Builders of the Adytum
Adytum means Inner Shrine in Greek; Builders refers to Jesus as a carpenter
A Western mystery school teaching tarot and Qabalah through correspondence
The Builders of the Adytum is a religious organization based in Los Angeles that teaches esoteric psychology, tarot, and Hermetic Qabalah. Founded by Paul Foster Case in 1922, it draws from the Golden Dawn tradition and claims to transmit Ageless Wisdom.
- Founded by Paul Foster Case in 1922
- Based in Los Angeles as a non-profit
- Teaches tarot and Qabalah by correspondence
- Ann Davies succeeded Case as leader
- Global membership around 5,000
What it is
The Builders of the Adytum operates as a school within the Western mystery tradition. It functions as a registered non-profit religious organization located in Los Angeles. The group offers instruction via mail on subjects like astrology, meditation, and the Hermetic Qabalah. The organization maintains a global membership of approximately five thousand people across several continents.
Where it comes from
Paul Foster Case established the order in 1922 after leaving the Hermes-Thoth Alpha et Omega Temple. He had previously been a senior member there but disagreed with Moina Mathers, who led the group following her husband MacGregor Mathers' death. Case formed this new order alongside other former members. After Case died, his secretary Ann Davies took leadership and expanded the group into Europe and Australia.
How it is done
Instruction happens primarily through correspondence courses. The school holds ritual services and study groups open to the public. Members participate in Open Forum meetings to discuss spiritual teachings. Initiated members engage in Group Ritual Work using dramatic enactment. This practice aims to bring static tarot images into motion for deeper psychological impact.
Tools and materials
The B.O.T.A. tarot deck serves as a central tool for study and ritual. Students use meditation techniques to explore higher consciousness. The curriculum covers Hermetic Qabalah and astrology.
Builders of the Adytum, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Western mystery tradition
What it is for
Practitioners seek divine illumination and higher consciousness through theory and practice. The Open Forum aims to develop fraternal love and harmony among participants. Members strive to incorporate Ageless Wisdom into daily life. The goal is to enjoy the operation of the One Will together.
Who does it
Ann Davies led the order after Paul Foster Case's death. She expanded the organization internationally. Membership includes individuals from various faiths who are mystically inclined. The group accepts people of all backgrounds if they share these interests.
Peoples and places
The organization has regional branches in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. Open Forum groups exist in many cities worldwide. These groups allow interaction among those sharing common spiritual practices. The structure supports both in-person and online participation.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
Belief worlds
What people believe
They hold that Ageless Wisdom is written by God upon nature. This wisdom is not seen as a product of human thinking but as eternal truth available to anyone capable of reading it.
Today
The Builders of the Adytum continues to operate as a living tradition. It maintains regional organizations across multiple countries. The group offers both physical and digital forums for study. Membership remains active with thousands of participants globally.
Questions people ask about Builders of the Adytum
What is the Builders of the Adytum?
It is a Western mystery school based in Los Angeles that teaches esoteric psychology, tarot, and Hermetic Qabalah through correspondence courses.
Where does the name come from?
Adytum means Inner Shrine in Greek. Builders refers to Jesus as a carpenter who built a living temple without hands.
Who founded the organization?
Paul Foster Case founded it in 1922 after leaving the Hermes-Thoth Alpha et Omega Temple due to disagreements with its leadership.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Builders of the Adytum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.
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