The Axis Mundi

In shamanism, the axis mundi, Latin for “world axis”, is a central spiritual concept representing the connection between the three realms of existence: the Lower World, the Middle World, and the Upper World. This symbolic axis serves as a cosmic passage or conduit, allowing shamans to journey between realms, retrieve lost knowledge, and bring spiritual insights into the material world.

Understanding the Three Realms

The Lower World

Often imagined as being beneath the Earth, the Lower World is a realm of ancestral wisdom, animal spirits, and soul fragments. Shamans descend into this realm to retrieve lost parts of themselves or others, to heal energetic wounds, or to communicate with the guiding spirits of the Earth.

The Middle World

This is the physical, everyday world, the realm in which humans live and interact. While it seems separate from spiritual dimensions, the Middle World is deeply connected to both the Upper and Lower Worlds. Shamans bring insights from other realms back here, anchoring healing and knowledge in practical reality.

The Upper World

Representing the sky and heavens, the Upper World is home to deities, spirit guides, and higher wisdom. Ascending the axis mundi allows shamans to receive guidance, messages, and inspiration for themselves and their communities.

The Role of the Axis Mundi

The axis mundi acts as both a map and a lifeline. It gives structure to the shamanic journey, keeping the traveller oriented while moving through potentially overwhelming spiritual realms. Shamans often perceive this axis as a tree, mountain, or rope, symbolising the natural alignment between Earth, human experience, and the cosmos.

By travelling along the axis mundi, shamans can retrieve lost soul fragments or personal energy, communicate with spirit guides or ancestral beings, receive visions or healing knowledge, and integrate spiritual insights safely into daily life.

Shamanic Practices for Connecting with the Axis Mundi

Shamans use various techniques to connect with the axis mundi during rituals and journeys.

1. Imagine a massive tree whose roots reach into the Lower World and branches stretch into the Upper World. Stand at the base and travel along its roots or branches, depending on your intention.

2. Visualise a sacred mountain or vertical pillar connecting all realms. Climb or descend while maintaining awareness of the spiritual beings guiding you.

3. Picture a rope or ladder linking the earth to the sky. Step onto it and consciously move through the realms, feeling each step as a passage through different layers of reality.

4. Use physical landmarks such as trees, stones, or rivers as conduits for your journey. Placing hands on these natural features strengthens your connection to the axis mundi.

Guided Shamanic Meditation: Journeying the Axis Mundi

This meditation is designed to help you connect with the axis mundi, travel safely through the realms, and integrate spiritual guidance into your life.

Preparation: Find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. Sit or lie comfortably. Have a drum, rattle, or calming music ready if desired.

Step 1: Grounding. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Visualise roots extending from the soles of your feet deep into the Earth. Feel the grounding energy rising through your body.

Step 2: Connecting to the Axis Mundi Imagine a grand tree, mountain, or pillar extending from the depths of the Earth to the sky above. Stand at its base, feeling the energy of the Earth below and the cosmos above.

Step 3: Journey to the Lower World When ready, descend along the roots of the tree or the base of the pillar. Ask for guidance, healing, or lost soul fragments. Observe any symbols, messages, or spirit allies you encounter. Take time to receive whatever comes without judgment.

Step 4: Ascending to the Upper World Return to the trunk or centre of your axis mundi. Climb upward, opening yourself to higher wisdom, spirit guides, and divine insights. Receive any messages, visions, or energy for healing.

Step 5: Returning to the Middle World Slowly return to the trunk’s centre. Visualise the axis mundi gently anchoring the energies you have gathered. Wiggle your fingers and toes, feel the ground beneath you, and take a few deep breaths. Open your eyes when ready.

Step 6: Integration Journal any insights or experiences. You may wish to hold a crystal, stone, or natural object to help anchor the energy in your daily life.

The axis mundi is more than a metaphor. It is a living pathway that allows spiritual knowledge, healing, and transformation to flow into our world. By journeying along this sacred axis, shamans and spiritual seekers can access wisdom from unseen realms while staying grounded in the Earth.

References

Crabbé, R. (n.d.). The axis mundi: The shamanic tree of life. Retrieved from https://www.roelcrabbe.com/the-axis-mundi/

QuartzMountain.org. (n.d.). Shamans' journey: Traversing the world tree. Retrieved from https://quartzmountain.org/article/how-do-shamans-travel-the-world-tree

Contemporary Shaman. (2016, March 19). The shaman's tree in a contemporary world. Retrieved from https://contemporaryshaman.net/blog/2016/03/19/the-shamans-tree-in-a-contemporary-world/

Fractal Enlightenment. (n.d.). Axis mundi: Understanding the connection between heaven & hell. Retrieved from https://fractalenlightenment.com/35796/spirituality/axis-mundi-understanding-the-connection-between-heaven-hell