Creative Change Makers are seekers: they are searching, each in their own way, for more meaning, more light, more intensity, more passion and more life.
There is a mythological man called Hercules who it is said, was an ordinary human who also was a seeker like us. He was a hero, as are we.
The Labours of Hercules is a story of this hero. It is about his journey through the ups and downs of life, as he quests for his own holy grail – life’s meaning, greater illumination on his path, more intense moments, creative passion, and a knowing that the greater part of himself has triumphed.
This story has been interpreted by Alice Bailey in terms of the twelve labours through which we each pass on our journey.
The story traces Hercules’ experiences and exploits as he passes through the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each sign represents a part of Hercules’ character, and so of our own. Each is a story that, if pondered deeply, can give us insight into our own natures.
Each month I’ll write about Hercules’ labour for that month, starting with Taurus.
The following is a description by the Tibetan Master DK, of Hercules, the every-person in us all, as he lives, loves, experiences and learns until his inner light brings him to the notice of the ‘great presiding Elder’. We can interpret this Elder as our own soul or spirit, our higher self.
Noticing Hercules’ inner light intensify over time, the Elder decides that our hero is ready to undertake the tasks on the final part of his life’s journey. These are the twelve labours: the challenges and opportunities guiding those of us who are life’s seekers, from ignorance to wisdom; from self service, to service of others; and from pain and struggle to joy and creative power.
From out the mass of men, one man stood forth in ancient days and caught the great presiding Elder’s watching eye, he who eternally presides within the council chamber of the Lord. He turned to one who stood, close at his hand, and asked “Who is that soul upon the Way of lifes, experiences who seeks the clear light which shines from the High Place?
Let him proceed upon his way, but watch his steps.”
The swiftly passing aeons ran their course. The great wheel turned and, turning brought the seeking soul upon the Way. Later, there came a day when the Presiding One, within the Council Chamber of the Lord, again drew to the circle of his radiant life the seeking soul.
“Who is this soul upon the Way of high endeavour whose radiance dimly shineth forth?’
Came the reply: “A soul who seeks the light of understanding, a struggling soul.”
‘Tell him from me to return the other way and then to travel round the circle. Then will he find the object of his search. Watch o’er his steps and, when he has an understanding heart, an eager mind and skilful hand, bring him to me.”
Again the centuries passed. The great wheel turned and, in turning, carried all the sons of men, who are the Sons of God, upon their way. And as these centuries passed, a group of men emerged who slowly turned the other way. They found the Way. They passed the Gates and struggled towards the mountain top, and towards the place of death and sacrifice. The watching Teacher saw a man emerge from out this crowd, mount the fixed Cross, demanding deeds to do, service to render unto God and man, and willingness to travel the Way to God. He stood before the great Presiding One who works within the Council Chamber of the Lord and heard a word go forth:
“Obey the Teacher on the Way. Prepare for the last tests. Pass through each Gate and in the sphere which they reveal and guard, perform the labour which befits their sphere. Learn thus the lesson and begin with love to serve the men of earth.” Then to the Teacher went the final word: “Prepare the candidate. Give him his labours to perform and place his name upon the tablets of the living Way.”
Alice Bailey, (1974) The Labours of Hercules: An Astrological Interpretation.
April 2010