The Nine Worlds of Yggdrasil

The Nine Worlds of the Yggdrasil themselves have been explained extensively in other works, by various authors, so here I will detail the esoteric significance.

In this map (see illustration above) Migard is in the center, as this illustrates one must pass through Ljossalfheim to get to, or from, Vanaheim and Asgard and Svartalfheim to get to, and from, Jotunheim and Helgard. Also note that to go from Vanaheim to Asgard, or vice versa, one must pass through Ljossalfheim. The same goes for Helgard and Jotunheim as they must pass through Svartalfheim.

The reason for this construction is based on lore and previously explained. Common sense tells us that since Ljossalfheim is a realm of enlightenment that one must pass through it to get to the realms of the gods, just as Svartalfheim as a place for transition of general death must be journeyed through (or as the section on Afterlife tells us, debt repaid before one is allowed to continue).

Also it should be noted that the map I have provided differs from previous maps because they were based on the Kabala. Further I do not subscribe to “directional sense” of North, South, East and West as they are purely linear; instead I offer Higher, Lower, Inner and Extra (or Center and Limit). Asgard, Vanaheim and Ljossalfheim are Higher, Helgard, Jotunheim and Svartalfheim are Lower, Muspellheim is Intra (or Center) and Nifleheim is Extra (or Limit). Muspellheim is influenced by the Dynamic, and Nifleheim is influenced by Stasis.

The words I use to describe these worlds are concepts. Higher may be thought of on a conscious level in that Higher is attained through conscious effort and it includes the enclosures of the gods and goddesses, and the gateway thereto. There is a higher “vibration” on these levels due to the level of enlightenment. Those who attain this level have touched the “dynamic”. In this dynamic they are influenced by the ever dynamic expansion on all levels. The worlds refered to as Lower are not dynamic, they represent a stasis, or a preservation. The Lower worlds are Helgard, Jotunheim and Svartalfheim, inasmuch as they are not dynamic they are “stasis”. Those who have succumbed to this level have been absorbed by the “stasis”.

Midgard, the physical universe, is located in the center of the map. As members of Midgard we are in balance with Dynamic and Stasis, and we see their influence every day. In life we are given the option of being dynamic or remaining in stasis.

I have created several more charts on this concept, which  appear at the end of this section.

The Nine Worlds:

Muspellheim

Fire [element] - Yellow [color]

Muspellheim was created by Muspell and is inhabited by “fire giants”.

Muspellheim is an extremely dynamic force that forces change. It is said that during Ragnarok all will be initiated from Muspellheim. It is this way that Muspellheim represents dynamic action and hightened states. Asgard, Vanaheim and Ljossalfheim are influenced by Muspellheim.

Asgard

Salt - Grey

Created by Odin and Hoenir, this realm is inhabited by the Aesir and a choice few Vanir, as well as those who have passed on before us. Asgard represents the culmination of Aesic concepts and is the highest level of Aesic consciousness. Asgard welcomes more than the consciously elite however, those who have fallen in battle find there home in Valhall and Folkvang. It has been theorized by Græna Vanswynn that perhaps the Aesic half goes to Valhall and the Vanic to Folkvang since Freyja claims half of those who fall in battle.

Asgard represents the culmination of ideals on the highest level while balancing  those who attain the highest levels of consciousness and self-identity.

In theory Asgard is more of an urban (Aesic) environment whereas Vanaheim is more of a natural environment (Vanic).

Vanaheim

Water - Blue

Vanaheim and Asgard are the two Higher worlds on the Yggdrasil. Vanaheim is the home of the Vanir originating from Njorth and Nerthus. Aegir created the realm and was peacefully swayed by the Vanir, and later wed Ran. It states in the Vanir Saga that eventually the waves rose forth from Vanaheim to move toward Midgard which later revealed an island which the Vanir inhabit. 

All life in Midgard originated from Vanaheim. Vanaheim is the highest level of consciousness relating to Vanism.

Ljossalfheim

Yeast - Green

Ljossalfheim is a gateway to both Asgard and Vanaheim. It is said that the wights of good nature come from here. This world is watched over by Freyr.

Nifleheim

Ice - Misty Purple 

Nifleheim was created by Gymir and is inhabited by “ice giants”. It represents the limits of all things in the form of stasis. Helgard, Jotunheim and Svartalfheim are influenced by Nifleheim.

Helgard

Venom - Black

Helgard is the abode of the dead and those in stasis. It is ruled by Halja who is a student of Holde.

There is nothing wrong with going to Helgard when one dies, as that is where most people end up. It is said that it is a mild climated place where people dwell in a form of non-needing, i.e. stasis.

Jotunheim

Air - Orange

This is a windy place where the giants and jotnar dwell. Thorr has ventured here many times, not all inhabitants are of ill-will.

Svartalfheim

Iron - Red

This is the gateway to Helgard and Jotunheim. The lower wights dwell here.

Midgard

Earth - All Colors or Brown

The culmination of all things, the physical universe. From here one may go to Ljossalfheim or Svartalfheim and beyond.

Additional charts:

Glossary

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