Like Greek for Christian priests, these are the tools of our Craft. This is what I learned, and what I believe. The first set of things prepare the mind. This is the art of stilling the jumble of thoughts that distract a person from hir purpose. A person must have a single clear thought.
Meditation clears the playing field of all other desires.
Most of us hold completely contradictory desires on many issues. A great deal of time and energy can be wasted, for example, on trying to achieve high public office when a person doesn't really want the responsibility but DOES want the approval of hir parent. Without a doubt you can imagine it for a single voice, or two voices. Now imagine it being played by a flute. Now, imagine it being set for an orchestra.