As we journey through life, we often encounter situations that leave us feeling lost and disconnected from our inner selves. In times like these, exploring the Lower World in shamanic journeying can have incredible benefits for our spiritual growth and wellbeing. The Lower World offers a magical realm where we can connect with our spirit guides and receive valuable insight and guidance. But with so many unknowns, beginning a Lower World journey may seem daunting. Don’t worry though, with the right guidance and intention setting, the journey can be a helpful and fulfilling experience. In this article, we will explore the Lower World, how to journey there step-by-step, and what to expect during the journey. So, if you’re feeling lost or just curious about shamanic journeying, read on!
The Lower World
As we journey through the depths of the shamanic practice, we cannot ignore the enigmatic and profound realm of the Lower World. This surreal space, often shrouded in mystery, invites us to explore its depths in search of guidance, healing, and wisdom. The Lower World has captured the imaginations of many, but what is it exactly? Why journey there? What benefits can we expect to receive? In this section, we will delve into the depths of the Lower World, exploring its nature, purpose, and potential for profound transformation.
What is the Lower World?
The Lower World is a term used in shamanic journeying to refer to a dimension of reality that is believed to exist beneath our familiar physical reality. It is said to be a vast and expansive realm that is inhabited by a variety of spirits and beings, including animals, plants, and ancestors.
Here are some key characteristics of the Lower World:
- It is seen as a place of deep spiritual power and wisdom.
- It is often associated with the element of earth and the concept of the underworld.
- It can be accessed through the practice of shamanic journeying, which involves entering into an altered state of consciousness.
- It is believed to hold answers to our deepest spiritual questions and to offer guidance and healing.
- Journeyers may encounter various spirit guides and helpers who reside in the Lower World.
- Time operates differently in the Lower World than in our physical reality.
The Lower World is seen as a rich and fertile realm that offers an abundance of resources and insights to those who are willing to explore it through shamanic journeying. It is a place of deep mystery and magic, and it can bring profound transformation and healing to those who venture there with an open heart and mind.
Why Journey to the Lower World?
Journeying to the Lower World can provide a profound and transformative experience. Below are some reasons why someone might choose to embark on a Lower World journey:
- Connect with spiritual guidance:
- Journeying to the Lower World offers an opportunity to connect with your spirit guides, who can provide insight, wisdom and guidance towards your goals.
- Access ancestral knowledge:
- You may encounter your ancestors or ancestral spirits in the Lower World, who can offer guidance and wisdom from the collective experiences and knowledge of your lineage.
- Healing:
- The Lower World is often associated with healing and energetic transformation, and may offer powerful opportunities for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
- Overcome obstacles and challenges:
- You may find guidance and insight into overcoming challenges or obstacles that may be interfering with your personal growth and development.
- Expand your consciousness:
- Journeying to the Lower World can help to expand your consciousness and gain deeper insights into the nature of reality and your place within it.
The Lower World offers a rich and transformative space for inner exploration, spiritual guidance, and personal evolution.
Benefits of Lower World Journeying
Journeying to the Lower World can have a multitude of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Below is a table outlining some of the key benefits of Lower World Journeying.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Connection with Spirit Guides | Lower World Journeying can offer the opportunity to connect with powerful and wise spirit guides who can provide guidance and support on our life path. |
| Greater Insight and Clarity | Journeying to the Lower World can allow us to access deeper levels of our subconscious and gain insight and clarity on unresolved emotional or psychological issues. |
| Deep Healing | Lower World Journeying can facilitate deep healing of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain and trauma, helping to release energetic blocks and restore balance to the body and mind. |
| Increased Creativity and Inspiration | Accessing the Lower World can stimulate the imagination and inspire creative thinking, allowing for greater innovation and problem-solving in all areas of life. |
| Expanded Consciousness | Lower World Journeying can offer a unique perspective on the nature of reality and consciousness, helping to expand our awareness and deepen our spiritual understanding. |
| Greater Connection to Nature | The Lower World is often associated with the natural world and connecting with it can foster a deeper sense of appreciation and reverence for the earth and its inhabitants. |
| Inner Peace and Calmness | Lower World Journeying can promote a state of deep relaxation and calmness, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and promoting a greater sense of inner peace and well-being. |
Lower World Journeying can be a powerful tool for growth, healing, and spiritual development. By accessing this deep inner realm, we can gain valuable insights and guidance to help us navigate life with greater clarity, purpose, and joy.
