Integrating the Hero's and Heroine's Journeys

Integrating the Hero’s and Heroine’s Journeys

Robert Dilts and Elisabeth Magro-Falcone

Managing the process of both personal and professional growth can be likened to what Joseph

Campbell called the “Hero’s Journey.” As a mythologist, Campbell searched for the connections in

the myths and stories of change that went across generational and cultural boundaries. He examined

stories of heroes, historical and mythical, spanning all ages, cultures and religions.

Campbell discovered that certain themes are repeated in many cultures and appear to be deeper

threads connecting all of humanity, reflecting the overall path that we take from birth to death

regardless of our individual circumstances. Campbell described the commonalities of our overall

life paths in terms of the steps of the “Hero’s Journey”—the sequence of events that seem to be

shared in the epic myths and stories of every culture that can also be applied to our personal lives.

Campbell’s notion of the hero’s journey provides a powerful road map for dealing with the

challenges of any type of change, especially change involving our identities.

Phases of the Hero’s Journey

According to Campbell, the fundamental steps of the hero’s journey include:

1. Receiving the calling (a “call to action” or “call to adventure”) that relates to our identity, life

purpose or mission. These callings can come in many forms and frequently represent transition

points in our lives. Becoming a parent, changing jobs, recovering from a serious illness,

producing a creative work, entering a new stage of life, etc., all represent different types of

callings. Such callings generally arise as a result of life’s changing circumstances and are

typically quite challenging (otherwise it would not need to be a “hero’s” journey). They also

usually involve an expansion or evolution of our identities. Committing to the calling leads us to

confront a boundary or threshold in our existing abilities or map of the world.

2. Crossing the threshold propels us into some new heretofore unknown life “territory” outside of

our current comfort zone; a territory that forces us to grow and evolve, and requires us to find

support and guidance. According to Campbell, this threshold is generally a “point of no return,”

meaning that, once we are across it, we cannot go back to the way things used to be. We must

move forward into the unknown.

3. Facing Trials and Obstacles is a natural result of crossing a threshold. Frequently, these

challenges bring out what Campbell calls the “demons” – people or presences that appear to

oppose, tempt or negate us as heroes. “Demons,” however, are not necessarily evil or bad; they

are simply a type of “energy” that we need to learn to contend with, accept and redirect. Often,

demons are simply a reflection of one of our own inner fears and shadows (parts of ourselves

that we are disconnected from and try to suppress, avoid or deny).

4. Mentors and Allies (or Guardians) often emerge naturally as a result of our having the courage to

cross a threshold. (As it has been said, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”)

“Guardians” are the key relationships we develop that support us to build skills, believe in

ourselves and stay focused on our objectives. Although a hero’s journey is a very personal

journey, it is not something that we can do alone. We need to be open and willing to receive

support.

5. Transformation is necessary in order to deal with uncertainty and transform the “demon.” A

hero’s journey is ultimately a path of learning and self-evolution. The resources that help us to

cross the threshold into new territory and transform the demon are the beliefs, capabilities,

behavioral skills and tools we are able to put into action in order to deal with complexity,

uncertainty and resistance. This is the area where we ourselves must grow in order to develop the

flexibility and increased competence necessary to successfully navigate new territory (internal

and external) and overcome the obstacles that arise along the way.

6. The Return home as a transformed person, and sharing with others the knowledge and experience

gained as a result of the journey. It is also important that you be seen and acknowledged as your

new identity. This is necessary in order to complete the cycle of personal transformation.

The Heroine’s Journey

But what about the Heroine's Journey? The one undertaken by the Woman—or by the feminine part

that each human being carries within? The Heroine’s Journey is NOT the same as the Hero’s

Journey, and vice versa. Maureen Murdock—psychotherapist, bestselling author, and speaker—had

the opportunity to interview Joseph Campbell. She realized that the stages he had outlined did not

reflect the stories of the women she encountered in her practice. So she mapped out a different path.

