The Hero’s Journey Through the Zodiac
From the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh to Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, we encounter heroes in various myths. These heroes might fall in love, sacrifice their lives to save the world, or transform from saints to warriors. Despite the fact that the battles we now fight as post-modern individuals, armed with courage, nobility, and valor, are often quite distant from the battles of old, we all still consider ourselves the heroes of our own lives.
Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth theory describes how the hero embarks on a cyclical journey. Departing from home, the hero later returns after undergoing a process of maturation. Our personal journeys follow similar stages: we leave the comfort of our parents’ care and venture into the adventure of life. Along the way, we encounter individuals who leave an impact on us, and through relationships, we mature and make new decisions. Metaphorically, we become like children venturing bravely into the depths of the forest, stepping into the unknown where wolves howl and wild creatures roam. The animals we encounter in the forest symbolize our weaknesses, shadows, and fears. Our battle is waged against these forces: if the hero prevails in this mysterious journey, they return home, having succeeded in their mission. However, the hero who returns is not the same as the one who first embarked—they change, evolve, confront their inner self, and discover themselves anew. And then, responding to a new call, they initiate a new cycle.
The hero’s journey is inherently cyclical. Cyclicity is a fundamental principle of astrology: all planets rise and set, and even now, celestial bodies move in cyclical patterns. Astrology’s core principle is that every action on Earth has a celestial counterpart. The hero’s journey of self-discovery and confrontation with oneself can also be seen within the zodiac. The zodiac comprises twelve signs, beginning with Aries and culminating in Pisces. This circle corresponds to the stages of the hero’s journey. Just as someone easily departs from home like an Aries, they return home with wisdom after the Piscean experience.
Sun signs, which almost everyone is familiar with, indicate the areas where we most contend with being heroes. Aries, a skilled initiator, fearlessly charges into new endeavors, willing to take risks. They are true warriors, always prepared to engage in new battles. Taurus, like a lazy hero, resists leaving home due to a desire for stability: they cling to comforting habits and may struggle to take the first step. Gemini, engrossed in curiosity, might forget where they are headed as they communicate with everything encountered on their journey. They become so focused on the external world that they lose their connection to themselves. Cancer, reluctant to leave the safety of their mother’s embrace, embarks on journeys of helping others but remains oblivious to their own needs. Leo, the hero, wants to celebrate their victories over vanquished foes. However, their shadow side might fall prey to their ego and pride. Virgo aspires to become a perfect hero by learning from their mistakes. Their critical abilities are so refined that they return home having matured.
Libra, struggling to maintain balance in relationships, focuses their energy on connections. Unable to decide which path to take, they embody the hero who hesitates to move forward. Scorpio, in a battle with the wolf in the forest, may find it difficult to emerge from the depths of the forest into the light. Yet, they are the hero who will undergo profound transformations. Sagittarius, a brave hero, sets their sights on new horizons. If they don’t resist experience, they open a window to a new world. Capricorn takes the task of becoming a hero quite seriously, living life like the chill of winter. Yet, this hero needs a bit of cheer and optimism. Ultimately, they become a wise hero. Aquarius fights not only for themselves but for the rights and freedoms of others. They find balance when they also acknowledge their own rights and freedoms. Pisces lives their entire life like the story of Jonah and the whale, living free from ego and immersed in tranquility. When they comprehend the inner wisdom of all moments on their journey, they become a resplendent soul vibrating at the highest level.
Gülden Bulut, 2023