KEYNOTE: “I Leave the Father’s home and turning back, I save”
This keynote for spiritual aspirants, as they transit the 12th and last sign of the Zodiac (Pisces), may be a particularly useful seed thought for reflection during this full moon period.
This keynote—encapsulating the arc of existence—can be rephrased thus: “I leave the source of it all, and, turning back, find freedom from the bondage of matter.” It is the story of spirit’s profound venture into material life and the eventual act of return—not as a negation of what was experienced, but as a reclamation of its value. This is the rhythm of evolution and redemption, a process wherein the material is illuminated and transformed by its union with the essence of spirit.
This theme parallels Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces“ in its profound portrayal of the path of transformation. Both narratives speak to the archetypal process of descent, encounter, and return. They trace the cycle by which the hero—or in this case, the spirit itself—ventures into the unknown, transforms through struggle, and re-emerges bearing the light of redemption, not only for themselves but for all that they touch.
The Journey of the Heroe
Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces explores the universal structure of the “monomyth,” or the Hero’s Journey, a pattern found in myths across cultures. Campbell argues that these stories share fundamental stages that mirror human experiences and timeless struggles. The Hero’s Journey unfolds in three main acts:
- Departure – The hero begins in the “ordinary world” but is called to an extraordinary adventure. Often reluctant at first, they encounter a mentor or guide who prepares them for the challenges ahead. This stage includes stepping into the unknown by crossing the “threshold.”
- Initiation – The hero faces trials and obstacles, undergoing transformation through tests of strength, wisdom, and courage. At the peak, they often endure a symbolic death and rebirth, gaining profound insight or a reward (the “elixir” or ultimate boon) that holds value for themselves or their community.
- Return – The hero must bring their newfound knowledge or gift back to the ordinary world. This stage may involve additional challenges as they reintegrate into their old life, but successfully doing so completes the cycle and allows the hero (and their world) to transform.
Campbell connects these stages to myths from diverse cultures, showing how archetypal themes like sacrifice, growth, and renewal resonate universally. By doing so, he emphasizes that myths serve as guides to understanding personal and collective transformation, offering a framework to face life’s challenges.
The Departure Stage
The Departure stage of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey sets the narrative in motion. It represents the hero’s transition from the familiar, ordinary world into the unknown, where adventure and transformation await. This stage is marked by significant moments that challenge the hero to leave their comfort zone and begin their transformative quest. Here are the key components:
1. The Call to Adventure
This is the moment that disrupts the hero’s ordinary life and presents them with the opportunity for change. The call can be subtle or dramatic, but it plants the seed for the journey ahead. It often comes from an external source, such as a messenger, event, or fate, and signals the existence of something greater beyond the hero’s current world.
For example, in The Hobbit, Gandalf visits Bilbo Baggins and introduces him to the possibility of joining an epic quest with Thorin and Company to reclaim their homeland. Bilbo’s quiet, predictable life is interrupted by this call, urging him toward an adventure he never expected.
2. Refusal of the Call
Initially, the hero may resist or reject the call to adventure, citing fear, self-doubt, or a sense of obligation to their current life. This hesitation reflects a universal human fear of change or stepping into the unknown. While this refusal is a natural reaction, it often leads to dissatisfaction or conflict if the hero tries to ignore the call.
A memorable example is Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope. When Obi-Wan Kenobi invites him to leave Tatooine and rescue Princess Leia, Luke initially refuses, insisting he has responsibilities on the moisture farm. His reluctance highlights his fear of leaving his familiar world behind.
3. Meeting the Mentor
To overcome hesitation, the hero often encounters a mentor or guide who offers wisdom, training, tools, or encouragement. The mentor plays a crucial role in preparing the hero for the adventure ahead and symbolizes the first steps of entering the unknown with guidance and support.
For instance, in The Hunger Games, Haymitch serves as a mentor figure for Katniss Everdeen. He doesn’t simply train her for the Games but also provides critical survival advice and emotional encouragement, preparing her for the grim challenges ahead. Similarly, in mythology, Athena guides Odysseus with her divine wisdom throughout his arduous journey.
The mentor is often an archetypal figure representing experience, and their presence underlines the hero’s readiness to take that first leap.
4. Crossing the First Threshold
This is the pivotal moment when the hero fully commits to the adventure and steps into the unknown. Crossing the threshold symbolizes the hero’s departure from their ordinary world into a realm of unfamiliar rules, challenges, and wonders. It is a leap of faith that marks the point of no return.
