The Hero’s Journey_3: Supernatural Aid

We are continuing on the path where the hero has received the call and did not refuse it. Hopefully, you too have heard the call, did not reject it, and are still here. If this is your first time coming across this post, I’d suggest starting with these two articles first:

• The Call to Adventure

• Refusal of the Call

  
  

Let’s briefly recall why we might refuse the call. Since the ego strives for control and power, perceiving this mystical, unconscious, animus domain requires an intuitive acceptance beyond the mind. Those who are highly rational may struggle to access this realm. The ego does not easily permit surrender, yet surrender is essential for receiving guidance. We find new truths by letting go—by accepting that we don’t know.

Joseph Campbell tells us that when we accept the call and surrender the need to know, people and signs will begin to appear to support our path.

The labyrinth—the hero's path—is complex. One may get lost or take detours. Although the journey may feel lonely, we are never truly alone. Guidance always finds us. When the ego loosens its grip and we step into the unknown with courage, the guide appears. This guide may come in the form of a person, an event, a symbol, or a dream—emerging to help reveal our potential.

What can “Supernatural Aid” look like?

• Clues that show up along the way

• Answers to questions you’ve been asking

• An unexpected person suddenly entering your life

• An inner sense of guidance

• Symbolic dreams offering insight into what needs to change

• Recurring symbols or signs

• Frequent synchronicities

  
  

In my view, the most important thing to note here is not to confuse supernatural aid with the “rescuer” archetype. Waiting for a rescuer is, in a sense, still a refusal of the adventure. The individual resists taking responsibility, preferring to stay in the comfort of the child-self, hoping someone else will take charge. I know this because I’ve been there 😊

Understanding the difference between supernatural aid and the rescuer archetype can help us avoid falling into that trap again.

• A supernatural guide prepares the hero for life. They offer a talisman, often appearing as a wise figure.

• They provide symbolic tools that show us how to walk the path, what challenges might arise, and how we might proceed.

• Supernatural aid guides us to use our own potential—it doesn’t advise, direct, or instruct.

• This figure never speaks in absolutes but instead nudges us toward questioning and inner reflection.

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The rescuer, on the other hand, tends to speak with certainty and may project their own perspective onto you.

At the same time, trying to make sense of everything on the journey can be another ego defense. I’ve done that too, once upon a time.

Campbell says the process flows more easily when we’re not trying to prove anything to anyone.

Wishing you the ability to hear the guidance and recognize the supernatural aid on your journey…