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{{CPCN}}

{{CPCN}}

The '''''axis mundi''''', Latin for "pole of the world", also known as the also cosmic axis, world pillar and center of the world, is a ubiquitous symbol that crosses human cultures. The image expresses a point of connection between sky and earth where the four compass directions meet--a point that expresses a unity in how human beings experience space.

The '''''axis mundi''''', Latin for "pole of the world", also known as the also cosmic axis, world pillar and center of the world, is a ubiquitous symbol that crosses human cultures. The image expresses a point of connection between sky and earth where the four compass directions meet—a point that expresses a unity in how human beings experience space.

From a spiritual perspective, this is the point in which travel and correspondence is made between higher and lower realms.  The ''axis'' represents the space where God (the vertical) is accessible to man, who lives in the world (the horizontal).  The ''axis mundi'' is therefore central in the design of [[churches]] and [[shrines]].

From a spiritual perspective, this is the point in which travel and correspondence is made between higher and lower realms.  The ''axis'' represents the space where God (the vertical) is accessible to man, who lives in the world (the horizontal).  The ''axis mundi'' is therefore central in the design of [[churches]] and [[shrines]].

In Asian cultures, the ''axis mundi'' is often represented by the [[Bodhi Tree]], [[Mount Fuji]], and the [[Kunlun Mountains]].  In the Christian tradition, [[Jacob's Ladder]], the [[Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil]], the [[Holy Cross]], and the [[Garden of Eden]] are all seen as representations of the ''axis mundi''.  Native American cultures viewed the [[black hills]] as an ''axis mundi''--likewise, central American civilizations constructed temples such as the ones at [[Teotihuacán]] to represent the ascension of man to heaven.

In Asian cultures, the ''axis mundi'' is often represented by the [[Bodhi Tree]], [[Mount Fuji]], and the [[Kunlun Mountains]].  In the Christian tradition, [[Jacob's Ladder]], the [[Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil]], the [[Holy Cross]], and the [[Garden of Eden]] are all seen as representations of the ''axis mundi''.  Native American cultures viewed the [[black hills]] as an ''axis mundi''—likewise, central American civilizations constructed temples such as the ones at [[Teotihuacán]] to represent the ascension of man to heaven.

[[category:religion]]

[[Category:Religion]]