The Chaldean Oracles are a set of spiritual and philosophical texts widely used by Neoplatonist philosophers from the 3rd to the 6th century CE. While the original texts have been lost, they have survived in the form of fragments consisting mainly of quotes and commentary by Neoplatonist writers. An analysis of the Chaldean Oracles demonstrates an inspiration for contemporary gnostic teachings.

William Wynn Westcott (1848 – 1925) was a coroner, ceremonial magician, theosophist and Freemason born in Leamington, Warwickshire, England. He was a Supreme Magus of the S.R.I.A (Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia) and went on to co-found the Golden Dawn.