The Hero’s Journey: A Modern Magician’s Guide to the Unknown
Preface
Welcome to “The Hero’s Journey: A Modern Magician’s Guide to the Unknown.”
This guide is designed to illuminate the path of the modern magician, drawing from ancient wisdom and contemporary practices to help you navigate the mystical realms and integrate these insights into your everyday life.
The aim of this guide is to provide modern magicians with a comprehensive understanding of their journey through the realms of chaos magic, a path that leads to the discovery of the mystical elixir of life.
What is Magick?
Magick, often spelled with a ‘k’ to distinguish it from stage magic, is the art and science of causing change in conformity with will.
It is a practice that encompasses a wide range of traditions and techniques aimed at understanding and influencing the world around us through symbolic, ritualistic, and spiritual means.
The term “magick” has its roots in the ancient Persian word “magus,” which referred to a class of Zoroastrian priests known for their wisdom and supernatural abilities.
Over time, magick has evolved, influenced by various cultures and philosophies, including the Hermetic, Kabbalistic, and Alchemical traditions.
In the modern era, magick has been popularized by figures such as Aleister Crowley, who emphasized the importance of personal will and self-discovery in magical practice.
“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.” ━Aleister Crowley
The Modern Magician’s Path
In today’s world, a magician is not just someone who performs rituals or casts spells but is a seeker of knowledge, an explorer of the unknown, and a person who strives to understand the deeper truths of existence.
The journey of a modern magician is one of continuous learning, personal growth, and transformation.
This guide will take you through the stages of the Hero’s Journey, a concept introduced by mythologist Joseph Campbell, which outlines the universal pattern of adventure, crisis, and transformation.
By following this structure, you will learn how to prepare for your magical journey, face and overcome challenges, and ultimately return with newfound wisdom to share with others.
Embark on this journey with an open heart and mind, ready to explore the mysteries of the unknown and discover the magic within yourself.
The Crossroads, Choosing a Path
Within the practice of modern magic, practitioners find themselves at a crossroads between two distinct moral paths: the left-hand path and the right-hand path.
The right-hand path, often compared to traditional village mythology, involves aligning oneself with a community and adhering to established dogmas and rules.
This path promises safety and a sense of belonging, as it is paved with the collective wisdom and guidelines that have been passed down through generations.
In stark contrast, the left-hand path offers a journey of personal discovery and adventure.
It is a path where the magician follows their own bliss, unbound by any rules or societal expectations.
Here, there are no guidelines to adhere to, and one’s bliss is uniquely their own.
This path is characterized by a life filled with creativity, potential danger, and possibly a lack of respect from society.
However, it is undeniably intriguing and rich with the potential for innovation.
It is along the left-hand path that a magician has the opportunity to bring forth something entirely new and unprecedented.
It is important to point out that both paths will lead to the same destination.
The destination is the same regardless of which path one follows, as both have their own advantages and disadvantages, their own dogmas.
But what is this destination? While it might seem like the destination is death, it is more nuanced than that.
Death is merely the end of the physical body. The soul is eternal, and the true destination is unity.
The Concept of Unity
Unity in spirituality refers to the idea that all beings and all of existence are interconnected and part of a greater whole.
This concept transcends individual differences and the illusion of separation.
In the end, whether one follows the right-hand path or the left-hand path, the journey ultimately leads to a profound understanding of this interconnectedness.
Unity is the realization that we are all part of the same universal consciousness.
It is the awareness that our individual experiences, while unique, are threads in the vast fabric of existence.
As Rumi, the great Sufi poet, beautifully put it,
“There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground; there are a thousand ways to go home again.”
This understanding of unity helps transcend the dualities and dichotomies that often dominate our thinking.
It encourages us to see beyond the superficial divisions of right and left, black and white, and recognize the underlying oneness of all things.
Moving Beyond Duality
It is essential to move beyond dichotomous thinking—beyond black and white, beyond duality, beyond the left and right paths.
Magic, like life, is complex and multifaceted. Embracing this complexity allows for a deeper understanding and a more fulfilling practice.
As Carl Jung once said,
“The pendulum of the mind oscillates between sense and nonsense, not between right and wrong.”
In this context, “nonsense” refers to what is unknown or not yet discovered.
It is the realm of the mystical and the unexplored, which may initially seem irrational or incomprehensible.
However, as one delves deeper into the mysteries of magic and spirituality, what once appeared as nonsense can reveal profound truths and insights.
Over time, these insights become part of our understanding, transforming nonsense into sense.
This highlights the importance of viewing our journeys not as right or wrong but as parts of a greater whole.
By embracing the unknown and the mystical, we open ourselves to new possibilities and deeper wisdom.
If ever in doubt, remember that compassion and love are two of the most powerful forces in the world—the greatest magic of all.
