Paul Foster Case: His Life and Works

Paul Foster Case was one of the most influential, but least known, occultists of the 20th century. Part of this was due to the fact that much of his writings either took the form of correspondence courses or papers for his order, and part was that he did not seek attention. His writings are still among the best in the field, and his writings on Tarot are unequaled.But who was the man behind the writing ? Until this book, very little was known about him, his personal life, or how he learned what he wrote about. Using documents that were entrusted to him by the then Prolocutor General and Cancellarius of the Builders of the Adytum, and interviews with those who knew Case, the author constructs a picture of the man, his many strengths and talents, and his sometimes chaotic personal life.The book begins with the author describing the transmission of these documents, and then discusses the early life of Case, who at an early age was an exceptionally talented musician and scholar. He also taught himself stage magic, which led to him researching the origin of modern playing cards and directly to his own studies of Tarot. The articles he wrote on this subject drew attention from some of the preeminent occultists of his time, and eventually to his Initiation in the Alpha Et Omega. Case's friendship with a female Initiate became a source of contention, and it seems that he had a rather blunt and undiplomatic manner of dealing with it. His frank approach (for the time) to the sexual aspects of human existence and his description of Enochian as being incomplete and dangerous, led to his expulsion from the group.It was then that Case received a phone call, and the voice on the other end was the voice of the internal guide that had directed his studies, asking for a physical meeting. At the Waldorf Astoria hotel, Case met a man who introduced himself as the Count de Saint Germain, Master Racoczy, or the Master R. The next three weeks were spent with Case receiving attunments and training in the Higher Mysteries.The book documents the establishment of the Builders of the Adytum, Cases work with Ann Davies,the writing of The Book of Tokens and the Pattern on the Trestleboard and his death in Mexico City. There is some controversy over the nature of his death, and whether he had a "Kabbalistic death" and simply disincarnated. Whatever the truth of that assertion is, Case left behind a huge amount of material that is still used by aspirants today, including the modern BOTA and the Fraternity of the Hidden Light, established by the author, who was a student of Ann Davies.The rest of the book includes correspondence between Case and Israel Regardie, and a delightful surprise - transcripts of communications from Master R, and channeled information from the Third Order on a variety of topics. This information could have been a short book itself, and it stands on its own as an area of study and meditation. Including here was a wonderful idea, and I can see myself going back over it again and again in the years to come.This book gives a wonderful account of the struggles and achievements of this obscure but influential occultist, and fills in some gaps about the establishment of the Builders of the Adytum and the Fraternity of Hidden Light. I think any serious student of Hermetics will find a lot here to assist them in their own studies, and it is good to see the Paul Case get recognition for his many contributions.

I just finished reading Paul Case's biography. Any student of the Western Mystery Tradition would be highly enriched by reading this Great Adept's journey and why he was considered the foremost authority on the subject of Tarot and Qabalah. The author's hard studious work is to be commended, putting together such a sincere and heartfelt effort. Although many of the stories were known to me from Ann, Gene, and others in B.O.T.A., the 'details' of them were interesting validation of what I heard before.In light of the honorable mention of the 7 Stewards originally named by Ann, Dr. Clark has taken his stewardship very far with the formation of F.L.O., reaching out to other Western Mystery organizations, his writings (e.g. this biography), and getting the word out to those searching for the path...particularly this path system. My impression of the book was unanimously this - good, finally someone, especially this author, to bring the public closer to a 'more accurate' understanding of this great Adept that we have known through lessons and grade work but others may have only heard about through books.As well, the author's research was tremendous in pulling together the notes, letters, Ann's and Gene's comments, not to mention the valuable input gleaned from Harriet...precious beings that some of us were privileged to have known in our lifetime, firsthand! Consequently, he drafted an excellent overview, not only of Paul Case, but Ann, Harriet, Gene, and himself as consistent links in the R.R. et A.C. chain. Reading letters between developed initiates (Case, Dion, Regardie, etc.) gives one an insight beyond what they wrote in their books or lessons. That's what fascinated me having known of many of these players in our tradition.The one thing that Ann continually emphasized was this, "Always remember that The work Stands on its own Feet regardless of others"! The biography brings that message out very clearly to the reader when following the story of our beloved Adept and founder. I just want to personally say, Dr. Clark, you made good on your vow, Frater, with the boxes of great historical treasures of our 'tradition' entrusted in your keeping. Nice job to a dear friend for you make us proud!

In the 60’s I trained with Paul in our little group in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I can only say that Paul has certainly proven that the BOTA lessons called “Seven Steps” teach a truth beyond all reasoning. I still have all my BOTA lessons and the same deck of Tarot cards I colored in the 60’s. I am currently re-visiting all my BOTA course materials , only from a different perspective than in the 60’s.Paul has done a great service in publishing this work on Dr. Case’s life and for sure the printing of the “Communications”. Will give positive results in return for their study. L.V.X. Paul. P.s. it would’ve a great service to the esoteric world if `you would publish, unedited, PFC’s. Materials on”The Magical Language” as well as his gematria dictionary. Just a thought.

A great read for those interested in Dr. Cases's work and early experiences. It was very insightful and I am glad I read it.

I would have liked more about Paul Case and perhaps a comparison of how he differs or is similar to other occult authors. Otherwise well written and badly needed as previously there has been little in print about this great man.

Paul Foster Case was an undoubted genius and it is about time that somebody wrote a decent biography of him.All the better for it being someone with close connections to BOTA and a wisdom master in his own right.I only wish there was more information about PFC's life.

La biografía de Case, a pesar del esfuerzo del autor, no contiene tanta información nueva. Parece que no será posible saber mucho más de lo que ya se sabe respecto a su vida personal. Tal vez este es un aprendizaje para los buscadores, no importan tanto las anécdotas de su personalidad como el legado infinitamente valioso de sus cursos de lecciones. No obstante, el tesoro inigualable del libro lo constituye la transcripción de las comunicaciones del Maestro R. con Case y compañía. No solo por permitir una impresión directa de la personalidad de este singular ser humano poseedor del elixir, en general tan malentendido y fantaseado por los círculos herméticos, incluidos varios de popular prestigio pero poco fundamento, sino porque su cuidadosa lectura constituye una enseñanza directa de una de las principales fuentes de 3º Orden de los últimos siglos, tanto en el espíritu como en la letra, en particular la letra cabalística que ofrece, es por esto último y no por supuestas exhortaciones simplistas a la humanidad bajo su nombre más popular (S.G.) como se puede reconocer al Maestro de maestros. Para quienes se tomen el trabajo de traducir sus mensajes a la Rota el libro será de incalculable valor.

Pocas obras hay escritas de uno de los más grandes maestros de las Escuelas de Misterios Occidentales y por lo tanto cualquier aportación al conocimiento de su persona y de su obra es siempre muy bienvenida.