A mystical organization blending Kabbalistic, Rosicrucian, and Masonic elements to guide spiritual development.
Religion: Western Esotericism
Founder: Paul Foster Case
Founded: 1922
Location: United States (originally based in Los Angeles, California)
Website: bota.org
Founded in 1922 by Paul Foster Case, Builders Of The Adytum (B.O.T.A.) is a non-profit, tax-exempt religious organization rooted in the Western mystery tradition, which has established itself as a school offering extensive teachings on esoteric psychology, occult tarot, Hermetic Qabalah, astrology, and meditation techniques. The organization’s curriculum is designed for spiritual attunement through study, practice, and worship within the framework of the Western Mysteries.
The name “Adytum” comes from the Latin word for “Inner Shrine” or “Holy of Holies,” symbolizing the organization’s goal of guiding its members towards the construction of an inner spiritual sanctuary, akin to the mastery Jesus is believed to have had over the mysteries of building a living temple without physical efforts. This metaphor underscores the transformative journey B.O.T.A. encourages, where individuals of all faiths are invited to develop their inner temples, aligning with the organization’s view of Qabalah as the mystical foundation underpinning both Judaism and Christianity.
Paul Foster Case, the founder, was a prominent figure within the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn before disagreements led him to establish B.O.T.A. He was later succeeded by his secretary, Ann Davies, who continued to expand the organization internationally to a global membership that numbers around 5,000. B.O.T.A.’s teachings are disseminated through correspondence courses, which cover various esoteric disciplines such as Tarot, Qabalah, Gematria, Astrology, and Alchemy, emphasizing the practical application of these teachings to achieve higher states of consciousness and divine illumination.
B.O.T.A.’s teachings espouse a universal approach to spiritual truths, emphasizing the oneness of God, the brotherhood of man, and the interconnectedness of all life. The organization’s social and spiritual objectives are encapsulated in seven core values, aiming at universal peace, freedom, education, health, prosperity, and spiritual unfoldment. This holistic approach seeks not only the personal transformation of its members but also the manifestation of these ideals in the external world.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, B.O.T.A. maintains regional activities and groups across the United States, Canada, and internationally, facilitating study and group work. The organization structures itself as both an outer and an inner school, catering to varying levels of engagement and commitment among its members. Pronaos groups, part of the organization’s structure, offer settings for more advanced study and group rituals.
image via UIA
