The pole and the loop can be used in one of two ways. In the correct Dharma sense it is used only to capture your attention and no more. In the dangerous sense it is set to capture your cognitive mind and this enters you into a spiral of foolishness.
The old saying declares that "it takes two to Tango", and so it is with the Dharma. On one hand it requires a teacher who does more than understand the words cognitively that he produces and it requires a student who is capable of knowing that there is more to be received behind the words or external attention-getting signs and gestures.
A teacher who just produces words or generates a seductive image will at a distance throw the loop around anyone, for it is the student's cognition that he wishes to capture, thus inflating his reputation and the number of his mindless fold.
The true teacher on the other hand sets the pole and loop to capture a capable student's attention and then teaches the student how to look beyond mere words.
Foolish students fall easily into the trap, for they are all basically listeners to words and attracted to the external signs and symbols that give the impression of Dharma knowledge. Sensitive students, even though they may be untrained, look for what appears to be true Dharma and allow themselves to be attracted but not caught until they begin to understand the hidden Dharma.
The key then is to never search for a Master, expert or a teacher, responding to outside words, signs and symbols. Instead stop, listen and see if there is Dharma taught that is more than just words.