Shamanism is an ancient practice found in many cultures throughout the world. One of the central concepts in shamanism is the idea of the three worlds: the Upper World, the Middle World, and the Lower World. Each of these worlds has its own unique qualities and functions, and shamans often journey between these worlds to draw wisdom, healing, and guidance. Let us explore these three worlds more closely.
The Upper World Characteristics: The Upper World is often associated with the sky and the cosmos. It is a bright, ethereal dimension regarded as the place of higher spiritual beings, teachers, and guides. Many shamans describe the Upper World as a place filled with light, flowing forms, and beautiful, celestial landscapes.
Purpose: Shamans visit the Upper World to gain insight, spiritual guidance, and learning from wise beings. Here they can receive knowledge about universal truths and cosmic laws, which can help them in their work on Earth.
Methods for reaching the Upper World: To journey to the Upper World, shamans often use drumming, chanting, or other altered states of consciousness. They may visualise climbing up a tall tree or a ladder, or flying up toward the sky, to reach this dimension.
The Middle World Characteristics: The Middle World is the world we live in day to day, the physical world. It is the place where humans, animals, plants, and the elemental forces are found. The Middle World is both visible and invisible; it contains both the material world and the spiritual essence that permeates it.
Purpose: Shamans often work in the Middle World to find lost objects, communicate with nature spirits, or perform healing on people and animals. They may also work with the energetic and spiritual aspects of nature and the physical environment.
Methods for working in the Middle World: Working in the Middle World requires a deep understanding of both the physical and spiritual sides of life. Shamans may use rituals, offerings, and direct communication with the spirits of nature to carry out their work.
The Lower World Characteristics: The Lower World is an underground or subconscious world. It is often seen as a place for power animals, ancestors, and spirits that are closer to the Earth's energy. This world is rich in symbolism and natural elements such as caves, rivers, and forests.
Purpose: Shamans journey to the Lower World to draw power, healing, and guidance from the power animals and spirits that dwell there. This world is also a place where shamans can find lost souls or parts of the soul that have become fragmented due to trauma.
Methods for reaching the Lower World: To journey to the Lower World, shamans often visualise descending through a cave, a hole in the ground, or by diving down into water. Drumming and chanting also help to alter the state of consciousness and ease the journey.
