B.o.t.a

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 25 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jema	25 Jul 2002
after pondering the thing for months i sent for some information and then yesterday i sent in my application (and a check) to join B.O.T.A http://www.botaeurope.org/ for those who want to read about it. now i wonder if someone else here is a member and what they think about it and if it has helped them in their tarot-studies.

Strange2	26 Jul 2002
I have been a member of B.O.T.A. for about 6 months now. I have indeed found the lessons to improve my focus and insights on my Tarot studies. Rather than jumping right to the Tarot studies, the first series of lessons is geared towards clarifying and defining your intent, your purpose, your One Aim. In particular, the potencies of the subconscious are explained and explored. These explorations lay the foundation and framework for personal development and ongoing studies. My only critique thus far of the B.O.T.A. supplementary materials is that occassionally they are slightly flavored with a Christian mystical bent, but not in a preachy or dogmatic way. This is no doubt due to the background of the B.O.T.A. founders (Dr. Paul Foster Case and Rev. Ann Davies). However, the lessons themselves are presented in a very clear, non-denominational yet spiritual manner, and I have found them to be insightful and energizing.

jema	26 Jul 2002
thanks for the reply. you pretty much wrote what i hoped for:) that the course was good and that the christian influence wouldn't be all too strong. i am really looking forward to get the first class material but i guess it will take a few weeks to get here.

jmd	26 Jul 2002
The only 'doubt' about 'the background of the B.O.T.A. founders (Dr. Paul Foster Case and Rev. Ann Davies)' is that neither should truly use the title 'doctor', as their doctorate was self-awarded. Nonetheless, BOTA material is worthy of study, though it must be remembered that the material arises out of Golden Dawn type thinking, and thus reflects those views.

truthsayer	28 Jul 2002
i just got the B.O.T.A. deck from joan bunnings website. it's the one you color in yourself. i like the idea of coloring them in but the book gives you a "recipe" of colors you need to use. that seems a bit dogmatic to me so i'm doing them the colors i want. when you mentioned paul foster case, i realized i acquired one of his books quite by accident. i won an ebay auction and the seller just sent me the book w/ the deck i bought. perhaps this is a sign i need to look closer at B.O.T.A. being of an artistic nature tho, i prefer lack of structure in my tarot studies. i am curious how it goes. do any of you think it's too structured b/c i don't like doing things that the leader tries to guide me in how to think.

Kaleidoscope Eyes	02 Aug 2002
I've been away from the forum for some time, but upon returning, I am delighted to see a thread on B.O.T.A. I have been receiving the lessons for close to nine months, and I can uniquivocally state they have been a real blessing to me. My spiritual focus has kicked into incredibly high gear since beginning the studies. It has helped tremendously that I have always been drawn to the tradition of which B.O.T.A. is a representative, and what could be a sticking point for some (i.e., the "Christian mystical" tone, as low key as it is) is really my natural element -- so B.O.T.A. and I are, in many ways, (to quote Bogey), " a beautiful friendship." As for the Tarot, I have gained immeasureably from the intensive study B.O.T.A. makes available. I especially appreciate the slow, measured progression of the lessons; this is not a course for anyone in a hurry! They do teach a system, but insist it is only a map; it is up to the seeker to mine the peculiar treasures s/he is looking for. They will not tell you how to think... that is your job... but they do offer a system that will help you to do a better job of your own thinking. At least, that's how it works for me. Just for anyone's information, Adam McLean's authoritative Alchemy site contains a provisional list drawn up by one Frater Melchior of some of the more noteable manifestations of the Neo-Rosicrucian current, B.O.T.A. included. You'll find it at: http://www.levity.com/alchemy/rosi_grp.html

divinerguy	06 Aug 2002
I sent off my fee a couple of weeks ago, and am waiting for my BOTA stuff. I hope its worth the wait.

jema	07 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by divinerguy I sent off my fee a couple of weeks ago, and am waiting for my BOTA stuff. I hope its worth the wait. same for me!! oh how neat to have another BOTA newbie to chat with:) i am expecting it might take a few weeks yet since i live so far away and i expect they have to file lots of stuff and all... but i do check my mailbox everyday, waiting for some envelope filled with goodies to arrive (i just hope i won't be disappointed)

catlin	07 Aug 2002
You made me curious so I decided to contact B.O.T.A. to get some more information.

Kaleidoscope Eyes	08 Aug 2002
It's a pleasure to see some new "Associate Builders" here at Aeclectic about to embark on their journey into Tarot through B.O.T.A.'s excellent (IMO) curriculum. The materials fascinate me to no end, and have had nothing but a positive impact. May you find them as richly rewarding as I do! Any newer member who cares to discuss any of the lessons privately (remember, I'm only nine months into them) and/or compare notes, feel free to e-mail me (see my profile for address).

truthsayer	08 Aug 2002
i'm showing my ignorance here but can BOTA only be contacted thru the european website? is there a north america chapter?

Strange2	08 Aug 2002
Here is the link to the North American B.O.T.A. site: http://www.bota.org/main.html

The B.o.t.a thread was originally posted on 25 Jul 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.