As the Dalai Lama teaches,
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
These forces transcend the limitations of any single path and unite us all in our shared human experience.
Compassion and love serve as guiding lights, ensuring that our magical practices contribute positively to our lives and the lives of those around us.
Ultimately, whether one chooses the right-hand path or the left-hand path, the journey is deeply personal and transformative.
By keeping an open heart and mind, and grounding our actions in compassion and love for both ourselves and others, we can navigate the complexities of the magical world.
This approach allows us to bring our unique contributions to life.
Ultimately, both paths lead us to the same fundamental truth: we are all interconnected, and our ultimate destiny is unity.
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other” doesn’t make any sense.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want. Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open. Don’t go back to sleep.”━Rumi
Chaos Magic
Let’s start with a brief overview of chaos magic.
Chaos magic, is a contemporary form of magic that emerged in England during the 1970s, part of the broader neo-pagan and esoteric subculture.
It was significantly influenced by the occult philosophies of artist Austin Osman Spare.
The pioneers of chaos magic critiqued other occult traditions for being overly dogmatic and religious.
Their goal was to distill these practices to their fundamental techniques, removing the symbolic, ritualistic, and theological layers they believed obscured the core of magical practice.
Central to chaos magic is the concept that our perceptions shape our reality, influenced by our beliefs.
Therefore, by altering these beliefs, we can change our reality.
This philosophy leads chaos magicians to view belief as a tool, enabling them to devise unique magical frameworks.
Hugh Urban describes chaos magic as blending traditional occult practices with applied postmodernism, particularly the postmodern skepticism of objective truth.
Postmodern skepticism questions the idea that there is a single, objective truth that applies universally to everyone.
Instead, it suggests that truth is subjective and can vary based on individual perspectives and cultural contexts.
In other words, what one person or society considers to be true might be different from what another person or society believes.
This skepticism challenges the rigid, one-size-fits-all views of truth, opening the door for more flexible and personalized understandings, much like the adaptable nature of chaos magic.
Chaos magic asserts that there are no absolute truths and regards all occult systems as subjective frameworks effective solely because of the practitioner’s belief in them.
In addition to exploring chaos magic, this guide will delve into the archetypal journey of a hero, using Joseph Campbell’s monomyth as a framework.
Understanding this journey is crucial for modern magicians to grasp what is expected of them on their mystical quest.
The Hero’s Journey, or the monomyth, is a concept popularized by mythologist Joseph Campbell in his seminal work, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” (1949).
He argued that most mythic narratives share a common structure, which is broken down into several stages.
Campbell’s work has profoundly influenced storytellers worldwide, from novelists to screenwriters, reshaping how we perceive narrative structure.
Before we explore Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey framework, it’s crucial to understand why chaos magic is not just relevant but necessary in the context of evolving human consciousness.
As we grow and expand our awareness, it’s imperative to also evolve our belief systems to prevent them from becoming stagnant dogmas.
This concept echoes the observation of the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who noted that everything in the natural world is in a constant state of flux.
People age, develop habits, change environments, and even the seemingly immutable elements like rocks are shaped over time by their surroundings. As Heraclitus said,
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.”
Furthering this idea, Indian philosopher Osho’s reflection that you cannot step into the same river even once highlights the continual transformation happening within and around us.
Accepting change requires letting go of fixed ideas and rigid identities shaped by external influences—be they societal norms, family expectations, or personal ambitions.
Consider the magician of several hundred years ago, deeply entwined with religious fears, perceiving spirits as malevolent entities to be appeased with offerings of wine and sweets.
This perspective was a reflection of the human psyche at the time, a psyche mired in fear and misunderstanding.
Is Magic Real?
So, the question arises: Is magic real or not? The answer depends on how you perceive magic.
Magic becomes a reality when you truly believe in your role as a magician, adopting a shamanic state of mind.
From belief, you move to faith, and from faith, you venture into the unknown to gain experience.
Through your own experiences, you can then answer this question.
This shift in belief and perception, moving towards faith and then towards experience through action, can fundamentally alter your psyche and, consequently, your reality.
While Hollywood magic is fictional, real magic lies in the essence of life and the universe itself, which are inherently magical.
Existence is magical, as are love, compassion, and the deep connections we share with others.
The mental manifestations that originate in the mind eventually take form in the physical realm, which is truly magical.
This aligns with the Hermetic principle that
“All is mind, the universe is mental.”
But that is the universal mind and within that universal mind, the universe resides. The All, The Absolute Reality is even beyond that.
What if we must go beyond even that?
The local egoistic mind cannot achieve this, as it is designed for the material universe, and that’s its function—there is nothing right or wrong about it.
However, we are the ones who seek to transcend this.
Remember, the local mind is a material construct of the universe.
