What is Axis Mundi? Axis Mundi is a mytheme – or a feature of a myth which may be shared with other, related myths – which expresses the idea or conceptual connection between earth and heaven or the mundane and transcendent. Most – if not all – faiths offer adherents the opportunity to connect deeply with the transcendent via a culturally recognizable experience that can be called Axis Mundi. This experience can be realized either in or through sacred, typological-laden narrative(s), or direct, personal experiences in real-time. Sometimes the experience is realized through both. At any rate, this experience can be called Axis Mundi, and again it is a feature present in nearly all faiths.
Artistically, Axis Mundi is often expressed through the use of vertical symbology (e.g., hills, trees, vines, poles, staffs, ladders [Jacob's?], etc.). It also has found representation in religious objects such as the Christian Cross, Church Steeples, Totem Poles, the Dome of the Rock, the Temple Mount, etc. Basically, whatever the symbol may be, vertical or otherwise, this symbolic transcendence of realized reality through the bridging of the mundane and transcendent (Heaven and Earth), can be universally referred to as Axis Mundi.
We all possess a sense of that which bridges our own gaps between the mundane and transcendent. We all build bridges between Heaven and Earth. Each one of us touches something in our daily lives that carries us beyond ourselves and into a realm of understanding that can only be referred to as “transcendent.” These experiences are not only normal but they are also absolutely necessary for healthy existence. You see, we human beings instinctively search for meaning to apply to all of the experiences we discover and share in this life and world. We have always been on this quest. It is ours. This search for meaning requires us to look in the direction of “somewhere beyond ourselves” for at least some of our answers for some of our questions. And when we do look in that direction we can only see transcendence and then we are forced into a clumsy articulation of what we find and experience there. This clumsy articulation is made simpler for us by connecting the dots between the mundane and divine. And that connection of dots can be called Axis Mundi. So, without Axis Mundi, or similar practices, we would be unable to articulate and share one of our most universal and meaningful human experiences.
Your own life is probably filled with experiences considered merely mundane, but they are, in reality, the most precious and life-begetting experiences you will ever realize. Take some time and consider everything around you and the experiences they offer you. Consider your loved ones, the green tree living peacefully just outside your window, the pet bothering you right now for attention, the group of friends with whom you are enjoying lunch, or your own reflection in the bathroom mirror. Could it be possible that Divinity is saturating all of those things and you are just unaware of it? Could these things be Axis Mundi? Could they be the dots connecting your Heaven and Earth? Is transcendence found within them? Do take some time to find your Axis Mundi and celebrate it for the transcendent experience it can be and is …
The truth of the matter is this: Divinity surrounds us and is constantly creating connections between the mundane and the transcendent. In fact, Divinity is so ever present, it all – everything – just may be transcendent, and we just don’t know it yet. If we begin to intentionally look for Axis Mundi, we will make these connections and we will realize just how utterly remarkable all of this life and living really is …
So, look for those things in your life in which you encounter the Divine. These people, places, and things are your connections.