I don't use the phrase "middle world," but that's the identifier most recognized when referring to the unseen of our immediate existence. It's important to know that in other cosmologies there are many other worlds. In all soul cosmologies is some depiction of this mid-strata, which aligns with our ego or conscious awareness, and the body. Modern shamanism hasn't given proper attention to the mid-strata, which is interesting, as traditional shamans often work with it first. This realm is demonized as wild and threatening. The truth is--it is, which is why we need to be able to survive in it, and divine what our role in tending it is. The middle awareness is murky, emotionally-charged, and the dwelling place of all Nature Spirits. It is animism. If you skip deep work in this strata, you're not really working at all. Modern shamanism romsntices the upper and lower realms, and skips teaching literacy in the spiritual dynamics of this world. It's silly if you think about it. This world is where you live. In this world your intuition, experience, and knowledge are based, synthesized into wisdom that conducts your every thought and action. All things soul must filter through our body, mind, and emotions. They are not only reliant on each other, that reliance is working as intended. It doesn't matter what the gods on high tell you, or what secret lost lore you bring back from the depths. If you can't synthesize it into a way of being that improves how you or your community live, it's worthless. It's just a masturbatory escapist trip. That synthesis is initiation. Initiations are always in the Middle World, and learning to engage it in direct relationship regularly, tend it ongoing, realize your personal role in your immediate Nature Spirit community, and show up for your fellow humans aren't optional; they're requirements. Without the grounded network of the mid-strata, your journeys aren't meaningful, and your initiations are incomplete. Bring your wisdom back from the journey. Plant it here. Tend its growth. Be here. #beyourcommunity #animism #cosmology #tripleworld #shamanism #initiation