The structure of the universe and cosmic architecture has been described in myths. The invisible parts of the universe are perceived as layers and directions, as elements and celestial bodies, and in the form of house as cosmic model.
Throughout time, the universe has been viewed as having a vertical structure with heaven above and the underworld below with a middle room where humankind dwells. More complex versions of the three-world cosmos tell of seven, eight, or nine levels of upper and lower worlds. The universe has been depicted as mirror images of the middle realm or as having a cosmic center or axis with heaven above and hell below. The most common central axis is the image of the World Tree.
Myths often described the lateral structure of the universe. These lateral views include the four quarters that relate to the four cardinal directions. A fifth direction known as “center” or “here” is added in Chinese, Celtic Ireland, and North and Central America traditions. Some cultures add to the concept of “center” the belief of “up” and “down” thus creating a universe with six spatial dimensions.
Eastern Mediterranean and North and West African myths view the universe as comprised of four elements: fire, water, air, and earth. These myths also describe the relationship between the elements and the four cardinal directions in an effort to organize the universe: east with fire, west with water, south with air, and north with earth. The association between elements and directions varies slightly with different cultures. In China, the structure of the universe varies in that the elements in their ancient cosmological view includes wood, fire, soil, metal, and water. The directions associated with these elements are “center”, north, south, east, and west.
Heavenly bodies, as living beings, are often described in myth, the most common being the sun as male deity and the moon as female deity. Yet, there are myths where the sun is feminine and the moon is masculine. In African myth, the male moon is husband the planet Venus. Groupings of stars or constellations are also part of many myths.
For the island people of Southeast Asia, the cosmic model as house or dwelling place is common. Typically the left side of the house symbolizes the underworld, with the right side representing heaven or the world above. The Ngaju Dayak people recognize four cosmic directions with the center of the house being the Tree of Life. In Mali, the Dogon to people build their homes to represent the god Nommo in human form, with the villages arranged in a square to symbolize the earth or an oval to denote the cosmic egg. The structures and village layout are paired to represent the divine relationship between Heaven and Earth.