The universe itself is material, so if the local mind is part of the universe, it is material too.
However, if the mind can ascend beyond the confines of this material universe into nothingness, it can be considered a universal mind.
But can the mind truly go beyond the universe, into nothingness?
I believe that is where the Self resides—your true self, the Atman, which can be called the soul or spirit.
I prefer to call it the Self.
This is why you are important—not your ego, but the inner spark, the Self—the unchanging, the untainted, the non-actionable, the non-desirable essence of your being.
To explore this further, please read Sankhya theory, which states that ignorance refers to the misunderstanding or lack of knowledge about the true nature of the self (Purusha) and the material world (Prakriti).
I would like to add that I am updating this guide for the second time.
This second version reflects my current level of consciousness, which has evolved since I first wrote it.
I have updated it with my newfound knowledge and magical experiences, as this journey is all about continuous growth and exploration towards Absolute Reality.
Let’s read these two verses from the Bhagavad Gita and contemplate on them:
“Yet for those whose understanding is limited, the reward is limited. Those who worship the gods go to the gods, but those who are devoted to me go to me.” (7-23)
“The unintelligent think of me, the unmanifest, as reduced to manifestation, oblivious of my higher state, which is unchanging and incomparable.” (7-24)
This highlights the importance of seeking a deeper, more profound understanding of the divine, which transcends all material manifestations and is unchanging and incomparable.
The Absolute Reality is beyond words and can be called the Beloved if you want to give it a name; it’s beyond gender anyway.
Now, let’s return to Chaos Magic.
Chaos magic emphasizes the importance of avoiding dogmatic approaches to magic.
It encourages a blend of old and new magical techniques, learning through practice and results, and ultimately, the creation of a unique style of magic.
This approach is particularly valuable for beginners who require guidance but are also cautioned against falling into the trap of dogmatic practices.
Avoid magicians who cling to rigid dogmas and preach a single path to enlightenment, especially if they remind you of the very dogmas you once escaped.
These individuals often get trapped in their own teachings, including extreme practices like demon worship, and stop growing spiritually because they can’t move beyond their fixed beliefs.
When practicing magic, believing in its reality is essential to alter your psyche.
However, it’s equally important not to become trapped in this altered state.
A true magician uses magic for personal benefit and the betterment of society at large, bringing something of value from the magical realm into the mundane.
With this understanding of chaos magic’s place in the evolution of magical practice, let’s proceed to examine the Hero’s Journey framework as outlined by Joseph Campbell.
At the end of this guide, I will share what my approach to chaos magic was and outline the path forward to ascend to higher realms of consciousness. Let’s get started.
The Call to Adventure
The Hero’s Journey begins with the call to adventure, where the hero is introduced in their ordinary world.
They receive a call, often from a mentor or a significant event, pushing them into a strange, unfamiliar world.
This is the beginning of their journey towards transformation.
“The first step, detachment or withdrawal, consists in a radical transfer of emphasis from the external to the internal world.” -Joseph Campbell
The journey begins when one recognizes the repetitive cycles, realizing that despite trying everything, the endings are always the same—disasters.
At this point, the hero starts to sense that there is more to life than just the mundane, more than what society tells us.
There is another path, a path trodden by heroes of the past.
Feeling an intuition to improve life, not just materially but also in the inner realm, the hero begins to see their own weaknesses.
They stop blaming others, become quiet, and start observing.
The Helper
Following the call to adventure, the hero encounters a helper or mentor figure.
This character provides assistance, advice, and even tools for the journey ahead.
They serve to prepare the hero for the trials they are about to face.
The hero’s interaction with the helper is a significant component of their growth.
“For those who have not refused the call, the first encounter of the hero journey is with a protective figure who provides the adventurer with amulets against the dragon forces he is about to pass.” -Joseph Campbell
The mentor, the guru—how do you find such a person?
Don’t worry about it. As the saying goes, the path appears when you start walking, and the teacher will come when the student is ready.
It’s important to remember that we are all human; we are imperfect and make mistakes.
Not imperfect in the sense of creation, as we are beyond perfect divine beings in essence, but imperfect in the sense that we can achieve higher realms and feel joy in this living experience.
Don’t follow any guru blindly. We all have weaknesses, but we can still learn from their wisdom.
Learn clarity from Sadhguru, meditation from Mooji, and beyond-duality thinking from Osho.
It’s not that a mentor or guru is wrong; they are simply at a higher level of consciousness.
The first mentor you should follow is your inner voice—not the voice of the ego, but the voice of your real self. That is your supreme mentor.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies
In the unfamiliar world, the hero faces tests, meets allies, and confronts enemies.
These trials test the hero’s courage, determination, and abilities.
They force the hero to adapt, learn, and grow, revealing their strengths and weaknesses.
