In the ancient practice of shamanism, the concept of the three worlds forms a foundational framework for understanding the cosmos and the interconnectedness of all things. Rooted in indigenous cultures around the world, this spiritual paradigm offers a profound perspective on the nature of reality and the role of the shaman as a mediator between worlds.
The three worlds of shamanism encompass the Upper World, the Middle World, and the Lower World, each representing distinct realms of existence with unique energies and inhabitants.
The Upper World is often depicted as a celestial realm, inhabited by benevolent spirits, angels, and enlightened beings. It is a realm of divine wisdom, where the shaman journeys to seek guidance, insight, and spiritual illumination. In the Upper World, one may encounter ancestors, spirit guides, and celestial deities who offer wisdom and support on the shaman’s journey of self-discovery and healing.
The Middle World is the realm of everyday reality, the world of the here and now. It encompasses the physical realm we inhabit, as well as the myriad beings, both seen and unseen, that populate our earthly existence. In the Middle World, the shaman engages with the natural world, the elements, and the spirits of plants, animals, and humans. Here, the shaman serves as a bridge between the mundane and the sacred, navigating the complexities of human experience with compassion and insight.
The Lower World is often depicted as an underground realm, a place of primal power and ancient wisdom. It is inhabited by ancestral spirits, animal guides, and elemental forces that hold the keys to transformation and renewal. In the Lower World, the shaman descends into the depths of the subconscious, confronting shadow aspects of the self and reclaiming lost soul fragments. Here, the shaman undergoes initiation and healing, forging a deeper connection with the primal forces that shape existence.
Together, the three worlds form a holistic cosmology that reflects the interconnectedness of the universe and the interplay of light and dark, life and death, creation and destruction. In the practice of shamanism, the shaman journeys between these worlds, traversing the boundaries of time and space to access wisdom, healing, and spiritual guidance.
By honouring the three worlds and the beings that inhabit them, the shaman seeks to restore balance and harmony to the web of life, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and the unseen forces that shape our reality. In embracing this ancient spiritual paradigm, we are invited to explore the depths of our own consciousness and awaken to the profound wisdom that lies within.
Our Shamanic Teacher Training provides the qualifications for those called to teach shamanic concepts like the three worlds, the confidence to do so. Learn more here.