Ask Phoebe: Thinking about the higher thoughts

Every time I stop at a red light at the end of the Northwestern Motorway, at the top of Nelson St, I sit in my car and gaze across at the Higher Thought Temple in Union St. And I wonder - what is it, exactly? What goes on there? Is it ever used? Who owns it? Many many questions, to which I hope you can find answers. R.J. Pascoe, Mt Albert.

The Higher Thought Temple is the home of the Builders of the Adytum, a spiritualist movement which bases its belief on the power of conscious thought to solve day-to-day problems. It is related to the Qabalah, or Kabbalah, an ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible. Qabalah's adherents include Madonna and Britney Spears, and believers often wear a red string bracelet around a wrist to ward off the Evil Eye.

The symbolism of tarot cards is also an important part of Qabalah, as it is at the temple. Builders of the Adytum (the inner sanctuary of an ancient Greek temple) meet in the Higher Thought Temple several times a month for healing sessions and meditation. The movement began in America in the late 19th century. The temple in Union St was built in 1928 by Craig Brothers, to a design by Henry Robinson. Both had previously been involved in the construction of the Theosophical Society Hall in Queen St.

The temple's hall has seating for 184, with a further 86 seats in the gallery. The interior has been preserved, with timberwork and decorative glasswork. It includes a fully operational George Croft organ.

The Higher Thought Temple was given to the Builders of the Adytum in the 1970s and has a category II Historic Place rating. To find out more about the building and its occupants visit www.bota.org.nz

When turning right from the "vertical" part of an uncontrolled T-intersection, cars approaching from my left and indicating that they wish to turn right into the vertical part, should give way to me. However, if I turn in front of these cars, I'm usually subjected to a torrent of abuse. Is it all right for me to respond by throwing my copy of the Road Code at them? Or is it me that doesn't know the Road Code? Chris Nisbet, Auckland.

Although I hesitate to advocate the throwing of objects at other motorists, this seems a perfectly reasonable response.

You are right, Chris and they are wrong. The Road Code clearly states that if you are turning at an uncontrolled intersection you must give way to all vehicles coming from your right. In your situation you are to the right of the left-turning vehicle and they must give way.