This stage is pivotal in the hero’s character development and understanding of their new world.
“Where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world.” -Joseph Campbell
In this stage, a hero will be tested to see if they are ready for the next level of consciousness.
Whether the hero fails or succeeds doesn’t matter. The key is that the hero remains on the path and continuously strives for higher consciousness.
Even if mistakes are made and setbacks occur, there’s no issue because this is all part of the journey.
The hero will learn from every step. One might ask, “What path?” Please contemplate the lines below.
Don’t try to manifest the divine in the material realm—it’s already manifested through you, through me, through nature, animals, rocks, the universe, and everything else.
It’s time to go back home, towards the unmanifested. Towards the unknown, towards nothingness, towards the self.
Flight
In the context of the hero’s journey, the flight represents the hero’s retreat or strategic withdrawal after a victory or defeat.
This stage allows the hero to regroup, reflect on their journey so far, and prepare for the final confrontation.
“Not all who hesitate are lost. The psyche has many secrets in reserve. And these are not disclosed unless required.” -Joseph Campbell
In this journey, there will be several stops—places to relax, regain strength, and reflect on the path taken.
When the hero feels the need for such a pause, it’s best not to keep pushing forward.
Instead, sit, relax, meditate, and breathe. The next steps, the solutions—all will reveal themselves in their own divine timing.
Patience is key. At this stage, the hero must practice patience and wait for the inner self to unveil more secrets.
This is also the perfect time to clean your mental house. Drop old beliefs that no longer serve you, release past traumas, and heal.
The cauldron of your mind needs to be free of shadow selves in order to manifest properly.
Engage in shadow work; understand that when you blame others, your journey hasn’t even started.
When you blame yourself, your journey just begins.
And when you blame no one, you have already reached a high point.
I strongly encourage you to read I Ching Hexagram 50, known as “The Cauldron.” Here are a few points to consider, but please delve into the text for a deeper understanding.
The Cauldron symbolizes the alchemical process of transformation, where the separation between spirit and ego must dissolve.
This initiation often begins when the ego is wounded or a chosen path comes to an abrupt end.
Thus, the Cauldron represents the deeper, spiritual, and more comprehensive aspects of your journey.
It signifies a similar transformative process within the psyche.
A secure foundation must be established within the psyche before reconciling opposites and creating a new center of individuality.
And what is that center of individuality? It is your anchor point, your true Self—the Self that is not the ego.
This center is built through meditative practices. For more on this, please refer to my previous guide, “Conscious Will and Mindful Desire,” linked in the description.
If any part of this process is lost or neglected, the transformation will be incomplete and imperfect.
Elixir
The elixir, often referred to as the reward, is what the hero gains as a result of their journey.
It could be a physical object, wisdom, or inner transformation—something that can restore balance in the hero’s ordinary world.
“What is the secret of the timeless vision? From what profundity of the mind does it derive? Why is mythology everywhere the same, beneath its varieties of costume?” -Joseph Campbell
We all seek our own elixir. Some desire material success, while others yearn for spiritual fulfillment.
One thing is certain: we all crave the rich experience of life.
Someone once asked me, “What is the best place to live?” I replied, “Wherever you are, right here, right now.”
Because no matter where you go, you bring yourself along, and the same patterns will reemerge.
The truth is that your exact place is right here, right now.
This is the starting point of your journey. If I say we are all one, there is unity—one might not feel it due to the psyche’s dualities.
But what if one experiences that unity? That could be their elixir.
Sometimes, the elixir is achieved through material means, enabling a hero to comfortably pursue their work, whatever that may be.
However, it’s worth pondering how many elixirs we truly need.
The best elixir, the one that never fades, is your Self—your true Self.
Think about it, feel it, observe it. In the end, there is no one else but your Self, your Atman.
Threshold Crossing
This stage refers to the hero’s movement between the familiar and unfamiliar world, often marked by a ‘guardian’ or challenging event.
It’s a step into the unknown, signifying the hero’s willingness to undertake the journey and confront whatever lies ahead.
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” -Joseph Campbell
The hero must cross the threshold towards higher realms and higher consciousness.
At this stage, the hero must be free from guilt; otherwise, the pull of guilt will bring you down.
However, this process is cyclical, not linear, so setbacks are part of the journey.
Do not be afraid to go against convention or the confines of your upbringing and outdated beliefs in order to seek out your true self, your talents, skills, and abilities to express your authentic self.
Clarity is essential for the hero. Confidence alone is not enough; clarity will take you further than confidence ever could.
With clarity, you understand that you can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
Clarity will teach you that belief is a form of laziness; it’s a way to avoid putting in the effort to experience something for yourself.
Faith, on the other hand, is the beginning of truth.
