The Call to Adventure

In The Hero's Journey, the call to adventure often comes via a messenger or herald. It signals the "mystery of transfiguration" that is the beginning. It can range from the personal, such a growing up or awakening to the self, to the communal, such as taking on some task of historic importance, to a spiritual illumination. The transformation results in the death of the former self and a re-birth into something new.

The call to adventure frequently takes place shrouded in darkness, the forest being a favorite setting. The messenger of the adventure is often seen as dark and terrifying or veiled, representing the unknown. Even with this, the hero is attracted to this figure and follows the messenger as a guide. While the story may be told as an adventure out in the world, in essence, the hero is ushered in to the realm of the unconscious "for the frog, the serpent, the rejected one, is the representative of that unconscious deep wherein are hoarded all of the rejected, unadmitted, unrecognized, unknown, or undeveloped factors, laws, and elements of existence."

The hero is called to confront his own depths. "Destiny has summoned the hero and transferred his spiritual center from within the pale of his society to a zone unknown."

What do you remember about how you were called to confront your own depths?

Comments

[Amelia Royko Maurer]

When my mother who was also my best friend, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, I remember feeling cornered by the news. It stripped me of my physical being and left me as my intention. That existence and my mother were the only living things left on the planet. I walked outside and I remember feeling as if the world around me would fall like a stage set if perhaps I exhaled. A tree would topple over if I put my finger on it. I have never felt more called to "the depths" in my life.

[Meredith Whelan]

Amelia, What a powerful description. So often, when we are called to those deepest of depths it is beyond words, as you say, it left you "as your intention." What strikes me, too, in your description is that it can be hard to know when one can exhale again. I am reading a book you might be interested in. It's called "Returning to My Mother's House: Taking Back the Wisdom of the Feminine" by Gail Straub. She reflects on her own experiences, including her mother's life and then death when Gail was in her 20's. It might be something that you would want to take a look at. Thank you for your reflection.

[Jimmy Choo Chaussures]

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