What to Expect in the Lower World?
When journeying to the Lower World, it’s important to have an idea of what to expect. Here are some possible experiences you may encounter:
- Meeting Your Spirit Guide: Your spirit guide may appear to you in the form of an animal, plant, or even a human-like figure. They may guide you through the Lower World and offer insight and wisdom. It’s important to approach them respectfully and thank them for their guidance.
- Exploration: The Lower World is full of landscapes and environments, such as forests, mountains, and rivers. You may find yourself exploring these areas and encountering different creatures and beings. Keep an open mind and trust your instincts.
- Receiving Healing: The Lower World can also offer a space for healing and rejuvenation. You may encounter healing energies, receive messages or symbols that offer insight into your physical or emotional health, or even be guided to meet with a wise healer or shamanic practitioner.
- Encountering Challenges: While journeying through the Lower World, you may encounter challenges that offer opportunities for growth and transformation. These challenges may take the form of obstacles that block your path, difficult emotions or memories that arise, or encounters with difficult beings. Trust that these challenges are part of the journey and can ultimately lead to greater understanding and insight.
- Receiving Gifts: The Lower World is also a place where you may receive gifts or messages from your spirit guides or other spiritual entities. These gifts may take the form of symbols, messages, or even physical objects that carry spiritual significance. It’s important to honor and integrate these gifts into your waking life.
Entering the Lower World can be a transformative and powerful experience. Stay present and open to whatever arises, and trust that the journey will offer what you need for your highest good.
How to Journey to the Lower World
Embarking on a journey to the Lower World can feel like an intimidating and overwhelming task. However, with the right mindset and preparation, anyone can venture to this realm to receive guidance and insight from their spirit guide. Here, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to journey to the Lower World, including setting your intention, creating sacred space, entering a state of trance, finding your Lower World entrance, meeting your spirit guide, and exploring the realm to receive powerful insights and messages. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic that the Lower World has to offer.
Set Your Intention
Before embarking on a journey to the Lower World, it’s important to set a clear intention for what you hope to accomplish or receive during your journey. Here are a few steps to help you set your intention:
- Reflect: Take some time to reflect on what you want to gain from this journey. Is there a specific question you want answered, or an area of your life you’d like clarity on?
- Write Down Your Intention: Once you’ve identified your intention, write it down. This helps to solidify it in your mind and serves as a reminder during the journey.
- Focus on One Intention: It’s best to focus on one intention at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed or scattered during your journey.
- Keep it Positive: Your intention should be framed in a positive light, focusing on what you do want rather than what you don’t want.
Setting a clear intention can help to guide your journey and increase the likelihood of receiving the guidance or insight you’re seeking from your spirit guide in the Lower World.
Create Sacred Space
Creating sacred space is an essential step in shamanic journeying, as it helps to establish a safe and protected environment for the journeyer to explore the spiritual realm. This step involves setting up a physical as well as an energetic barrier between the everyday world and the world of spirit.
