Builders of the Adytum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
B.O.T.A. (Builders of the Adytum), which is registered as a non-profit tax-exempt religious organisation, is a worldwide mystery school based in Los Angeles. B.O.T.A. members receive lessons covering subjects such as self-awareness, esoteric psychology, Tarot, Qabalah, Astrology, and meditation techniques.
These symbolic systems are explained as representing parts of the Self, a more reasoned use than traditional throwing of the Tarot cards to "predict" 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] What is an Adytum and why build one?
“Adytum” is Greek for “Inner Shrine” or “Holy of Holies” and “Builders” refer to the emulation of the Carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus, who many believe was adept in the mysteries of building a living temple without hands (see Mark 14:58). However, B.O.T.A. is not a strictly Christian organization, nor is it Jewish. B.O.T.A. accepts the Qabalah as the mystical root of both ancient Judaism and the original Christianity, but people of all faiths are warmly accepted if they are mystically inclined.
The means whereby higher consciousness, illumination, enlightenment, may be gained include 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.
[edit] Regional organizations
B.O.T.A. has Study Groups and Pronaos healing ritual work in many cities throughout the world.
- NORTHEAST AREA
- MIDWEST / SOUTHEAST
- SOUTHWEST / ROCKY MT.
- NORTHWEST AREA
- SOUTHERN CALIF. / ARIZONA / NEVADA
- SOUTH AMERICA & MEXICO
- AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND B.O.T.A. BRANCH
- B.O.T.A. IN 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, and (5) providing an open door to the Mysteries to all who genuinely seek them.
[edit] Group Ritual
Open only to members, Group Ritual Work has long been known in the Mystery Schools as a dynamic means of invoking such responses. In B.O.T.A. this ritualistic work occurs in Pronaos and uses the dramatic image-in-motion method to aid aspirants in creating effective symbology.
