Adam Baker: Lane--Axis Mundi

Lane’s discussion of axis mundi is a fascinating insight into the beliefs of various cultures, especially those of Native Americans in the desert southwest. Described by Lane as “the location where contact with numinous power is still made,” axis mundi can occur in a variety of forms, including lakes, mountains, and other natural structures. These places are often mysterious, as they are considered to be the places of emergence for a number of different native peoples. Members of these groups are trained to see more than just the surrounding landscape, but to also detect the powers of creation and correspondence with higher powers. Indeed, these must be incredible places, and to experience their forces would be truly remarkable. Lane’s discussion attracted my attention, as I have wondered what, if any, significance many of the impressive landforms standing high above the deserts of the southwest possess. It does not come as much surprise that incredible formations looming thousands of feet over the desert, such as Devils Tower in Wyoming, and Shiprock in New Mexico, are believed to provide direct connection to divine spirits. Even to the untrained eye, it seems that these massive sculptures hold great significance, and the stories told about them are truly unique.