To create sacred space, there are several steps you can follow, as outlined in the table below:
| Step | Description |
| 1. | Find a quiet and comfortable space where you will not be disturbed for the duration of your journey. |
| 2. | Clear the space of any physical clutter or distractions. This may involve lighting candles or incense, clearing out any negative or stagnant energy, and setting up any tools or objects that help you feel connected to the spirit realm. |
| 3. | Set your intention for the journey. This may involve stating your purpose for the journey or simply asking for guidance and protection from your spirit helpers. |
| 4. | Create a boundary around your physical space that separates it from the outside world. This can be done through visualization or physically marking the boundaries with stones or other objects. |
| 5. | Call in your spirit helpers and invite them to join you on the journey. This may involve lighting candles, burning sage or other herbs, or calling out to specific guides or power animals. |
| 6. | Take a few deep breaths and center yourself in the present moment. Allow yourself to let go of any distracting thoughts or feelings and fully immerse yourself in the journey. |
Following these steps can help to create a safe and protected environment for your shamanic journey, allowing you to fully explore the lower world with the guidance and support of your spirit helpers.
Enter a State of Trance
Entering a state of trance is a crucial aspect of journeying to the Lower World. It allows you to access deeper states of consciousness and connect with your subconscious mind. Here are some steps to help you enter this state:
- Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, free from distractions. Make sure you won’t be disturbed during your journey.
- Breathe deeply: Take a few deep breaths and focus on your breathing. This will help you relax and calm your mind.
- Use drums or music: You can use drums, rattles, or music to help you reach a state of trance. This is because rhythms and sounds can help you shift your brainwaves into a theta state, which is ideal for journeying.
- Visualize: You can also use visualization techniques to help you enter a trance state. Imagine yourself descending a staircase, walking through a door, or stepping onto an elevator that takes you deeper into your subconscious mind.
- Let go: Release any thoughts or worries from your mind and allow yourself to enter a state of open receptivity. Surrender to the journey and trust that you will receive the guidance you need.
Remember that journeying is a personal and unique experience, and everyone may enter a trance state differently. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. Once you are in a trance state, you can continue your journey to the Lower World by finding your entrance and meeting your spirit guide.
Find Your Lower World Entrance
After setting your intention, creating sacred space, and entering a state of trance, the next step in journeying to the Lower World is finding your entrance. This entrance can be in the form of a tunnel, a cave, a hole in the ground or even a natural setting such as a forest or a desert.
Here are some tips to help you find your Lower World entrance:
- Tune in to your intuition: Quiet your mind and listen for any guidance or inner knowing that may lead you to your entrance.
- Ask your spirit guide: Request your guide to show you the way, and trust that they will guide you to the entrance that is meant for you.
- Visualize: Imagine yourself walking in a natural setting, and allow your imagination to guide you to your entrance.
- Allow the entrance to come to you: Sometimes, the entrance may appear in front of you without any effort. Simply allow yourself to be open to receiving it.
Remember that the Lower World entrance may manifest differently for each person and may even change between journeys. Trust in the process and have faith that you will be led to where you need to go.
Once you have found your entrance, take a moment to observe your surroundings and prepare yourself to meet your spirit guide. Take a deep breath, trust in the process, and step forward.
Meet Your Spirit Guide
During a journey to the Lower World, it is common to meet a “Spirit Guide.” This guide may come in the form of an animal, human or any other entity that feels like a guide to you. When meeting your guide, it is important to approach with respect and gratitude. Your guide is there to help you and offer valuable guidance, so it is important to establish a relationship based on mutual trust and openness.
To meet your guide, you can pose a question or simply be open to their presence. Your guide may appear in your mind’s eye or you may have a physical sensation that indicates their presence. Trust your intuition and allow yourself to be guided throughout this process.
Once you have met your guide, take the time to establish communication. This may be through words, images, or other sensory experiences. Your guide may offer guidance, wisdom, or simply be there to offer support and comfort during your journey.
It is important to remember that your guide is not a substitute for your own intuition and decision-making. They are there to provide guidance, but ultimately you are responsible for your own choices and path.
Take the time to thank your guide before returning to your ordinary reality. Gratitude helps establish a deeper relationship with your guide and acknowledges the value of their guidance.
