The Three Worlds

I was once told that the definition of a Shaman is someone who Walks in Both Worlds.
For me there are three Worlds: the Underworld, the Mid World and the OtherWorld. We must learn to the Lessons given to us in each of the Worlds to Master this Cycle of Existence and move on to the next. There are Three Cycles of Existence and there are several stages of learning/development in each. In this Cycle of Existence the first stage is learning the nature of existence in the Underworld. The second is learning the balance in existence between the Underworld and Midworld. The third is learning the balance between existence in the MidWorld and the Otherworld. The final stage is learning the Mastery of existing in all Three.

I have read much on these three Worlds in the past 30 years but I can only share with you my Truth based on my experience and my perception. I know that some of what I am about to tell you conflicts with things that I have read in the past. Perhaps these conflicts are perceptual, or perhaps they are experiential. It doesn't really matter, I encourage everyone to learn as much as possible on any subject to find their own Truth.

The UnderWorld is the Inner Plane where Souls enter this Cycle of Existence. It is the place where we experience the trauma of discovering our individuality and separateness from the All. As such, the UnderWorld is often associated with loneliness, anguish and punishment. It is the Realm of Individuation: instincts, emotions, separateness, motivation, thought, desire, self. Here we learn who we are, what our needs are, and what it means to be selfish and selfless.

The MidWorld is the Physical Plane. It is the place where we experience the difficulty of being separate and co-existing with Others. As such, the MidWorld is often associated with pain and hardship, a place to be endured. It is the Realm of Discovery: change, malleability, limitations, illusion, cooperation, coexistence, compromise. Here we learn who we are in relation to Others, that there are consequences to our actions in the greater fabric of existence, and that although we are separate we are inescapably connected.

The OtherWorld is the Spiritual Plane. It is the place where we experience the balance of individuality within the Consciousness of the All. As such, the OtherWorld is often associated with peace and tranquility, magick, allure, and ascension. It is the Realm of Integration: connectivity, openness, access, balance, wisdom, clear sight. Here we learn what the All is, how we fit within it, our purpose and the joy of serving that which is greater than the Self.

Our goal is to Walk in the Three Worlds simultaneously. Some believe that it is desirable to move from the Underworld to the MidWorld and then to the OtherWorld. This is the normal path to understanding all Three, and I would encourage you to explore all Three individually in your journeying. Each one is a part of the All. Each one has value in our growth. True adeptness is in being able to balance the needs of the Self, Others and the All in a real and meaningful way. Avoid the temptation to exist only with one perspective and understanding.

Ask yourself where you are right now... do you understand yourself, your needs, your emotions, your motivation? Can you distinguish between instinct and conscious thought? These are the lessons of the Underworld.

Can you distinguish between your needs and the needs of others? Can you control your urge to place your individuality above all things, to control everything around you to meet your needs when they are in conflict with another? Do you understand the value of compromise and sacrifice? These are the lessons of balancing MidWorld and Underworld.

Can you see the Greater Plan? Can you see that life is not bound by physical form? Have you discovered the joy of being part of something greater? Do you understand that there is no sacrifice of the Self in meeting the needs of the All? These are the lessons of balancing MidWorld and Otherworld.

Are you able to see how you are the All? Can you see your emotions, your perceptions, those of others and those of the All simultaneously? Can you respond to all of them without denying any? This is the lesson of Walking in all Three Worlds. Once you have Mastered this you may move to the next Cycle of Existence.