The Tarot and Qabalah are two aspects of a Western spiritual path which promotes the transformation of the human personality into superconscious expression through alignment and conscious cooperation with the "Primal Will to Good, which eternally creates and sustains the Universe."
The Tarot consists of a deck of 78 cards: 22 major arcana, and 56 minor arcana. The major arcana are symbolic representations of the story of human evolution, and picture all the various elements and processes involved in human evolutionary unfoldment. Coloring the cards (in the B.O.T.A. system) and meditating on them gradually transform the conscious and subconscious minds so they can express superconsciousness. By understanding and learning to use the processes underlying manifestation, the student of Tarot can create a life that more fully expresses its highest purpose.
The Qabalah uses the Tree of Life as its major symbolic representation of the processes of evolutionary unfoldment. By studying and meditating on the Tree of Life, which is a pictorial representation of the descent of consciousness into deepest matter and its ascent back into the highest level of consciousness, the student can use the processes of evolutionary unfoldment to journey back to the highest levels of consciousness, and simultaneously manifest these higher levels in deepest matter.
Also see, Books On the Tarot and the Qabalah, Sites On the Tarot and the Qabalah, or our home page, spiritual-paths.com
http://www.bota.org/index.html
Builders of the Adytum is an authentic Mystery School. Its system is that of the Western Tradition. Its teachings, based on the Holy Qabalah and the Sacred Tarot, have been handed down from one group of initiates to another since ancient times. Its work, however, does not bid for interest on the ground of mere antiquity, but because it has met the tests of centuries of practical application.
B.O.T.A. accepts the Qabalah as the mystical root of both ancient Judaism and the original Christianity, but people of all faiths should have no difficulty accepting B.O.T.A teachings if they are mystically inclined.
The evolution of form upon this planet corresponds with the evolution of consciousness. Consequently, in the natural course of events, all men will ultimately be possessed of higher consciousness. Almost incomprehensible periods of time elapse, however, before such changes occur in the slow processes of nature. Yet shortcuts are possible. Man is endowed with mental and physical faculties which enable him to bring this about much sooner. This cultural forcing process is the work of the Mystery Schools, ancient and modern.
The means whereby higher consciousness, illumination, may be gained includes 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 of all epochs to read, if they can.
The American Tarot Association is organized for the purpose of bringing together qualified students, teachers and masters of the Tarot who are willing to subscribe to a high ethical standard and use the Tarot for the benefit of those for whom they read. We recognize Tarot as a useful tool for personal growth & spiritual development.
The American Tarot Association has an Internet News List which publishes one or two small newsletters each month containing information of interest to tarot enthusiasts. You are welcome to join the ATA Internet News List whether you are a member or not.
The A.T.A. offers free correspondence courses, and the setting up of exams for certification to its members, at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Members are assigned to a mentor, who has volunteered to assist new students learn the Tarot.
For Spanish Tarot students, we do have a Spanish speaking mentor who can help you with your studies.
COURSES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Tarot 101 Introduction to Tarot - Minor Arcana
Tarot 102 Introduction to Tarot - The Court Cards
Tarot 103 Introduction to Tarot - Major Arcana
Tarot 201 Intermediate Tarot - Intermediate Tarot
Tarot 202 Intermediate Tarot - Teaching Tarot
Tarot 301 Advanced Tarot - Advanced Tarot Techniques
Tarot 302 Advanced Tarot - Mastering Tarot
http://www.practical-mystic.com/
QABALAH WITH A "Q" - When spelled with the letter "Q," the word Qabalah refers to the Universal Qabalah. The Universal Qabalah is a body of esoteric and practical wisdom that encompasses both Judeo-Christian mysticism and the teachings of other traditions--Yoga, Buddhism, Sufism, Hermetics (tarot, astrology, alchemy, numerology and sacred geometry), among them.
Qabalah is a Western tradition that serves as a bridge between the inner traditions of the East and West. Study and practical application of the teachings of the Qabalah, Tree of Life and Tarot may be used to enhance and augment the teachings of all spiritual disciplines.
The Santa Cruz School for Tarot & Qabalah Study was founded to make the study and experience of the Qabalah more accessible. Instruction aims to guide and support each student's spiritual development and to heighten his or her awareness of Reality. This curriculum also teaches students how to use what he or she has learned in class to foster this developmental process in others.