Below is a summary of how to meet your Spirit Guide:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Approach | Show respect and gratitude towards your guide. |
| Pose a question | Ask for guidance or simply be open to their presence. |
| Establish communication | Open yourself to receive guidance through words, images, or other sensory experiences. |
| Express gratitude | Thank your guide for their guidance and support. |
Explore and Receive
After you have met your spirit guide, it’s time to explore and receive what the Lower World has to offer. This is an exciting opportunity to connect with the Earth and receive guidance and information from your spirit guide. Below are some things to keep in mind while exploring:
| Explore | Receive |
| Move around in the Lower World and explore your surroundings. Take note of any landmarks or distinctive features. | As you explore, keep an open mind and be receptive to any messages or guidance from your spirit guide. |
| Interact with any plants, animals, or other beings you encounter. They may have insights to share with you. | Be aware of any physical sensations, visions, or other signs that may come to you during your journey. They could be significant. |
| Take note of any symbols or objects that catch your attention. They may hold important messages for you. | Don’t be afraid to ask your spirit guide questions or for clarification if you are unsure what a message or sign means. |
| Take your time exploring and don’t feel like you need to rush. | Remember to show gratitude to your spirit guide for their guidance and any messages you receive. |
Exploring and receiving in the Lower World can be a transformative experience. Be open to what comes up during your journey and trust that your spirit guide is there to support you. When you feel ready, slowly come back to your body and take time to integrate your experience.
Common Experiences in Lower World Journeying
As you begin your journey into the Lower World, you may experience a range of sensations and encounters with your spirit guide. One common experience is meeting spiritual animals, such as the bear, wolf, or eagle, who act as protectors and guides in this realm. These animals may communicate with you through body language, sounds, or even telepathy, offering you guidance and insight related to your intention.
Another common experience in Lower World journeying is encountering ancestors or other helpful beings, such as ascended masters or angels. These entities may share wisdom with you or accompany you on your journey, acting as protectors and guides. It’s important to approach these encounters with an open mind and heart, trusting in the guidance you receive.
You may also experience a sense of timelessness while in the Lower World, with moments feeling stretched out or compressed. This can be a powerful reminder of the fluidity of time and the importance of staying present in each moment.
Finally, many people experience a deep sense of healing and transformation during their Lower World journeys. This can manifest as physical sensations or emotional release, as old wounds or limiting beliefs are brought to the surface and released with the help of your spirit guide.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience in the Lower World is unique and personal. Take time to reflect on your journey and any insights or wisdom gained, and trust in the guidance you receive for your own healing and growth.
Integration and Next Steps
As you journey to the Lower World and encounter your spirit guide, you may receive valuable insights and guidance that can have a profound impact on your life. However, the journey does not end once you return from the Lower World. The integration and application of what you have learned is just as important as the journey itself. It is important to take time to reflect on your experiences and insights, and to consider how you can apply them to your life moving forward. This section will explore some practical steps you can take to integrate your Lower World journey and continue to receive guidance from your spirit guide.
Recording Your Experience
After completing your Lower World journey, it is important to record your experience. This allows you to reflect on the guidance you received, as well as track your progress over time. Here are some tips for recording your journey:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a Journal | Designate a special notebook or journal specifically for your journey experiences. This can help create a sense of ritual and intention around the process. |
| Start with Key Details | Write down basic information such as the date, time, and any significant details about your journey, such as your intention and any specific messages you received. |
| Use Descriptive Language | Try to recall the sensory details of your journey, including any visuals, sounds, smells, or emotions. Use descriptive language to capture these details. |
| Honor Your Spirit Guide | Include any information about your spirit guide, such as their appearance or any messages they conveyed. It is important to honor and acknowledge their presence in your journey. |
| Reflect and Interpret | Take time to reflect on your journey and interpret any messages or guidance you received. Consider how this information can be applied to your daily life. |
By recording your Lower World journey experiences, you can deepen your relationship with your spirit guide and gain valuable insights into your spiritual path. It is also helpful to review your journal periodically to track your progress and see patterns in your guidance over time.
