"The entire lower world was created in the likeness of the higher world. All that exists in the higher
world appears like an image in this lower world; yet all this is but One."
Michel de Montaigne
The Lower worlds are populated by elementals and animals and, using the terminology of
Castenada, by both organic and inorganic beings. In layman’s terms this means the spirit
energy of both living and non-living things. The landscape is of nature and those objects and
elements natural to the earth. Many people who visit this region report experiences of being
in open countryside, beside lakes, in forests or underground. The natural elements from this
world often occur and combine in dreams to form environmental metaphors that can offer an
insight into how you are feeling. These metaphors often have universal meaning, for
instance, a storm can represent a situation you have to “weather”, a flood may show that
you feel "overwhelmed by emotions". Earth activity, such as earthquakes and aftershocks,
may reveal deep emotions or responses to situations that are "rocking your life". A hurricane
may suggest that you are frightened of your life being "razed to the ground."
So, any dream that takes place in the landscape of the Lower World will hold the energy of
that world within its symbolism; symbolism that reflects our deep connection to the untamed
earth and the elements of nature. It’s the place where you will find animals and all aspects of
our animal natures. Animals appearing in dreams can be revisited in the Lower World. It's
important to remember that their message is often conveyed by their actions rather than by
verbal communication. So watch them very carefully whenever you ask them a question or
want more information from them. These animals, if asked, can often help retrieve your
power or parts of your soul that have been lost. It is in the Lower World that you may also
meet your ancestors, trolls, gnomes and underground teachers.
Of course the Lower World is also closely linked to the mythologies of the Underworld.
Ancient Mesopotamian texts contain the story of the “Descent of the Goddess Ishtar into the
Lower World”. Ishtar is divested of all her jewellery and clothing before she is allowed to
enter the Lower World fully. Similarly, it is not possible for us to fully enter into the Lower
World, (or indeed any non-ordinary realities), unless we are metaphorically naked and have
at least attempted to shed our ego identity.
Lower World Images/Environments that might appear in dreams:
Animals
Dreams where the weather is important
Low light
Natural landscapes; open country, forests, lakes, mountain scenery, caves
Gnomes, trolls, elves, pixies, leprechauns etc...
Ancestors
People who are adept at living close to the earth