Sacred Geography

Myth and Cosmos: Weaving the World into Being

Imagine standing at the foot of a mountain, feeling its immense presence. Is it just rock and soil, or something more? For countless cultures around the world, places like mountains, rivers, and forests are not merely geographical features; they are imbued with deep meaning, shaped by the stories they tell and the beliefs they hold. This chapter delves into the fascinating world of mythology and cosmology, exploring how these intertwined systems of stories and beliefs create the very foundation of sacred geographies.

Building on our definition of sacred geography from the last chapter – the intersection of belief, space, and practice – we now look at the genesis of that intersection. Where does it all begin? The answer, more often than not, lies in the realm of myth and cosmos. These are the blueprints upon which sacred landscapes are designed, the narratives that give meaning to the mundane, and the frameworks that dictate how humans interact with their environment.

The Tapestry of Myth: Stories That Shape Our World

Myths are more than just ancient fables; they are powerful narratives that explain the origins of the world, the nature of the divine, and the role of humanity within the grand cosmic order. They provide a framework for understanding the universe and our place in it. These stories often encode profound ecological knowledge, ethical principles, and practical guidelines for navigating the natural world.

Take, for example, the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. These complex narratives describe the actions of ancestral beings who shaped the landscape, creating mountains, rivers, and waterholes. These beings are not just creators; they are also embodiments of the land itself. The Dreamtime stories are not mere history; they are a living, breathing reality that connects Aboriginal people to their ancestral lands. The stories dictate which areas are sacred, who can access them, and how they should be treated. These creation myths teach about respect for the environment and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Did You Know? The term Dreamtime is a simplified English translation of a complex concept. It refers to a time when the ancestral beings created the world and also to the continuous, ever-present spiritual reality that connects people to their ancestors and the land.

Similarly, in ancient Greece, the stories of the Olympian gods and goddesses were deeply intertwined with the landscape. Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the gods, was considered a sacred and powerful place. Temples were built in honor of specific deities in locations associated with their powers or activities. For example, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, overlooking the Aegean Sea, was strategically placed to honor the god of the sea and to ensure safe passage for sailors. The myths associated with these places reinforced their sacredness and influenced how people interacted with the environment.

Myths aren't always grand tales of gods and heroes. They can also be localized stories that explain the origins of specific features or landmarks. A particular rock formation may be said to be the petrified remains of a mythical creature, or a spring may be associated with a healing deity. These localized myths contribute to the overall sacredness of a landscape, turning ordinary places into sites of profound meaning.

The power of myth lies in its ability to connect people to their environment on an emotional and spiritual level. By telling stories that resonate with their values and beliefs, cultures create a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the natural world.

Cosmology: Mapping the Universe, Defining Our Place

While myths tell the stories of creation and the actions of divine beings, cosmology provides the framework for understanding the structure and organization of the universe. It is the study of the cosmos, its origins, evolution, and ultimate fate. Cosmological beliefs profoundly influence how cultures perceive space, time, and the relationship between humans and the cosmos.

Many traditional cosmologies view the universe as a multi-layered structure, with distinct realms inhabited by different beings. These realms are often symbolically represented in the landscape through specific geographical features. For example, the ancient Maya envisioned the cosmos as a three-layered structure: the heavens above, the earth in the middle, and the underworld below. This cosmological model was reflected in the layout of their cities, with pyramids representing sacred mountains connecting the different realms. Cenotes, natural sinkholes, were often seen as entrances to the underworld and were used for ritual purposes.

Did You Know? The Maya believed that the ceiba tree, or Tree of Life, connected the three layers of the cosmos. Its roots reached into the underworld, its trunk stood on earth, and its branches stretched into the heavens.

In many Asian traditions, the concept of Mount Meru plays a central role in cosmological beliefs. Mount Meru is considered the axis mundi, the center of the universe, around which the sun, moon, and stars revolve. This mythical mountain is often represented in the landscape by actual mountains, which are considered sacred and powerful places. Temples and shrines are frequently built on these mountains to connect with the divine energy emanating from the cosmic center.

Cosmological beliefs also influence the orientation of sacred spaces. Temples, shrines, and other religious structures are often built according to specific astronomical alignments, reflecting the belief that the cosmos influences human affairs. For example, Stonehenge in England is aligned with the solstices, suggesting that it was used for tracking the movement of the sun and celebrating the changing seasons. Similarly, many ancient Egyptian temples were aligned with specific stars or constellations, reflecting the belief that the pharaoh's soul would journey to the stars after death.

