The Lower World is earthy, filled with mountains, deserts, dense jungles, and forests.
Traditional ways of entering the Lower World include climbing down the roots of a tree, traveling down into a volcano, a hole in the ground, or into the entrance of a cave. It can also be through a body of water, such as a lake, stream, river, or waterfall. You can also go through a door and down an elevator or subway. After traveling through a tunnel, you
Finally come into the light. This is the Lower World.
Many people experience the Upper World as ethereal. The colors may be bright and unusual. The landscape may be of clouds or a crystal city. To travel to the Upper World you may climb a tree, jump off the top of a mountain, climb a rope, fly on the back of a bird or animal, rise in a tornado or smoke of a fire, climb over or jump into a rainbow, or even travel in a hot air balloon. There is a transition, such as a cloud layer. If you are still passing through stars, you are not there yet. The Upper World contains many layers separated by membranes.
The Middle World is the spiritual dimension of our physical world. Middle World journeying is a method for communicating with the spirits that live in all things present in physical reality. Shamans journey in the Middle World to find lost objects, to commune with nature, to communicate with plants, animals, and stones, to meet fairies and elves, to work with the Four Elements, and to do long distance healing. You can also connect with the moon and stars. Journeying in the Middle World is through present time traveling through the physical landscape. Simply see yourself walking out of your front door, stepping into your garden, or traveling to another location. The Middle World is where disembodied souls who have not yet passed on reside. You may wish to take a guardian on your Middle World journey. You are in control of your journeys and choose with whom you interact.
Power Animals and Teachers
There are two main types of helping spirits that shamans consult and work with in their journeys- power animals, also known as guardian spirits, and teachers in human form. They are both found in the Upper and Lower Worlds. Some will be primary helpers who accompany you throughout your life, and some will be temporary. Any behavior that appears negative is a message, eg. swarms of insects can be pointing to an illness or power animals may role play to teach something. Dancing a power animal is a traditional way of honoring them and connecting with them by allowing their spirits to move through our bodies. Helping spirits can provide protection in ordinary reality, such as in a time of danger or to prevent burnout.
Preparing to Journey
Traditionally shamans created ceremony and ritual around their journeys. They had clean intentions and purpose. They prepared themselves by singing and dancing in order to clear their minds and become a “hollow bone,” and instrument for the power of the universe. If you have a question, repeat it several times at the beginning of the journey.
The key is concentration. You need a quiet place. You may want to sing or dance first. Sit or lie down. You may want to cover your eyes. Set your intention. Listen to the repetitive drumming , rattling, sticks, bells, chanting, or didgeriedoo. Monotonous rhythm is used to alter the state of consciousness. The brain waves slow from beta to alpha. Drum beats will change to signal your return. Returning from the journey is through your will. Say “thank you and goodbye” to the spirits. Retrace your steps.
Return gently.
Dr. Bonnie McLean
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