In my observations of mythologies, I’ve realized that many divide their cosmologies into three spiritual realms. I’ve also noticed that various religions/traditions/spiritual philosophies connect to these realms. Those connected to a different realm seem to have common similarities in what they believe. Course, this is my own ideology.
Celestial Realm: This is the realm of the gods, their agents, and enlightened or chosen souls. This realm goes by names such as Heaven, Asgard, or Nirvana, and is the seat of cosmic authority. The beings within this realm exist to maintain order within the universe.
Most mainstream religions focus on worshiping this realm. The goal of these religions is Henosis, or becoming one with divinity or the cosmic whole. There’s a strong emphasis on conformity to divine/earthly law, traditionalism, and the classic notions of good and evil. We refer to these religions as the right hand path.
Sylvan Realm: This is the realm that houses fairy folk, animal guides, and gods related to nature. It goes by names such as Alfhiem, Tir na nog, or the Summer Lands, and is a realm where nature holds absolute power.
Modern day Paganism and Wicca tend to fall into worshiping this realm. These religions have an emphasis on nature. Still, nature is a very broad term. However, one thing I think they have in common is a focus on life in the here and now as opposed to the abstract focus of celestial religions and their obsession with the afterlife. These religions teach that divinity is not some transcended thing and we must dedicate our lives to joining it through asceticism. They teach that divinity is already here and we simply have to listen to it.
Infernal Realm: This is the mythological underworld, a realm of darkness, trickster spirits, souls of the dead, and dark gods like Hades. The infernal realm is not a place of evil but embodies the cycle of destruction and recreation, therefore being a place of change and transformation. Heroes were often sent to the underworld to either be challenged or learn a lesson.
Infernal worshiping religions differ greatly from the celestial religions. They focus on becoming divine through the expression and divine evolution of the self. With the concept of death and rebirth, these religions often involve challenging traditions and values, deconstructing concepts, and reconstructing them in a way that is more beneficial to the current age. We call these religions the left hand path.
If I were to right a book or develop a tradition, it would involve creating a base understanding of the three realms and balancing them. Neither one is evil, They all perform a function.