Editing NXIVM (section)

=== Rituals and practices ===
Classes by NXIVM had a number of idiosyncratic practices, described within the Rational Inquiry patent as "rules and rituals" and third-party sources as including:
* '''Rules and rituals''': Rational Inquiry prescribes students to perform a number of gestures including a handshake, bowing, and handclap. Greetings included both a common [[handshake]] and an "ESP" or "NXIVM" handshake.<ref name=":8" /><ref name="auto2"/> In the second episode of [[The Vow (TV series)|''The Vow'']] Raniere suggests these elements are intentionally strange, telling his students, "We put rules and rituals up front to be the guardian at the gate. We want some people to say 'I don't want anything to do with this.{{'"}}<ref>{{Cite video |url=https://play.hbomax.com/page/urn:hbo:page:GXzPz7QUcmCB5uwEAAAAN:type:episode |title=Viscera |type=Television production |language=en-US |publisher=HBO |series=The Vow}}</ref>
* '''Stripe path''': Sashes or scarves were implemented in a ranking system similar to colored belts in martial arts.<ref name=":9">{{cite web |date=June 8, 2018 |title=The stripe path: How to make your way up in NXIVM |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/uncover/the-stripe-path-how-to-make-your-way-up-in-nxivm-1.4674369 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> The sashes or scarves came in different colors and patterns symbolizing contribution to the Executive Success mission.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9"/>
* '''Tribute''': The Rational Inquiry patent indicates that "pictures of the founders may be displayed to show respect and to give tribute."<ref name=":8" /> Classes ended with students expressing gratitude to Keith Raniere (as "Vanguard") and Nancy Salzman (as "Prefect").<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" />
* '''Exploration of Meaning (EM's)''': Described as "therapy by number", the "exploration of meaning" involved a senior member questioning participants as they delved into their childhood memories.<ref name=":8" /><ref name="rollingstone.com">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/nxivm-8-things-we-learned-from-sex-cult-expose-630616/ |title=Nxivm: 8 Things We Learned from 'Sex-Cult' Exposé |magazine=Rolling Stone |first1=Elisabeth |last1=Garber-Paul |date=May 30, 2018 |access-date=June 20, 2019}}</ref>