Walking Between Worlds: The Five Realms and the Soul’s Journey
There’s an ancient map—one that many Indigenous traditions recognize, though they speak of it in different languages and symbols. It is the map of the Five Realms: the sacred territories of Stone, Plant, Animal, Ancestor, and Human. Each realm is alive, conscious, and filled with medicine. Each one holds keys to our healing, growth, and remembering.
In my work as an IFS practitioner and transformational coach, I often find that the inner parts we meet in session—those who protect, exile, fight, grieve, or long—are not just psychological aspects. They are soul fragments that remember the ancient ways. By honoring the wisdom of the Five Realms, I support clients in healing not only their personal systems but their spiritual lineage and connection to life itself.
Let me introduce you to these realms—and how they shape my coaching practice.
🪨 1. Stone People World — The Realm of Deep Time
This is the realm of the ancestors of form. Stone People carry the memory of Earth. They teach us about stillness, grounding, and presence. In IFS, when a client feels disconnected from their foundation or overwhelmed by chaos, I bring in the energy of this realm.
IFS Integration: We anchor protectors and exiles into something stable—stone-like. I may guide clients to connect with an image of a mountain, a cave, or a specific stone to support parts that need grounding or containment.
🌿 2. Plant People World — The Realm of Growth and Healing
The Plant People are alchemists. They grow toward light and surrender to death without resistance. They remind us that healing is a process of unfolding, not fixing. In sessions, when parts feel stuck or numb, the medicine of the Plant Realm shows us how to soften, open, and trust.
IFS Integration: I sometimes invite plant allies to journey with us—a rose for heart-protectors, mugwort for dreamers, nettle for fierce exiles. These allies bring symbolic, energetic support to parts in transformation.
🐺 3. Animal Spirit World — The Realm of Instinct and Power
The Animal Realm is raw, embodied, and wise. It teaches us to reclaim our instincts and power. Many of our exiles carry trauma rooted in the suppression of this instinctual self.
IFS Integration: Power animals may emerge spontaneously in inner work. When they do, I support clients in relating to them as sacred mirrors for their true Self energy. Whether it’s Bear’s boundary, Owl’s sight, or Snake’s transformation—these beings help us integrate soul-level wisdom into the system.
🕯️ 4. Ancestor Realm — The Realm of Remembering
Our ancestors live in us—not only in our DNA but in our beliefs, wounds, dreams, and gifts. Some parts in the IFS system carry burdens that originated generations ago.
IFS Integration: When a legacy burden arises, I support clients in making contact with their well ancestors. Ritual, prayer, and energetic repair allow these burdens to be witnessed and released. In doing so, we clear the field for parts to find their true essence.
🧍🏽 5. Human Realm — The Realm of Integration and Responsibility
This is where we walk our talk. In the Human Realm, we weave together the wisdom of all the others and live it in daily life—with humility, choice, and creativity.
IFS Integration: I support clients in bringing their insights into aligned action—whether it’s setting a boundary, creating art, expressing grief, or stepping into purpose. The Human Realm is where healing becomes embodiment.
🌈 Why This Matters
IFS is a powerful map of the inner world. The Five Realms are a sacred map of the soul’s world. Together, they create a multidimensional approach to healing and transformation—one that honors not just the psyche, but the spirit, body, ancestry, and Earth connection.
In our work together, we may draw on these realms intuitively—through image, metaphor, journey, or ritual. You don’t need to “believe” in anything for it to work. These realms speak the language of the soul, and your soul already knows the way.
If this way of working resonates with you—if your parts are longing not only to be understood but to be remembered—I welcome you to journey with me. You can book a free connection call here.