For example, when Harry Potter boards the Hogwarts Express in The Philosopher’s Stone, he leaves behind his oppressive life with the Dursleys and enters a magical world filled with both promise and danger. Similarly, in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice crossing through the rabbit hole into Wonderland signifies her plunge into a foreign, unpredictable world where she will be tested in countless ways.
Why the Departure Stage Matters
The Departure stage encapsulates the universal human experience of leaving behind safety and comfort to venture into uncertainty and growth. It teaches us that meaningful change requires bold decisions and the willingness to confront the unfamiliar. The hero’s early reluctance, their trust in a mentor, and their ultimate choice to cross the threshold mirror the courage and sacrifice we all need to begin a personal transformation.
As both a literal and symbolic beginning, the Departure stage reminds us that every great story, whether in mythology, literature, or life, starts with a single step into the unknown.
The Initiation Stage
The Initiation stage of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey is the heart of the adventure. Here, the hero is thrust into a series of challenges and trials that push them to their limits, force personal transformation, and ultimately prepare them to achieve their goal. This stage illuminates the process of growth through hardship, where the hero encounters both external obstacles and internal reckonings.
1. Trials and Challenges
The hero faces a sequence of trials, often referred to as a “Road of Trials.” These challenges can be physical, emotional, or intellectual, serving to test their resolve, resourcefulness, and values. Each challenge forces the hero to confront their weaknesses and shortcomings, compelling growth.
For example, in Greek mythology, Hercules undergoes his famous Twelve Labors, each designed to test his strength, wit, and endurance. Similarly, in The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, Frodo’s journey toward Mount Doom is fraught with dangers like facing the Ringwraiths or enduring the seduction of the One Ring, all of which test his courage and willpower.
2. Allies, Temptations, and Enemy Encounters
Alongside trials, the hero often interacts with key allies who assist them and enemies who stand in their way. These interactions deepen their experience of the unknown. The presence of a mentor or helper, like Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, demonstrates the importance of wisdom and guidance, while confrontations with adversaries sharpen the hero’s skills and resilience. Temptation can also play a pivotal role, luring the hero away from their path. For example, in Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is tempted by the Sirens’ song, which could lead to his doom if he falters.
3. Symbolic Death and Rebirth
The climax of the Initiation stage often involves some form of a symbolic “death” and “rebirth.” This moment represents the ultimate transformation, a point where the hero sheds their old self to emerge in a new, more enlightened form. It is not always literal death, but an event that forces the hero to completely redefine themselves.
Take, for example, Neo in The Matrix, who “dies” in the physical sense before awakening to his full powers as “The One.” Similarly, in various mythic tales, the hero might descend into darkness or a literal underworld, symbolizing death, only to emerge with new insight or power. This process represents the stripping away of fear, doubt, or ego, making room for a stronger, wiser self.
4. The Ultimate Boon
The culmination of the trials and transformation is the acquisition of the “ultimate boon.” This is the reward that the hero has been seeking, often something of deep value to themselves and their community. It can take the form of a tangible object, sacred knowledge, or a new capability.
For instance, in Arthurian legend, the quest for the Holy Grail represents spiritual enlightenment and renewal, a reward that promises salvation and healing. Similarly, in The Lion King, Simba’s ultimate boon is reclaiming his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands, bringing balance and prosperity back to his kingdom.
Why It Matters
The Initiation stage reflects the universal experience of struggle leading to growth. Through the trials and symbolic “death,” the hero reconnects with deeper truths about themselves and the world. By achieving the ultimate boon, they become equipped not just for their personal fulfillment but for the eventual purpose of sharing it with others in the Return stage.
This phase reminds us that transformation is rarely easy or comfortable, but it is through such journeys that we unlock our greatest potential. Whether in myth, literature, or real life, the Initiation process is an archetype for facing adversity and finding one’s true self.
The Return Stage
The Return stage in Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey completes the mythic cycle, but it is far from a simple homecoming. After enduring trials and gaining profound insights or the ultimate boon during the Initiation phase, the hero must bring their newfound gift or wisdom back to the ordinary world. This stage often presents its own set of challenges, as the integration of the heroic experience into everyday life is both vital and difficult.
1. The Refusal to Return
Sometimes, heroes hesitate to leave the extraordinary world where their transformation occurred. After facing trials and experiencing enlightenment, the ordinary world may seem mundane, unworthy, or ill-equipped to accept the hero’s gift. This is known as the “refusal to return.”
For example, in The Buddha’s story, after achieving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Siddhartha initially questions whether humanity is ready or able to understand and benefit from the truths he has uncovered. Similarly, in The Lord of the Rings, Frodo, even after destroying the One Ring, feels a deep disconnection from the Shire. His burdens and growth have made it difficult for him to reintegrate into his peaceful, unchanging homeland.