For example, when you listen to this guide, you might think it is the truth, but you must not stop there.
Practice and experience it for yourself. Faith leads to practical experience.
This is my experience and my opinion; now, you practice and tell me your experience. That’s how it goes with clarity.
Brother-Battle
The brother-battle stage involves conflict with someone who is close to the hero.
This confrontation tests the hero’s loyalty, courage, and moral code.
The battle can be literal or symbolic, and it often deepens the hero’s understanding of themselves and their relationships.
“When you are going to do a deed of daring, it is good to have someone on your side. It is always better to have the gods with you than against you.” -Joseph Campbell
The hero must face opposition, which will increase patience and test clarity.
The question is not why to face opposition but to understand that we are all individuals on the material plane, each with our own paths.
No one should stray from their path; the hero must live their individuality through their authentic self.
In the higher realms, we are all one, so material battles should be avoided initially.
The real battle is not external but within us. The true adversaries are the false ego, false gods, hate, jealousy, envy, and feelings of inadequacy.
This is the real battle a hero must face. Sky gods, earth gods, sea gods, demons—all these are mental constructs that become very real due to our attention.
The hero must realize their falseness, recognize the splits in their psyche, and then reconcile them towards unity.
At this stage, the split in the psyche is still present. It is always advantageous to use these psychological constructs to your benefit rather than being a slave to them.
Dragon-Battle
The dragon-battle is the ultimate test, where the hero faces their greatest enemy, often a representation of their deepest fears or weaknesses.
This battle is a turning point in the hero’s journey and often signifies their transformation.
“Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life.” -Joseph Campbell
Let’s see what this dragon is according to Campbell.
The European dragon is a symbol of greed, hoarding treasures like gold and virgins that it can’t use, only guard.
Psychologically, this dragon represents the binding of oneself to one’s ego, trapping you in a self-made prison.
The true dragon lies within—your ego, which confines you.
This ego dictates your wants, beliefs, capabilities, loves, and life goals.
Often, these constraints are too narrow, limiting your potential.
If you’re only doing what your environment expects, then your ego has created a cage too small.
The environment, reflecting this internal dragon, becomes another layer of your confinement.
To slay your dragon, you must follow your bliss. Discover what truly brings you joy and don’t fear pursuing it.
If your work is chosen out of genuine enjoyment, you’ve found your bliss.
Doubts like “I couldn’t be a writer” or “I couldn’t do what they do” are your dragon’s way of locking you in.
Overcome these limiting beliefs by embracing your true passions and breaking free from the constraints of your ego.
Dismemberment
Dismemberment represents a significant loss or sacrifice that the hero must endure.
This stage further tests the hero’s resilience and commitment to their journey.
This loss can be physical, emotional, or spiritual.
“It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.” -Joseph Campbell
Do not worry about losses; they occur for various reasons, often to help the hero realign with their journey.
These setbacks are lessons to be learned, integral parts of the path to higher consciousness.
View them not as punishments but as elixirs—valuable experiences from which to learn and use later in the journey.
When facing a loss, sit down, relax, breathe, and ask yourself where you want to go, what your destination is, and what steps you need to take.
The snake will take you wherever you want to go, but what you do once you get there, and why you went there, is entirely up to you.
The snake is merely an energy that transports you, but the critical question is: why do you want to go there?
The snake is like a train, taking everyone everywhere, from stop to stop, destination to destination, place to place.
However, a passenger should know where they are going and why.
Without this clarity, one could easily get lost in the multitude of stops along the journey, falling into the abyss.
Crucifixion
The crucifixion stage symbolizes the hero’s self-sacrifice for a greater cause.
This ultimate surrender often leads to new knowledge or the attainment of the elixir.
But to whom is this ultimate surrender?
It is a surrender to the Self, to the divine spark within.
In essence, it means bowing down to your own Self, as Shiva resides within all as our own consciousness.
It’s a powerful demonstration of the hero’s growth and transformation.
“The agony of breaking through personal limitations is the agony of spiritual growth.” -Joseph Campbell
At this stage, the hero understands that everything is interconnected, finding unity both spiritually and psychologically.
The hero realizes that giving means gaining, and compassion becomes the elixir experienced during this phase.
The hero recognizes that running away from duty, the dharma that must be fulfilled, is not an option.
Self-sacrifice involves giving up personal desires to help or protect others and to advance or safeguard external and internal values.
The hero understands that the elixirs gained must be used for self-improvement and to integrate into everyday life, enhancing the experiences of others and alleviating suffering.
Abduction
The abduction stage involves the hero being captured or going into hiding, forcing them to confront their situation and find a way out.
This stage further develops the hero’s resourcefulness and determination.
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” -Joseph Campbell
At this stage abduction transcends the concept of good and bad; it exists beyond duality.
