ADF Cosmology part 2

          In ADF ritual the most common exemplification of the sacred center is seen through the use of the Fire, Tree, and Well. These are known as the Three Hallows. These Hallows form the Three Gates that are used as a means to connect with the cosmic powers and the Three Worlds; the Upperworld, the Middleworld, and the Underworld. When this connection is established to the Three Worlds we create that is called the Sacred Center.

          Fire is the one required gateway that must be used in an ADF ritual. Fire was the central focus of many ancient Indo-European cultures in rituals and sacrificial offerings. Through the Fire we have access to the Upperworld. Fire is seen as a great power of transformation. This can be seen as the divine chaos of the cosmos from a Hellenic point of view, the energetic energy that drives creation. When sacrifices are placed into the Fire they are transformed into energy which is carried to the Upperworld adding to the materials of the cosmos, much like the original great sacrifice which created it.

          The Well was an ancient place of offering for Indo-Europeans for those that resided in the Underworld. The Well is a connection that can be used to access the powers of the Earth's Waters of Renewal and order which are Earth Mother's live blood. This can be seen as the stabilizing force of Order in the cosmos, the passive energy that maintains creation. When sacrifices are given to the Well they are added to the structure of the ordered cosmos to guarantee the continuity of all things.

          The Tree is the axis mundi. It is the link that exists in the Middleworld to the Upper and Underworlds. It is the Gateway that allows sacrifices to easily travel to the Kindred among all the worlds and the cosmos itself. It also serves as a universal balance for the Upper and Underworlds, ensuring that the delicate balance between Order and Chaos are kept.


Bibliography

Newberg, Brandon. "Ancient Symbols, Modern Rites." 14 September 2010. ADF.org. 8 December 2011
<http://www.adf.org/cgi-bin/adf/wiki/view/Main/COoRTutorial>.