I happened to have had the privilege of knowing some incredible people who, unfortunately, are no longer with us. This includes Israel Regardie, Scott Cunningham, and Ted Andrews. When I mention such people, I often hear someone say, "I wish I'd had a chance to meet them or study with them."
Although we can read and study their amazing writings, we can't go back and have personal experiences with them. What I like to point out is that there are great people, alive right now, whom you can meet and study with.
Just imagine meeting Andrieh Vitimus, author of Hands-On Chaos Magic. And besides meeting him, imagine attending workshops by him with topics such as "5-Minute Powerhouse