Take, for instance, the oil painting “The Abduction of Psyche,” also known as “The Rapture of Psyche.”
This artwork, inspired by the myth of Cupid and Psyche, depicts Psyche’s ascension to heaven with Cupid.
It symbolizes the transition from earthly existence to the divine. The artwork illustrates Psyche’s journey towards a new realm of existence.
At this stage, hope, love, and dreams are crucial.
While we often plan and wish for things to unfold our way, the Self inherently knows the best path.
Embrace and surrender to the true Self within you, trusting its guidance.
Night-sea Journey and Whale’s Belly
The night-sea journey refers to a period of darkness and despair that the hero must endure.
This stage represents the hero’s descent into the subconscious, where they confront and overcome their darkest fears and doubts.
“The dark night of the soul comes just before revelation.” -Joseph Campbell
Similar to the night-sea journey, the whale’s belly stage represents a time of introspection and self-discovery.
It’s a place of isolation where the hero faces their deepest fears and emerges stronger.
“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.” -Joseph Campbell
In our darkest moments, when we feel most vulnerable, we are invited to trust in the wisdom of our own journey.
For more detailed information on the dark night of the soul, please refer to my other guide titled “Echoes of the Inner Abyss,” linked in the description.
It’s crucial to maintain hope even amid despair and to believe in the transformative power of our inner light.
Campbell reminds us, “Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain,” highlighting the inner strength we have to navigate difficult times.
Now the question is, what is that place where there’s joy?
It’s your inner anchor that leads you to your true Self.
Sit down, relax, and breathe slowly. Go beyond duality. Do not engage with your thoughts; they are like leaves floating on a stream, coming and going.
You are not the leaf; you are the stream.
Rise above the mundane and enter the place where there is no one, no thought, no pain, no joy—just pure nothingness, the void.
In that pure nothingness, the void reveals your true self, emerging as a singular point of consciousness.
Relax in that space where there is only a single point of consciousness.
Breathe in this place. Maya, or illusion, is below you now, and you are up there, relaxing.
From that point, bring forth your joy. This state comes with practice, and with regular meditation, you will achieve it.
Sacred Marriage
The sacred marriage represents the hero’s union with a significant other or even a divine entity.
This union often symbolizes a balance between opposing forces within the hero, such as masculine and feminine, or conscious and unconscious.
“Woman is the guide to the sublime acme of sensuous adventure.” -Joseph Campbell
This is the stage where the alchemical process is complete.
The psyche is now whole, blockages are removed, and masculine and feminine energies are united.
Unity is achieved, and yin and yang are balanced. The father and son are one.
There is no duality in the psyche, no light or dark—just the hero breathing in the grey.
When the psyche is united, that is the place of blissfulness, the place of rapture.
It’s important to note that this stage is not permanent. It comes and goes.
I believe that one cannot achieve it through practice alone but with divine help and blessings.
And what is that divine? It is the absolute reality—your own true Self, the divine spark within you.
So, my friend, forgive yourself and free yourself.
Let go of past traumas and anything that is not serving you or is holding you back.
Liberate yourself and embrace freedom.
Give yourself moksha, for no one else can grant you this liberation—only your Self, your divine spark.
“God is within you! You yourself are the creator. If you find that place within you from which you brought this thing about, you will be able to live with it and affirm it, perhaps even enjoy it, as your life.” -Joseph Campbell
Apotheosis
The apotheosis is the culmination of the hero’s transformation.
Having faced and overcome their greatest challenges, the hero achieves a new level of understanding, often gaining wisdom or spiritual insight.
“The hero is the one who comes to know.” -Joseph Campbell
So the hero comes to understand. The question arises: understand what?
This time, I will not answer that question. You are the hero of your journey—ask yourself what you have come to understand. At this stage, all I have to offer is a smile.
“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.” -Joseph Campbell
Return
After achieving their goal, the hero must return to their ordinary world.
They bring with them the elixir or the lessons learned, ready to share with their community.
This stage often presents its own challenges, as the hero must reintegrate into their old life.
“The hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.”
The final challenge for the hero is to return to mundane life and integrate into it.
If, after the journey, the hero cannot function in daily life, it means the integration of the material and spiritual has not been completed. The material and spiritual are two faces of the same coin.
The hero must apply all they have learned. The elixir they have retrieved must be used to advance consciousness for the betterment of all beings.
Now the question arises: where will the hero go from here?
My friend, the journey is never-ending. The void must create—it is driven by love, loneliness, art, or whatever fuels it.
My truth is that the journey never truly ends—one Big Bang follows another, with cycles continuing after a period of rest.
Even now, I ask you to sit in bliss, breathe, relax, and sleep.
Do you want to do this for eternity, or do you want to play some games—interesting games where the experience feels real, and you forget it’s just a game?
