TheBuilders of the Adytum (BOTA, also spelled B.O.T.A., BotA, or B.o.t.A.) is a school of theWestern mystery tradition based inLos Angeles which is registered as anon-profittax-exemptreligious organization. It was founded byPaul Foster Case and has its roots in both theHermetic Order of the Golden Dawn[1] and theMasonicblue lodge system.[2] It was later extended byAnn Davies.[1]
The B.O.T.A. teaches by correspondence, coveringesoteric psychology,occult tarot,Hermetic Qabalah,astrology, andmeditation techniques. It also holds a variety of ritual services and study groups, some open to the public.[3]
Worldwide membership is around 5,000.[1]
Adytum is Greek for "Inner Shrine" or "Holy of Holies" and "Builders" refers to the emulation of the Carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus, whom some members of the B.O.T.A.[4] believe was adept in the mysteries of building a living temple without hands (Mark 14:58).
The Order was founded 1922 byPaul Foster Case. Case was a senior member[5] of the Hermes-ThothAlpha et Omega Temple in the United States. After a disagreement[5] withMoina Mathers, principal head and widow ofMacGregor Mathers, he left the Golden Dawn along with some former members and formed a separate order.
With the death of Paul Foster Case his secretaryAnn Davies became the head of B.O.T.A.. The order flourished and expanded to Europe and Australia.
B.O.T.A. believes that theQabalah is the mystical root of both ancientJudaism and the originalChristianity. People of all faiths are accepted if they are mystically inclined.[3]
For members of the B.O.T.A., the means wherebyhigher consciousness anddivine illumination 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.[4]
B.O.T.A. has Open Forum and Pronaos healing ritual work in many cities throughout the world:[3]
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 Open Forum include (1) developing fraternal Love and Harmony, (2) developinghigher 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. Open Forum can be in-person or online.[3]
Group Ritual Work has long been used in theWestern 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 afterinitiation intoPronaos which includes anoath ofsecrecy. Its aim is to impress symbolism more effectively upon the aspirants' psyches through dramatic enactment, bringing the static images of theB.O.T.A. tarot deck into motion.[3]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