This refusal highlights the hero’s internal struggle. It embodies the tension between their personal transformation and the responsibilities they now hold to share it with others.
2. The Magic Flight
If the hero does return, it is not always a smooth transition. The “magic flight” often describes a challenging escape or return from the extraordinary world. The hero may be pursued by enemies or forces seeking to reclaim what was taken, or they face obstacles while transporting the boon back to their community.
A clear example is Perseus in Greek mythology. After slaying Medusa and securing her head as a powerful weapon, Perseus must escape the Gorgon’s vengeful sisters and overcome further trials to bring the boon back to humanity. These moments keep the narrative tension alive, reminding us that even after achieving their goal, heroes must continue to prove their strength and determination.
3. Crossing the Return Threshold
Reentering the ordinary world is often fraught. The hero must reconcile the extraordinary experiences they underwent and the wisdom they gained with the realities of their old life. This can be a deeply isolating stage, as the hero may now feel alienated from the people and community they left behind.
Consider Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. After her whirlwind adventure in Oz, her return to Kansas is abrupt and met with disbelief. She struggles to make others understand the magnitude of what she has experienced. This dissonance often reflects how real-life individuals grapple with sharing the lessons of transformative experiences with those who may not have undergone the same changes.
4. Master of Two Worlds
The ultimate goal of the Return stage is for the hero to become the “Master of Two Worlds.” This means integrating their newfound wisdom or power into their old life in a way that benefits both themselves and their wider community. By doing so, the hero proves that they have not only survived the trials of the extraordinary world but also grown enough to bring the gifts of these trials back to others.
A prime example is Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After defeating Voldemort, Harry returns to a world free of the shadow of tyranny. He chooses a quiet life as an adult while carrying the wisdom and maturity gained from his trials, ultimately bringing peace to his loved ones and his wider community.
5. Freedom to Live
The culmination of the Hero’s Journey is the hero’s newfound “freedom to live.” Having faced life’s greatest challenges and reconciled their transformation with the day-to-day world, the hero achieves a state of balance. They are no longer weighed down by fear of death or failure because they have faced it all and emerged stronger.
This final step reflects the human capacity to grow through adversity and become not just individuals of significance, but contributors to communal well-being. Think of Simba in The Lion King. Returning to Pride Rock after reclaiming his place on the throne, Simba leads with the wisdom gained during his trial-filled exile, bringing renewal and prosperity to his kingdom.
Why the Return Matters
The Return stage reminds us that success or transformation is not an end in itself. The true measure of growth lies in how the knowledge, strength, or boon is shared with others. It echoes the idea that our individual journeys are also communal ones, where personal triumphs can impact the greater good.
This stage captures the cyclical nature of life’s struggles and achievements. Whether in fiction or reality, the Return teaches us not just to survive challenges, but to meaningfully apply what we’ve learned to improve the world around us.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is an excellent illustration of the Hero’s Journey, and it beautifully illustrates the transformative arc of self-discovery and transcendence.
- Call to Adventure: Jonathan Livingston Seagull feels a deep dissatisfaction with the mundane life of his flock, who are focused solely on survival. His yearning to master the art of flight represents his call to a higher purpose.
- Refusal of the Call: Initially, Jonathan struggles with self-doubt and the disapproval of his community. The fear of being ostracized could have held him back, but his passion for flight drives him forward.
- Meeting the Mentor: After being cast out of his flock, Jonathan meets other enlightened seagulls, like Chiang, who guide him toward mastering flight and understanding the deeper spiritual truths of existence.
- Crossing the Threshold: Jonathan leaves the ordinary world of his flock and enters a new realm of self-discovery and higher learning, symbolized by his journey into the skies and beyond.
- Trials and Transformation (Initiation): Through rigorous practice and introspection, Jonathan transcends his physical limitations and learns to fly in ways that defy the norms of his species. This stage represents his symbolic death and rebirth as he sheds his old identity.
- The Ultimate Boon: Jonathan attains enlightenment and mastery of flight, which symbolizes freedom, self-actualization, and the realization of his true potential.
- Return with the Boon: Unlike many heroes, Jonathan chooses to return to his flock, despite their earlier rejection. He shares his knowledge and inspires others, like Fletcher Seagull, to pursue their own journeys of growth and self-discovery.
- Master of Two Worlds: Jonathan becomes a bridge between the ordinary and extraordinary, embodying the balance between individuality and community. He demonstrates that personal growth can coexist with the desire to uplift others.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a deeply spiritual and allegorical take on the Hero’s Journey, emphasizing themes of self-discovery, transcendence, and the courage to defy societal norms.
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