In religion and esotericism, the term "physical universe" or "material universe" is used to distinguish the physical matter of the universe from its spiritual essence.

In Slavic paganism the physical universe is referred to as Yav. Gnosticism holds that the physical universe was created by a Demiurge. In Vedic religions Maya is believed to be the illusion of a physical universe.

Physicalism, a type of monism, believes in a physical universe but not a spiritual one.

See also

• Gross realm