Let’s visit the majestic Khevsuretian mountains for a moment. Khevsureti is located in the northeast mountain chains of Georgia. The Khevsuretian cosmology is richly informed through the connection of the stars and the earth. The stars were seen as the origins of life on earth. We can read the cosmology through the symbol depictions on old stones and housings, also through mythology, rites, and customs that survived throughout time.
The Khevsuretians consider three planes – the earthly, the underworldly, and the heavenly plane. Specific elements connect the earth, the underworld, and the heavens with each other. Waters link the earth to the underworld, and trees bridge the earth with the heavens.
Mountain Spirits
In Khevsureti, the mountains were considered sacred, and each mountain was assigned a specific deity. In service to the protector spirits of the mountains, a shrine was built. The Khevsuretians would plant a tree at the entrance of the shrine as an offering. This tree was considered as the tree of fertility/ the tree of life and was called “Khemkhvivani”/ “ხემხვივანი”. Here you can find out more about Khevsuretian lore.
The trees were seen as connectors of the heavens and the earth
The sacred tree served as a connector and communicator to the heavens. A chain-like bridge called Shibi/ “შიბი” stretched from the canopy all the way to the heavens. Shibi linked the deities and the earth. In this way, the deities and the protector spirits could descend on earth.
Shibianta
Shibianta – translated, the ones of the Shibi – is a place for the Shibi walkers. Goodness and ancient wisdom are welcomed here. Every visitor of this space is blessed by the commuters of the Shibi.
Take care, everyone!
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