I was doing research into the various secret societies and fraternal organizations and came across the Builders of the Adytum (BOTA). www.bota.org

From what I understand they are very similar to Freemasons, but more like old fashioned masons than how it is today. Does anyone have insight or information into the BOTA?

This is the 'mission statement' if you will, straight from the homepage of the website:

"Adytum is the Greek word for Inner Shrine or Holy of Holies. Like Jesus, who many believe was trained in Qabalah, members of the Order aspire to build the Inner Temple, to construct the Holy of Holies within. People of all faiths are welcome to study the teachings of this Order. B.O.T.A. recognizes Qabalah as the root of Judaism and Christianity. Its ultimate purpose is to hasten the true Brotherhood of mankind and to make manifest the truth that love is the only real power in the universe."

Thank you in advance for all knowledge and insight.

[edit on 7-1-2009 by johnny2127]

Anyone know more about the BOTA?

Originally posted by johnny2127

Makes sense. I have heard many Freemasons go to BOTA eventually. Obviously both Freemasonry and BOTA each has their own importance. Would you say that Freemasonry can lead to BOTA or vice versa? Or would you say they are independent of each other?

They are independent, but yes, one could lead to another, and my own history is an example. I was a member of BOTA first; on the recommended reading list for BOTA students is "Morals and Dogma" by Albert Pike.

After reading Pike's book, I decided to request admission into Masonry, so you might could say that my BOTA membership indirectly led me to Masonry. Incidentally, Dr. Paul Foster Case, the founder of BOTA, was also a Mason.

Also, which experience have your personally found more fulfilling?

That's difficult to say. In the sense of acquiring actual occult knowledge and experience, the BOTA wins easily. But if you look at it from the perspective of group dynamics and the inward process of initiation, Masonry has been very important as well.

I had noticed...

I know it isn't. My comment was not one of criticism, just admitting my lack of understanding.

Masonic Light, where are you from? My friend is wondering if he knows you. He knows someone with the same sort of profile and he said speaks very similarly.

Originally posted by johnny2127
Anyone know more about the BOTA?

There was a controversy back around 1990, they have a problem with admitting gay people into higher levels of the order..and, as far as I can tell, that practice remains to this day. Found out about that through a BOTA yahoo group..I had joined BOTA..but when I got this bit of info, I quit. I'm not gay, but I am black, and I don't support discrimination of any kind. I even called their los angeles office(I live in los angeles) to inquire about this, but got a lot of hemming and hawing..didn't feel right to me. just my 2 cents..

Interesting info. I wonder what their logic for this is. I am gay either, but it could raise red flags.

Hmm, very interesting. Well I will continue my research on this topic.

How did you end up finding BOTA? And are you now part of any other group? Freemasons, etc

Originally posted by johnny2127
Hmm, very interesting. Well I will continue my research on this topic.

How did you end up finding BOTA? And are you now part of any other group? Freemasons, etc

actually I found out about BOTA from reading masoniclight's posts..I've been a member of AMORC(3 months), OBOD(Order of bards, ovates and druids) and other groups.. can't find one that fits..so I'll just keep my eyes open until the right one comes along..

Well I wish you luck with that. Nearly everyone I know involved with various groups say that finding the right group is just as important as the right lodge within that group. Each seems to have its own personality. So I don't know if its the lodges you don't feel right with or the doctrine. Or both.

Originally posted by johnny2127
Well I wish you luck with that. Nearly everyone I know involved with various groups say that finding the right group is just as important as the right lodge within that group. Each seems to have its own personality. So I don't know if its the lodges you don't feel right with or the doctrine. Or both.

Thanks..yeah, I'm a hard fit, really..I should just start my own society good luck on your journey as well..