How do esoteric groups come into being? The material for groups described in this book was originally designed for the study and practice of the Kabbalah, but the same principles may usefully be applied to other spiritual organizations. The book describes how a school originates and passes through the initial stages of enthusiasm and difficulties to become a stable vehicle for disseminating a profound teaching. The interaction of the different types of people who might come into the work and the kind of patterns that may emerge are explored. So, too, are the problems and temptations of leadership as a group becomes a school and enters a spiritual line. The author goes on to discuss how a tradition fits into the network of an esoteric web that envelops the globe, forming a living bridge for mankind between Earth and heaven.