The number of planes of existence in mythology can vary depending on the culture or belief system. Many mythologies conceptualize the world as being divided into different realms, planes, or levels of existence. Here are some notable examples:

1. Norse Mythology: Nine worlds exist, centered around the World Tree, Yggdrasil. These include realms like Asgard (home of the gods), Midgard (Earth), and Hel (realm of the dead).

2. Hindu Mythology: There are multiple planes of existence, often referred to as the "lokas." These are hierarchical realms of spiritual and material existence, including seven higher lokas and seven lower lokas, with Earth being in the middle. The highest plane is typically associated with moksha (liberation or enlightenment).

3. Buddhism: In the Buddhist cosmology, there are 31 planes of existence, divided into different realms such as those of gods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell-beings. These are part of a cycle of samsara, the cycle of rebirth.

4. Greek Mythology: The ancient Greeks viewed existence as divided into realms such as Mount Olympus (home of the gods), the mortal world, the Underworld (ruled by Hades), and the realm of Tartarus (a deeper part of the Underworld).

5. Christianity: The Christian view of existence includes Heaven, Earth, and Hell, with Heaven being a divine realm and Hell representing a place of punishment.

6. Esoteric and Occult Beliefs: Various Western esoteric traditions, like Kabbalah or theosophy, propose multiple planes or dimensions of existence, often referring to them as spiritual, astral, mental, and physical planes.

So, the number and nature of planes of existence can differ widely depending on the culture or religious belief system, but they generally reflect different levels of reality, spirituality, or the afterlife.

The Machinery of the Mind by Dion Fortune

Perception perception perception

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