I agree, but I don’t really see ritual as inextricable from religious hierarchy, and in many cases it’s used as a method to attain mystical or divine experiences which are integral in bringing about the positive perspectives associated with spiritual/religious practice. Mediate was probably not the right word to use in this case, perhaps dictate or interpret would have more accurately described what I was trying to convey. An example that comes to mind might be a shaman leading an ayahuasca ceremony through drumming and singing which could be seen as mediating an experience, however it’s more from the stance of a guide, as opposed to an authority imposing dogma or predetermined ways of conceptualising such experiences. As long as power over others is not derived from some kind of spiritual hierarchy I’ve got no problem with how people choose to practice their religious beliefs.