The Three Worlds: Navigating the Multidimensional Realms in Shamanic Healing - Ashley Brothers
Shamanic healing practices have deep roots in ancient cultures across the world. At the heart of these practices lies the concept of the three worlds, which form a foundational framework for journeying, connecting with spirits, and facilitating healing. These worlds, and their interworlds, offer a multidimensional perspective of reality, allowing shamans to traverse realms beyond the physical and interact with various types of spirits. The shaman acts as an intermediary between these worlds and their inhabitants. They are responsible for navigating the different realms in order to gather information, power, and protection, maintain justice and order, seek guidance, and to facilitate healing for beings on either side of the veil.
The three worlds offer shamanic practitioners a holistic perspective of existence. By journeying through these realms, shamans gain insights into the interconnectedness of all things and access sources of wisdom, power, and healing. The practice of navigating these worlds is not only a means of personal growth but also a service to the community, as shamans bring back knowledge and healing energies to help those in need.
Below is a detailed description of the three main worlds, their landscapes, and the beings you may encounter within them. Then we will describe the interworlds and provide instructions on how to journey to each.
The Three Worlds:
1. Lower World:
The Lower World is often associated with the subconscious, where one can access the roots of personal and ancestral experiences. This world is characterized by landscapes like forests, caves, and underwater realms. Spirits encountered here are often animal guides, ancestors, and ancient beings. The Lower World offers insights into healing, personal growth, and understanding one's soul purpose.
Animal Guides: Animal spirits serve as guides, sharing their wisdom and qualities with the shaman
Ancestors: Ancestral spirits offer guidance, ancestral knowledge, and healing across generations.
Ancient Beings: These spirits possess ancient wisdom and teach profound lessons to the shaman.
2. Middle World:
The Middle World corresponds to our physical reality and is a bridge between the other two worlds. It encompasses the familiar landscapes of the Earth, including mountains, rivers, and meadows. In this realm, shamans can interact with nature spirits, plant allies, and departed souls who haven't fully crossed over. The Middle World is where much of the shaman's healing work takes place.
Nature Spirits: Elementals, devas, and spirits of plants, trees, and bodies of water offer their healing energies and wisdom.
Deceased Souls: Souls that haven't fully transitioned can provide insight, closure, and healing for the living.
3. Upper World:
The Upper World is associated with the celestial and spiritual realms. It consists of ethereal landscapes such as clouds, mountains, and cosmic spaces. In the Upper World, shamans connect with enlightened beings, spirit guides, angels, and ascended masters. This realm is a source of wisdom, guidance, and divine insight.
Spirit Guides: Enlightened beings, angels, and ascended masters guide the shaman with wisdom and divine messages.
Higher Self: The shaman can connect with their own higher self, gaining clarity and guidance.
Exploring the Inter-Worlds Within the Three Main Worlds of Shamanic Practices
As explained above, the three main worlds – Lower World, Middle World, and Upper World – serve as gateways to a multitude of interconnected dimensions. Within each of these worlds lie inter-worlds, spaces that hold unique spiritual significance and offer opportunities for profound experiences, encounters with spirit beings, and transformative insights.
The inter-worlds within the three main shamanic worlds serve as bridges, providing access to different dimensions of consciousness and realms of existence. These spaces hold spiritual significance as they allow individuals to explore deeper layers of their own psyche, receive guidance from diverse spirit beings, and gain profound insights. Inter-worlds provide opportunities for healing, growth, and transformation by connecting with energies that transcend the physical realm.
Each inter-world represents a unique aspect of the shamanic journey, reflecting the diverse facets of the human experience and the interconnectedness of all things. By journeying through these spaces, practitioners gain a more holistic understanding of their own existence and the intricate web of life.
The exploration of inter-worlds requires openness, intention, and a deep connection with one's intuition. Shamans navigate these spaces with respect, humility, and the understanding that they are guests in the realms of spirit beings. Through their experiences in the inter-worlds, practitioners cultivate a deeper connection with the unseen realms and uncover layers of wisdom that can catalyze personal growth and contribute to the well-being of the broader community.
