The Anatomy of Sacred Space

Interior view looking up at the wooden Toono [roof ring] and 81 Uni [huns / rafters] of a traditional Mongolian yurt studio at Onion Studios.

Practicing in the Ger
A traditional Mongolian Ger (yurt) is more than a structure… it is a living microcosm of the universe, designed to align the human spirit with the natural world. When we step inside, we are not just entering a room; we are stepping into a sacred circle where every architectural element carries a deeper layer of meaning.

Three Sacred Pillars of Our Space

• The Tonno | The Window to the Heavens
  The circular wooden crown at the very peak of our yurt is the Toono. In nomadic tradition, it is the portal to Tngri (the eternal blue sky), acting as a spiritual gateway and a natural sundial. As we flow, watch the sunlight track across the walls, grounding us directly into the current rhythm of the day.

• The 81 Uni [huns] | Sacred Radiance
  Radiating outward from the centre are the roof rafters, traditionally called Uni (and widely known as Huns). In alignment with ancient shamanic cosmology, our space features the sacred number of 81 poles (9 x 9)… the ultimate symbol of spiritual completion, balance, and good fortune. As you move, imagine these rafters as extensions of your own energy, radiating vital force outward from your centre to the edges of the universe.

• The Bagana | Earth to Sky
  The central pillars holding up the crown represent the sacred connection between the physical earth and the divine sky. In our practice, these columns remind us of the balance between our feminine and masculine energies, mirroring our own spine … our structural trunk. They invite us to root down firmly through our feet while expanding upward through the crown of the head.

Yurt Etiquette | Honouring the Threshold
To maintain the pristine, intentional energy of the space, we practice a traditional nomadic custom: We step over the threshold (Bosgo), never on it, leading with our right foot. In both Mongolian tradition and yogic philosophy, the right foot represents auspiciousness, new beginnings, and entering a space with a "right mind" and positive intention. Stepping intentionally into the ger signifies leaving the noise of the outside world behind, preserving a peaceful, sacred sanctuary for every layer of your practice.