Esoteric Mysteries not so Mysterious?

The more I read about the secret teachings of the mystery schools and various secret sects, and even mainstream religions the more and more it becomes obvious how alike they all are, based on the same underlying principles. You don't even have to read too many books to realise this, not so secret then?! This is a subject that has fascinated me for years but I have only just started to really get my teeth into, originally as research towards a fiction piece I am writing but now also because I find it just so damn fascinating.

I am also becoming more and more interested in the magical side of these teachings and am trying to work towards some more practical research. I have yet to be able to detach my spirit body from my physical one, and I have tried a number of techniques, but I feel sure now from all of my reading that this is certainly possible. One of the biggest secrets that was supposed to have been kept from 'normal' people is the secret of reincarnation, but for this to be true then the spiritual body HAS to be a separate entity from the physical. The real 'I' in 'Me'.

I'll keep trying I suppose and if I reach any kind of breakthrough I will be sure to post it here. When I was a lot younger I followed shamanic teachings for quite some time and it was possibly the happiest period of my life. The problem at present is the temptation to go down a darker route and use these energies and spirits for personal gain, but of course who knows what punishment I am setting myself up for, if the soul is indeed immortal.

Back to the books for now, reading at least isn't that dangerous...