The Hero’s Journey

Departure The Call to Adventure- the point in a person’s life when he or she first realizes everything is about to change

Departure Supernatural Aid – once the hero is committed to the quest, his/her guide or magical helper appears

Departure Crossing the First Threshold – the person actually crosses into the field of adventure, leaving the known world for a realm where the laws and limits are yet unknown

Departure The Belly of the Whale – the final separation from the known world and self. The experiences that will shape the new world may be beginning, often symbolized by something dark or frightening (Fear).

Initiation  The Road of Trials – a series of tests or tasks that the person must undergo to begin the transformation. Often the person fails one or more of these tests, which often occur in threes.

Initiation Atonement with the Father – In this step, the person must confront and be initiated by whatever holds the ultimate power in his/her life. In many myths this is the father or father figure.

Initiation  Apotheosis (having divine qualities)– when someone dies a physical death or a period of fulfillment before the hero begins the return  Spiritual Awareness

Initiation The Ultimate Boon – the achievement or reward of the goal of the quest. It is what the person went on the journey to get.

Return  The Magic Flight – the person must escape with the boon. It can be just as dangerous and adventurous returning as it was going.

Return The Crossing of the Return Threshold – The trick in returning is to retain the wisdom gained on the quest, to integrate that wisdom into human life, and then maybe figure out how to share this wisdom with the rest of the world.

Return Master of Two Worlds – for the human hero this may mean achieving a balance between the material and the spiritual.