The stars are not just distant pinpricks of light; they are guides, ancestors, and sources of cosmic energy.

The cardinal directions — north, south, east, and west — also often hold symbolic significance in cosmological systems. In many cultures, each direction is associated with specific deities, elements, and colors. These associations influence the layout of sacred spaces, with different directions being assigned to different activities or rituals. For example, in some Native American traditions, the east is associated with sunrise, new beginnings, and spiritual enlightenment, while the west is associated with sunset, death, and the ancestors.

Ritual and Ceremony: Embodying Myth and Cosmos

Myths and cosmological beliefs are not just abstract ideas; they are brought to life through ritual and ceremony. Rituals are structured actions, often involving symbolic objects, gestures, and words, that connect people to the divine or to the natural world. Ceremonies are more elaborate events that involve multiple participants and often celebrate important events or transitions in the life cycle.

Rituals and ceremonies serve to reinforce the connection between the human and natural realms, transforming abstract belief into tangible experience. They often involve the use of natural materials, such as plants, stones, and water, which are seen as conduits of spiritual energy. For example, the use of incense in many religious traditions is believed to purify the air and create a sacred atmosphere. The burning of sage in Native American ceremonies is intended to cleanse spaces of negative energy and invite positive spirits.

Did You Know? The word ritual comes from the Latin word ritus, which means custom or ceremony.

Many rituals are designed to mimic or reenact events from creation myths. By participating in these rituals, people are symbolically recreating the world and reaffirming their connection to the divine. For example, the ancient Egyptian Sed festival was a ritual reenactment of the pharaoh's coronation, reaffirming his divine right to rule and ensuring the continued fertility of the land. Similarly, many agricultural rituals involve planting seeds or harvesting crops, symbolically recreating the act of creation and ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Ceremonies often mark important transitions in the life cycle, such as birth, puberty, marriage, and death. These ceremonies help individuals and communities navigate these transitions and reaffirm their connection to the social and cosmic order. For example, coming-of-age ceremonies in many cultures mark the transition from childhood to adulthood, imbuing young people with the responsibilities and privileges of adulthood.

The performance of rituals and ceremonies often requires specific sites or locations that are considered sacred. These sites may be associated with particular myths or cosmological beliefs, or they may be chosen for their natural beauty or spiritual energy. For example, waterfalls are often considered sacred places because they represent the flow of life and the connection between the upper and lower worlds. Caves are often seen as places of transformation and initiation because they represent the womb of the earth.

Myth, Cosmos, and the Ethics of Place

The stories we tell about the world profoundly influence how we treat it. Myths and cosmological beliefs often encode ethical principles that guide human behavior towards the environment. These principles may emphasize respect for nature, the interconnectedness of all living things, or the need to maintain balance and harmony within the ecosystem.

Many indigenous cultures have creation myths that emphasize the importance of reciprocity and respect for the natural world. These myths often portray humans as stewards of the land, responsible for maintaining its health and well-being. For example, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Thanksgiving Address is a prayer of gratitude to all the elements of nature, recognizing their role in sustaining life and expressing a commitment to protecting them.

We return thanks to the sun, for he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye. - Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address

Cosmological beliefs can also influence environmental ethics. If the universe is seen as a living organism, then harming any part of it is seen as harming the whole. This perspective fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment and encourages sustainable practices. The concept of Gaia, the Earth as a self-regulating living organism, is a modern example of this type of cosmological belief influencing environmental ethics.

Conversely, myths and cosmological beliefs can also be used to justify environmental degradation. If humans are seen as superior to nature, or if the natural world is seen as a resource to be exploited, then environmental destruction may be seen as acceptable or even necessary. It is crucial to critically examine the ethical implications of our myths and cosmological beliefs and to ensure that they promote sustainability and respect for the environment.

The weaving together of myth and cosmology creates a powerful framework for understanding and interacting with the world. These stories and beliefs shape our perceptions of sacred space, influence our ethical principles, and guide our actions in the environment. As we continue our exploration of sacred geographies, let us remember the profound impact of myth and cosmos on the landscapes we inhabit and the ways we connect with the divine.