"Axis Mundi" Original painting

In shamanism, there are considered to be three realms - upper, middle and underworld. The "Axis Mundi" is the central axis that runs through the cosmos and allows the shaman to travel to the different realms. The Axis Mundi can be represented by a tree, with the trunk in the earthly, material realm that we inhabit. The upper branches of the tree represent the spiritual world and the roots the underworld. During a visualisation practice, an entrance (into the trance) and portal to the other realms of consciousness is offered by the Axis Mundi and can be visualised in nature as a hollow tree, into which one crawls in order to access the darkness of the subconscious. 

During a guided visualisation to meet my spirit guide, I entered through the hollow trunk of a tree and found myself in another forest, surrounded by ferns, and acutely aware of the thick luscious pelt of a wolf softly breathing beside me, almost a part of me, rather than a separate entity. The presence was reassuring, like that of a powerful but placid dog protecting a small child. This is one of a number of pieces inspired by that vision.