One reason I used the term "western esoteric tradition" is to exclude things like the loa or the cloven-hoofed gentleman at the crossroads .. By this term, I a

One reason I used the term "western esoteric tradition" is to exclude things like the loa or the cloven-hoofed gentleman at the crossroads .. By this term, I am referring to a consistent stream of philosophy and induced brain-change practices, that provided the underlying foundation for Christianity and Judaism (the bible and the Zohar were written by qabalists). Some scholars place its beginnings in ancient Greece and Egypt. Of course, if one goes looking for these practices in modern Christian texts, one will come away empty as they've been diluted to uselessness or removed altogether. But if one looks at early Gnostic texts or immerses him/herself in the Western esoteric tradition then said practices will be laid out in a clear manner. They spell out a consistent system that is well-defined and amazingly sophisticated. It is humbling to think that "primitive savages" possessed a better understanding of the human mind hundreds of years ago, than most scientists do today.