Practical Applications of Lower World Guidance
One practical application of the guidance received from the Lower World is gaining insight and clarity about one’s life purpose. By connecting with one’s spirit guide and exploring this realm, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their unique gifts and how they can best serve the world. This guidance can also assist in making important decisions and overcoming obstacles.
Another use for Lower World guidance is for personal healing. The Lower World is a place of deep transformation, and by journeying there individuals may receive guidance on how to heal physical, emotional, or spiritual imbalances. Spirit guides in the Lower World may offer tools and techniques for personal healing or connect individuals with other helpful beings or energies.
Lower World journeying can also have practical applications in creative projects or problem-solving. By connecting with the guidance in this realm, individuals may receive new ideas or insights that can help them in their creative pursuits. They may also receive guidance on how to approach a problem in a new way or overcome a current challenge.
Finally, the guidance received from the Lower World can be applied to everyday life. By integrating this wisdom into daily routines and decision-making processes, individuals may experience increased clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. They may also feel more connected to their intuition and to the natural world around them.
Practical Applications of Lower World Guidance:
- Gaining insight into one’s life purpose
- Personal healing and transformation
- Creative projects and problem-solving
- Integration into daily life and decision-making processes
Conclusion
As you come back to your waking state, take some time to ground yourself and reflect on your Lower World journey. Remember the details and insights that you gained from your spirit guide, and consider how you can apply this knowledge to your everyday life.
Many shamanic practitioners find it helpful to record their experiences in a journal or notebook, allowing them to go back and reflect on their journey and any messages they received. This can also help with integrating the guidance and insights gained into their daily practices and decision-making processes.
Lower World journeying can provide a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. By exploring this inner realm, we can connect with our spirit guides and gain valuable insights and guidance. Whether you’re looking for personal insight, healing or wisdom, or seeking guidance on issues related to your work or relationships, a journey to the Lower World can provide a rich and transformative experience.
Remember, the more you practice journeying, the stronger your connection with your spirit guide will become, and the more profound and meaningful your experiences will become. Be patient and open to the journey, and trust the guidance that comes to you. The Lower World awaits, ready to offer you its secrets and wisdom. Take the leap and explore this inner realm – the rewards are waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shamanic journeying?
Shamanic journeying is a spiritual practice that involves entering into a trance or altered state of consciousness to communicate with spirits and receive messages.
Is shamanic journeying safe?
If practiced correctly and with intention, shamanic journeying can be a safe and powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual exploration.
Do I need a shaman to journey?
No, you do not need a shaman to journey. You can practice journeying on your own, but it is important to learn proper techniques and safety precautions.
How can the Lower World help me?
The Lower World can offer guidance and insight on personal issues, provide healing, and connect you with animal spirits who can act as guides and allies.
What if I can’t find an entrance to the Lower World?
If you are having trouble finding an entrance to the Lower World, you can try visualizing climbing down a rope or ladder, digging a hole in the ground, or asking your spirit guide for assistance.
What if I meet a scary spirit in the Lower World?
If you encounter a frightening spirit in the Lower World, you can ask it what message it has for you or ask for protection from your spirit guide.
How long should I journey for?
A typical journey can last anywhere from 15-45 minutes. It is important to set an intention for your journey and to remain focused throughout the duration.
Can I journey to the Lower World while standing up or moving?
It is recommended that you lie down or sit while journeying to the Lower World to allow for a deeper trance state. Moving can also disrupt your focus and intention.
Can I journey to the Lower World multiple times?
Yes, you can journey to the Lower World as many times as you like. Each journey can provide new insights and connections with spirit guides.
How can I integrate my journey into my daily life?
You can integrate your journey by reflecting on any messages or guidance received, journaling about your experience, and incorporating any insights into your daily life.
