The Cavity of Silence

Shamans, spiritual guides between worlds, believe that the underworld(1) is a source of subconscious primordial creation. An experience with these healers often includes the rapid cry of a rattle, which helps the shaman retreat into the underworld to receive insight that is beyond the reach of the rational mind. For the individual influenced by linear thought and tangible solutions that come from the rattle of a pill bottle or coin purse, these esoteric means are beyond the pale.

The idea of delving deep for home and sanctuary began as far back as the Paleolithic age and continued through the evolution of belief and advent of modern religion. From Judaism’s Kabbalah to Islam’s Sufism, there is resounding belief in ‘as above so below,’ the idea that two planes of existence mirror and manifest onto each other. Those planes often merged quite literally in Europe where complex underground Jesuit caves(2) with Egyptian, Islamic, Buddhist, Christian and pagan art were discovered — one of many worldwide findings of life below the surface. In some cases, secret caves and tunnels of extended civilizations were created that allowed more protection and manifestation of ideas that were not yet mainstreamed, or ready to be mainstreamed. These places were often sanctuaries against persecution.

Elsewhere in history, descent into the world below was seen as persecution. Greek mythology tells of…