Opens in a new tab
Tree
Shamanism & Spirituality

The invisible worlds in shamanism: the 3 worlds

Warren Shanti
17/05/2020
Rocks and a pool of water by the sea, under a bright sun

Today I’m talking to you about the invisible worlds from a shamanic point of view. In shamanism, we distinguish three very distinct worlds: the Lower World, the Middle World, and the Upper World.

The essentials

  • The Lower World is our inner world, the world of the unconscious: it’s completely safe.
  • The Middle World is where we live physically: you travel there protected and experienced.
  • The Upper World is a plane of very high vibrations: guides, angels, deities, ancestors.

The Lower World, or inferior world

If you’re not familiar with it, you might imagine it as a world of low vibrations, a sort of hell populated by evil entities. It’s nothing like that at all, quite the opposite in fact.

The Lower World is actually our inner world, the world of the unconscious: that’s why it’s completely safe. Everything there is unconditional love, given freely with nothing expected in return. It’s where we go to meet our power animals, which are pieces of our soul, our inner shaman, and other spirits. Connected to Mother Earth and wild nature, it’s the world of instinct, where we meet our guides and archetypes.

The Middle World, or intermediate world

This is the world we live in physically. Here you’ll find plant and mineral spirits, the little people, but also the spirits of the deceased who haven’t risen to the higher planes, and all sorts of low-vibration entities. Here, the ego reigns: nothing is free, everything is negotiated, because every spirit has its own desires and goals.

That’s why you travel there protected, with caution, and ideally once you’re experienced. In shamanism, this is the world that resembles the underworld. To protect yourself, check out my energetic protection shield technique.

The Upper World, or superior world

It exists on a much higher plane than ours, with very elevated vibrations. Here you’ll find guides, angels, and all forms of deities, as well as allied spirits who help, advise, and give the shaman permission to perform certain healings. You’ll also find the ancestor tree and the realm of the dead, where those who have risen to the higher planes reside.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lower World dangerous?

No. It’s our inner world, the world of the unconscious, where everything is unconditional love.

How do you travel through the invisible worlds?

Through the shamanic journey, in a trance state, most often carried by the sound of the drum.

There’s so much more to say about each of these three worlds, and I learn a little more every day. Is this how you saw things? Share your point of view in the comments.

If this topic resonates with you, discover the Soul Sanctuary retreat, a week blending handpan, shamanic practices, presence, and introspection.

We are One. One love.

Upcoming events

Full calendar

2-hour Handpan Introduction Workshop – With Warren & Isabelle

Saturday 7 November 2026
Discover

3-Day Handpan Workshop with Warren & Vince

Friday 13 November 2026
Discover
Portrait of Warren Shanti

Warren Shanti

Handpan / Artist & Teacher

Musician and handpan teacher based in Germany. I guide beginners and experienced players alike, online, in workshops and on retreats.

About me