It’s simply a question, a contemplation. Take it lightly—research and experience it for yourself.
There’s no absolute truth; if you ask me the same question in a few years, I might give a different answer as my consciousness evolves and so does the collective consciousness.
But one thing I experience again and again is this: from my experience, I have found that Absolute Reality is pure love.
The hero represents growth, change, and transformation rather than a static, finished state.
The hero is celebrated for their journey and the process of evolving, rather than reaching a final, unchanging endpoint.
This highlights the importance of the journey and continuous development over simply achieving a final goal.
“The hero is the champion of things becoming, not of things become.” -Joseph Campbell
Conclusion
In the concluding stages of the Hero’s Journey, the transformed hero begins their return to the ordinary world, bringing with them the elixir – a token of wisdom, healing, or power gained from their quest.
Their return is not always easy; they often face a final, dangerous test in the resurrection phase, where they must confront death and emerge victorious, showcasing the growth and wisdom they have attained.
The death is not literal; it signifies the end of old beliefs and the dissolution of the ego. When the ego dissolves, it regenerates on a higher plane, closer to the true Self.
As Campbell said:
“We have not even to risk the adventure alone; for the heroes of all time have gone before us; the labyrinth is thoroughly known; we have only to follow the thread of the hero-path.”
In conclusion, the Hero’s Journey is a rich narrative structure encapsulating the human experience of growth and transformation.
It provides a guide for understanding our personal journeys and the stories that resonate with us, celebrating the power of the individual and their capacity for change.
Integrating Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey framework into one’s spirtual practice offers a profound pathway for personal transformation and enlightenment.
This path, rich with potential for discovery and growth, also bears the risk of becoming lost in the metaphorical cave of our fears and obsessions.
Here, the magician might either gain a great gift—new wisdom or strength—or get trapped by the very shadows they tried to understand, ending up worshiping the demons and gods that symbolize their deepest anxieties.
In the realm of chaos magic, the journey begins with foundational practices such as creating sigils, a form of symbolic magic aimed at manifesting the magician’s will.
As one progresses, they might explore established magical systems like Thelema, gradually evolving their practice to include the creation of personal deities and ultimately transcending these constructs to engage with the unknown.
This evolution is not a straight line but a cycle, reflecting the continuous process of death and rebirth.
My personal journey through chaos magic led me to an experiment where I blended the energies of three mythological figures: Shamayza, Lilith, and Inanna.
Imagining a union with these entities, I created a deity named Eshara. This act of creation serves as a powerful example of how one can engage with and influence the psyche through symbolic acts.
Let’s consider the implications of such a magical working.
By invoking Shamayza, Lilith, and Inanna, and uniting them in a single imaginative act, I was not merely engaging in a fantasy but actively reshaping my inner landscape.
This process mirrors the Hero’s Journey, where the hero ventures into the unknown, faces challenges, and returns transformed.
The creation of Eshara symbolizes the integration of different aspects of my psyche and the transcendent potential of chaos magic to generate new forms of understanding and strength.
Let’s craft a narrative that blends these figures into a unified concept and assigns each a corner in a symbolic triangle, culminating in the birth of a mythical child that embodies their collective qualities.
The Triangle of Transcendence
Let’s name this speculative triangle The Triangle of Transcendence, reflecting the surpassing of limits and the blending of rebellion, autonomy, and divine power into a new form of existence.
- Shamayza’s Corner: Rebellion – Shamayza stands at the corner symbolizing rebellion, representing the challenge to celestial order and the breaking of boundaries.
- Lilith’s Corner: Autonomy – Lilith occupies the corner of autonomy, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of independence and equality.
- Inanna’s Corner: Strength – Inanna claims the corner of strength, embodying divine authority over life, death, love, and war.
The Mythical Child: A Progeny of Transcendence
The mythical child born from the union of these three entities would be a deity or spirit of unparalleled might and complexity, embodying Rebellion, Autonomy, and Power in equal measure.
Let’s call this entity Eshara, a name suggestive of new beginnings and the synthesis of their parents’ most potent qualities.
Eshara’s Attributes:
- Rebellion: Eshara inherits the spirit of rebellion from Shamayza, challenging the existing order and encouraging beings to question the status quo.
- Autonomy: From Lilith, Eshara embodies autonomy, promoting the importance of self-determination and equality across all realms.
- Power: Inherited from Inanna, Eshara wields strength with both creativity and destruction, mastering the cycles of life and change with wisdom and compassion.
Eshara would serve as a guardian of thresholds, a deity of transitions and transformations, guiding entities through the process of surpassing their inherent limitations.
This child would not belong to any one realm but would move freely among them, teaching the value of embracing one’s full potential beyond the confines of predefined roles or identities.
