Builders of the Adytum (BOTA)

BOTA is a mystery school based out of Los Angeles, California. Members receive lessons covering subjects such as self-awareness, esoteric psychology, Tarot, Qabalah, Astrology, and meditation techniques.

The complete mail order course involves between 13-15 years of dedicated study. The Tarot portion is generally considered the most in depth training available on the subject. The symbolic systems of Tarot are explained as representing parts of the Self; a more reasoned approach than the traditional throwing of Tarot cards to predict future events.

Dr. Paul Foster Case, a 33° freemason, was expelled from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn by Moina Mathers in 1922. Case had begun discussing sex magick; a topic which was frowned upon by Mathers and fell outside the Order curriculum. In addition, members complained about a personal relationship between Case and a soror, Lilli Geise. Case went on to establish Builders of the Adytum after resigning his position as Praemonstrator and abandoning his lucrative musical career. After his death in 1954, his colleague, Dr. Ann Davies, extended his published work and initiated an international expansion of the Order.

What is an Adytum?

Adytum is Greek for “Inner Shrine” or “Holy of Holies” and Builders refers to the emulation of the Carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus, whom many people believe was versed in the Qabalistic Tradition. However, BOTA is not a strictly Christian organization, nor is it Jewish. While the teachings accept the Qabalah as the mystical root of both ancient Judaism and Christianity, people of all faiths are warmly accepted if they are mystically inclined.

The means whereby higher consciousness, illumination, may be gained includes both theory and practice. These teachings and practical secrets constitute what is known as Ageless Wisdom. It is called “Ageless” because it is not susceptible to the mutations of time. Ageless Wisdom is not primarily a product of man’s thinking. It is “written by God upon the face of nature,” and is always there for men and women of all epochs to read, if they can.

Membership and Study Groups

The home page of the U.S. BOTA Web site reads: “Builders of the Adytum extends an invitation to all who seek the light. Before you stands an open door.” The mystery school never urges anyone to become a member. It is believed to be a step an individual must take without any coaxing or persuasion.

Study groups afford an opportunity to interact with those who share a common spiritual teaching and practice. The purposes for the Study Groups include (1) developing fraternal Love and Harmony, (2) developing higher consciousness, (3) incorporating the principles of Ageless Wisdom in everyday life, (4) learning to enjoy together the operation of the One Will, and (5) providing an open door to the Mysteries to all who genuinely seek them.

Group Ritual

Group Ritual Work has long been known in the Mystery Schools as a dynamic means of invoking such responses. In Builders of the Adytum, this ritualistic work occurs in Pronaos and uses the dramatic image-in-motion method to aid aspirants in creating effective symbology. Members who live in areas where Pronaos groups are established experience the benefits of this work as a valuable adjunct to their independent study of the coursework.

Web links

• Official BOTA Web site (U.S.)
• BOTA tarot at Aeclectic Tarot

This article is licensed under the Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article “Builders of the Adytum.”