In essence, the inter-worlds within the three main worlds of shamanic practices offer a multidimensional tapestry of exploration, discovery, and transformation. They illuminate the pathways of the soul, allowing shamans and spiritual seekers to connect with a diverse array of spirit beings, receive guidance, and ultimately deepen their connection with the sacred fabric of existence.
Let's delve into the inter-worlds within the three main worlds and understand their landscapes, spirit beings, and spiritual significance.
Inter-Worlds Within the Lower World:
Underworld Caves:
Landscape: These are dark, mystical caves deep within the Lower World. They may be filled with glowing crystals or otherworldly luminescence.
Spirit Beings: Guardians of the underworld, ancient spirits, and shadowy beings.
Experiences: Exploring the depths of the subconscious, confronting fears, and accessing ancestral wisdom.
2. Lush Gardens:
Landscape: Lush, vibrant gardens with flowers, plants, and trees. These gardens may be illuminated by ethereal light.
Spirit Beings: Nature spirits, faeries, and plant allies.
Experiences: Connecting with the healing energies of nature, receiving guidance from plant spirits, and experiencing renewal.
Inter-Worlds Within the Middle World:
Spirit Crossroads:
Landscape: A crossroads where paths converge. It's a place of decision and transition.
Spirit Beings: Ancestors, deceased loved ones, and guides who help with choices.
Experiences: Seeking guidance for life decisions, receiving messages from ancestors, and finding closure.
2. Elemental Realms:
Landscape: Different landscapes representing the elements – forests, rivers, mountains, and oceans.
Spirit Beings: Elementals, devas, and spirits associated with the natural world.
Experiences: Collaborating with nature spirits for healing, aligning with elemental energies, and understanding the cycles of nature.
Inter-Worlds Within the Upper World:
Celestial Realms:
Landscape: Cosmic spaces filled with stars, planets, and celestial bodies.
Spirit Beings: Angels, ascended masters, and enlightened beings.
Experiences: Receiving divine wisdom, gaining insight into cosmic mysteries, and connecting with spiritual guides.
2. Temples of Light:
Landscape: Radiant temples emanating divine light and energy.
Spirit Beings: Divine beings, archangels, and spiritual teachers.
Experiences: Receiving higher knowledge, undergoing spiritual initiation, and receiving energetic attunements.
Instructions for Connecting and Communicating with Spirits in Each World:
Lower World:
Begin with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Visualize a natural entrance to the Lower World, such as a cave or tree.
Set your intention to connect with an animal guide or ancestor.
Enter the realm, pay attention to your surroundings, and await the spirit's presence.
Communicate through feelings, images, and intuition. Trust your inner guidance.
Middle World:
Choose a natural location as your starting point, such as a forest or riverbank.
Enter a meditative state and call upon a specific nature spirit or deceased soul.
Express your intention to seek guidance or healing.
Pay attention to any signs, sensations, or symbols that appear during your journey.
Communicate with respect, gratitude, and openness.
Upper World:
Enter a deep meditative state, focusing on raising your vibration.
Visualize a portal to the Upper World, such as a ladder or staircase.
Express your desire to connect with a spirit guide or higher being.
Trust the symbols, messages, and insights that come through.
Maintain an attitude of reverence and humility in your interactions.
In conclusion, the three worlds in shamanic healing provide a profound map for exploration, connection, and transformation. This ancient framework allows practitioners to transcend the limitations of the physical realm, fostering a deep communion with the spiritual dimensions of existence. Through encounters with spirits and the acquisition of healing insights, the three worlds empower shamans to facilitate profound shifts in both individuals and communities.
Ashley Brothers - Institute of Conscious Evolution LLC, Bend OR
Author of A Living Prayer Blog, public speaker, holistic practitioner, and teacher of energy medicine, shamanic healing, and psychic channeling
https://www.bonesoftheearth.org
206-550-6292