The nature and outcome of engaging with chaos magic, especially through the creation and interaction with a deity like Eshara, are inherently unpredictable.
This unpredictability is a fundamental aspect of chaos magic, which thrives on the potential for transformation and the unknown.
When one ventures into the astral realms with the guidance or protection of Eshara, or seeks her intervention in their magical workings, the effects can vary widely.
Such an entity might offer wisdom, protection, or pose challenging inquiries reflective of deeper existential questions.
Imagine Eshara, a deity, asking her creator, “Father, why did you create me?”
This question mirrors the fundamental human inquiry into the nature of existence and purpose.
In the context of chaos magic, where the fabric of reality is understood to be shaped by belief and will, the question from Eshara invites a reflection on the intentions and desires that drive our creative impulses.
Responding to Eshara, or pondering the reason for our own existence, might not yield definitive answers.
In chaos theory and magic, the lack of a clear answer is not a problem but a reflection of the complex, interconnected, and often paradoxical nature of existence.
The act of creation itself, whether it’s bringing forth a new life, a work of art, or a magical entity, often stems from a deep, sometimes unconscious drive to express, explore, and understand our place in the universe.
The exploration of chaos magic and the creation of entities like Eshara highlight the profound power of mental imagination and belief.
When we invest our willpower and attention into our creations, they can become real, manifesting within our psychological and, sometimes, our physical realms.
Through my journey of working with these entities, I discovered that the focused attention and belief in these creations made them tangible within my experience.
This process underscores the importance of mental strength and resilience, as engaging in such experiments can be influenced by the collective consciousness of others, including the guilt and expectations they may project onto us.
Unethical experiments by other magicians, worshiping these entities, and making offerings are useless because, in doing so, you become their psychological servant.
Sometimes, we must do what we have to in order to seek the ultimate truth.
The thing is, the gods of the past become today’s demons, and today’s gods will become tomorrow’s demons.
This is a psychological play that humans have been engaged in for a long time.
When enough people focus their attention on a certain god, that god becomes real in the collective consciousness.
People then start relying on these gods both psychologically and physically, without realizing that these are their own creations.
Through my journey, I realized that the real strength lies within the Self.
The divine is within all of us; we are all one.
This path ultimately led me to a deeper understanding of the unity of all beings and the realization that the highest form of truth lies within the Self.
This journey towards the Self, the divine spark within, is the most profound truth I have experienced.
Always remember that you are life itself, and that is the ultimate goal of your existence.
There are no inherent goals beyond what we collectively create, whether it’s love for all or hate for all; it’s all up to us.
May your divine self bless you with the inspiration and effort to quiet your ego, which constantly thinks, worries, and wanders aimlessly.
There is nothing to wonder about, nothing to worry about, nothing to know, nothing to gain, and nothing to lose.
You have everything you need, and you can find peace if only your mind can be quiet.
Just learn to watch—nothing else.
The actual transformation happens when all imagination ends, and the chaos in the mind ceases.
Only the consciousness of existence remains. Peace is the true experience. Any peace that depends on something is not real peace.
When peace exists on its own, without any imagination, that is true transformation.
This means you have overcome the effects of your own consciousness and moved closer to the truth.
I heard someone say, a bird can be named thousands of times in different languages, but in the end, you know nothing about the bird itself—only about human languages and what they call that bird.
As Osho said,
“Do not believe in something; you will lose intelligence. Belief is like poison to your intelligence. Do not believe anyone, including me. You have to find your own insight and follow wherever it leads. Whether anyone else has followed that path is not the question. Each individual is unique, and each individual’s beauty lies in that uniqueness.”
A person with such faith worships their chosen god to fulfill their desires, but it is the Self, the absolute reality, that grants these desires.
For those with limited understanding, the results of their worship are also limited.
Those who worship other gods go to those gods, but those devoted to the absolute truth of the Self come directly to it.
Wherever you are, however you are, in whatever condition you are, be happy, be present.
Stay in the Self, We all are one. We all are the Self.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” -Joseph Campbell
Breathe Above
In the rush of daily plays,
pause to find your quiet space.
Though the script holds tight its sway,
come up here and breathe, my friend.
Where there’s no one, just you, just one,
step back from the crowded stage.
See yourself from above, behold
life’s drama from a tranquil place.
As scenes unfold with fervent zeal,
and you embrace the act so real,
but once in a while come up here and breathe, my friend,
where there’s no one, just you, just one.
In solitude, find clarity,
a moment’s peace, a chance to be.
Away from all the noise and fray,
come up here and breathe, my friend.
Where there’s no one, just you, just one,
reflect, release, and then resume.
Amidst life’s play, remember then:
come up here and breathe, my friend.
Where there’s no one, just you, just one.
