When we could answer ‘yes’ to both of the following questions, we added source materials to Traditions, even if other aspects of particular source materials differed widely:
- Does the source address partnered sex without the goal of climax, or recommend limiting its pursuit?
- Does the source treat both partners respectfully and responsibly, such that the sexual exchange would be mutually beneficial?
If the source also highlighted the importance of establishing close, trusted or affectionate companionship, so much the better.
Sorting
The above test resulted in sorting some close lineages into two different metaphorical piles. For example, we excluded the work of Aleister Crowley (1875 – 1947), and by extension the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) tradition. Yet we included the work of his contemporary Arnold Krumm-Heller (1876 – 1949), even though the OTO once initiated Krumm-Heller. After distancing himself from the OTO, Krumm-Heller founded the Fraternitas Rosicruciana Antiqua, one of many branches of Rosicrucianism (an esoteric movement that arose in Europe in the 17th century).