Builders of the Adytum

The Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A) is a school of the Western mystery tradition based in Los Angeles which is registered as a non-profit tax-exempt religious organization. It was founded by Dr. Paul Foster Case and has its roots in both the Golden Dawn and the Masonic blue lodge system^[1].

It was later extended by Dr. Ann Davies.

The B.O.T.A. teaches by correspondence, covering esoteric psychology, occult tarot, Hermetic Qabalah, Astrology, and meditation techniques. It also holds a variety of ritual services and study groups, some open to the public.

Origins of the name

“Adytum” is Greek for “Inner Shrine” or “Holy of Holies” and “Builders” refer to the emulation of the Carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus, who some members of the B.O.T.A believe was adept in the mysteries of building a living temple without hands (Mark 14:58).

Beliefs of the Builders of the Adytum

The B.O.T.A is not a strictly Christian organization, nor is it Jewish. B.O.T.A believes that the Qabalah is the mystical root of both ancient Judaism and the original Christianity, but people of all faiths are accepted if they are mystically inclined.

For members of the B.O.T.A, the means whereby higher consciousness, illumination and enlightenment may be gained include both theory and practice. These teachings and practical secrets constitute what the Builders of the Adytum refer to as Ageless Wisdom. It is called “Ageless” because they believe it is not susceptible to the mutations of time. Ageless Wisdom is not viewed by the B.O.T.A as 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.

Charges of discrimination against gays have been leveled against B.O.T.A. since 1990. B.O.T.A. has not publicly addressed the issue to either refute or confirm whether the organization allows full membership to gays and lesbians.

Regional organizations

B.O.T.A. has Study Groups and Pronaos healing ritual work in many cities throughout the world:

1. Northeast US
2. Midwest / Southeast US
3. Southwest US / Rocky Mt.
4. Northwest US
5. Southern California / Arizona / Nevada
6. South America & Mexico & Colombia
7. Australia and New Zealand
8. Europe

Study Groups

These groups are open to all and 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 (the will of God), and (5) providing an open door to the Mysteries to all who genuinely seek them.

Group Ritual

Group Ritual Work has long been used in the Western mystery tradition as a dynamic means of bringing about spiritual and fraternal insights. Open only to B.O.T.A. members, this ritualistic work occurs after initiation into Pronaos which includes an oath of secrecy. Its aim is to impress symbolism more effectively upon the aspirants' psyches through dramatic enactment, bringing the static images of the B.O.T.A. tarot deck into motion. After graduation through the initiatory steps of Pronaos, a B.O.T.A. member may be invited to join the Chapter ritual group (or not), depending on whether he or she is judged as fit.

See also

• List of spirituality-related topics

References

Sources

• David Allen Hulse: The Western Mysteries; 2000

External links

• Official Web Site
• Discussion on B.O.T.A. and it's alleged anti gay stances