywhere books are sold.https://amzn.to/2XPbw9sGet a custom video from Ben Decker on Cameo! Are you or a loved one celebrating? Or maybe going through something challenging? Use the link below to book a custom video from Ben Decker with a pep talk, custom affirmation, mini meditation,  prayer, or words of encouragement.https://v.cameo.com/fNEIg00uLjbChopra Global Certifications with Deepak ChopraBecome a  Meditation Teacher or an Ayurvedic Health Coach with a prestigious  certification through Deepak Chopra's Chopra Global at Chopra.com/certificationsTRANSFORM with Marianne WilliamsonBecome part of the global spiritual political awakening by subscribing to the new Substack newsletter with spiritual teacher and political activist Marianne Williamson. Get updates on global events from a spiritual perspective as well as tools for your own personal spiritual practice. Subscribe today at MarianneWilliamson.substack.comExperience Ayahuasca Plant Medicine at the First Ever Medically-Licensed Resort to offer this sacred shamanic experience, Rythmia Life Advancement Center. Enjoy a week of deep transformation with four plant medicine ceremonies led by shamans trained in the Columbian tradition, daily yoga classes, volcanic mud baths, dead sea colonic hydrotherapy, massages, and plant medicine preparation and integration workshops - with special guest Ben Decker. Book your trip today at Rythmia.Link/DeckerEventContact The Modern Spirituality Podcast:Host/Executive Producer: Ben DeckerTwitter.com/BenDeckerInstagram.com/BenjaminWDeckerBenDecker@ModernSpiritualityPodcast.comProducer:Linda MichaelsonInfo@ModernSpiritualityPodcast.comAssociate Producer:Ansley WellerAnsley@ModernSpiritualityPodcast.com