"So many times the follies and indiscretions of senior members, particularly in esoteric orders, go unchecked because there is no datum mark by which judgements can be made.  This serious problem occurs so many times in esoteric groups that the ever-growing list of licentious 'Business Gurus' appearing in the press is growing so fast it is embarrassing.  The public expects politicians to tell lies and business corporations to be devious and cheat, and scientists to be two-faced and deny responsibility, but it is still not publicly acceptable for those claiming to have transcended their lower nature to misbehave." ~~  Rev. Allan Armstrong, The Order of Dionysis & Paul, an address given at the 1997 Golden Dawn Conference in London *************************************************************************************************************      "Students of a mind to affiliate with an occult organization should examine with the greatest of care the merits and demerits of the movement.  It is the height of folly to impulsively link oneself with an organization which has not been thoroughly examined and analyzed with all discrimination.  Fantastically named organizations should, of course, be entirely avoided.  Any group claiming to be the only possessor of most ancient and profound secrets should be avoided at all costs." ~~  Manly P. Hall, Words to the Wise, page 27 *************************************************************************************************************      "Charismatic leaders have long been able to take advantage of their followers.  Some charge huge sums of money for "intiations" and dues.  Some use initiations as a way of obtaining sex under the guise of spirituality.  In short, an abusive leader may bully, abuse and coerce followers into providing money, sex, obedience, work, adulation, etc., all in the guise of -- or preparation for -- initiation." ~~  Donald Michael Kraig,  "The Darker Side of Initiation," Mezlim, Vol. IV, Issue # 1 *************************************************************************************************************      ". . . teachers must keep their hands off students' wallets and bodies.  After all, if a person cannot rise above their appetites then they have no business instructing anyone, not even themselves." ~~  Rev. Allan Armstrong, The Order of Dionysis & Paul, an address given at the 1997 Golden Dawn Conference in London *************************************************************************************************************