Builders of the Adytum
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The Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A) which is registered as a non-profit tax-exempt religious organisation, is a worldwide mystery school of the Western mystery tradition based in Los Angeles. B.O.T.A. members receive lessons covering subjects such as self-awareness, esoteric psychology, Tarot, Hermetic Qabalah, Astrology, and meditation techniques.
These symbolic systems are explained as representing parts of the Self, rather than the traditional use of Tarot and astrology for prediction of the future.
B.O.T.A. was founded by Dr. Paul Foster Case, a freemason, and was extended by Dr. Ann Davies.
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[edit] Beliefs of the Builders of the Adytum
“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). However, 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.
[edit] Regional organizations
B.O.T.A. has Study Groups and Pronaos healing ritual work in many cities throughout the world:
- Northeast US
- Midwest / Southeast US
- Southwest US / Rocky Mt.
- Northwest US
- Southern California / Arizona / Nevada
- South America & Mexico & Colombia
- Australia and New Zealand
- Europe
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 in Pronaos). Its aim is to impress symbolism more effectively upon the aspirants' psyches through dramatic enactment, bringing the static images of the Tarot into motion.