The Hero, responding to a call or searching for meaning, embarks on an external adventure and

passes through a series of transformative stages. Although Campbell primarily portrayed male

figures, many women also relate to these archetypal steps.

The Heroine, however, often begins by conforming to external norms—shaped by a patriarchal

society. She might initially answer a call similar to the Hero’s. But over time, she may feel a deep

loss of meaning and a disconnection from her feminine core.

Her journey is more inward. She descends—often through a period of darkness or depression—only

to be reborn into her true self. Many men, too, recognize themselves in this process.

To sum up: the Hero’s Journey is outward-facing, while the Heroine’s is inward. Both are essential,

and neither can be complete without the other.

To move beyond this duality and toward something more integrated, we must recognize that each of

us—man or woman—carries both of these journeys within: the masculine and the feminine, the

outward quest and the inward one.

This leads us to a vital question, “What if reconciling our inner masculine and feminine energies

was the key—not just for our own growth, but for the well-being of all of humanity? What if we

brought this inner union into our workplaces, families, friendships, and the way we raise our

children?” Wouldn’t that be extraordinary?

The Hero and Heroine’s Journey in Career Transition

As an example, let’s look at how both the Hero's and Heroine’s Journeys would relate to something

like career transition.

Mapping the Hero’s Journey

1. Receiving the Calling: In the Hero's Journey, this is the stage where the hero is invited to leave

their ordinary world and embark on a new adventure. In a career transition, this is akin to the

decision to change careers and pursue a new path.

2. Crossing the Threshold: This is where the hero commits to the journey and leaves their comfort

zone. For career changers, this involves taking the first steps towards their new career, such as

enrolling in training or starting a job search.

3. Trials and Obstacles: The hero faces challenges and learns new skills. Similarly, career transition

involves overcoming impediments, acquiring new skills, and adapting to new environments.

4. Mentors and Allies: In the Hero's Journey, mentors and allies provide guidance and support. In a

career transition, this can be mentors, coaches, or supportive peers who help navigate the change.

5. Transformation: The hero undergoes significant personal growth. In career transitions,

individuals often experience personal and professional growth as they adapt to their new roles.

6. Return The hero returns to their world with newfound wisdom or skills. For people in career

transitions, this is achieving the desired career and applying their new skills and insights.

By framing their career transition as a Hero's Journey, people can view their path as a

transformative adventure, which can be both motivating and empowering.

Mapping the Heroine’s Journey

The Heroine's Journey emphasizes internal transformation and the integration of different aspects of

the self. Here's how it can relate to career transition:

1. Separation from the Feminine: This stage involves distancing from traditional roles or

expectations. In a career transition, it might mean stepping away from a familiar career path that

no longer aligns with one's true self.

2. Identification with the Masculine: The heroine often adopts traits associated with the masculine,

such as assertiveness and independence, to succeed in a male-dominated environment. In career

transitions, this might involve developing new skills or adopting a more assertive approach to

career development.

3. Road of Trials: Similar to the Hero's Journey, this involves facing challenges and overcoming

obstacles. However, the focus is often on internal struggles and emotional growth.

4. Descent and Initiation: The heroine experiences a period of introspection and inner turmoil,

leading to a deeper understanding of herself. In career transitions, this might involve reflecting

on personal values and redefining success.

5. Integration of the Masculine and Feminine: The heroine learns to balance and integrate both

masculine and feminine qualities. In a career context, this could mean finding a harmonious way

to leverage both analytical and empathetic skills.

6. Union and Wholeness: The heroine achieves a sense of wholeness and authenticity. In a career

transition, this is reaching a point where one's career aligns with personal values and aspirations.

7. Return: The heroine returns to her world with newfound wisdom and a sense of purpose. In

career transitions, this is achieving the desired career outcome and bringing a more authentic self

to the professional world.

Incorporating the Heroine's Journey with the Hero’s Journey can provide a nuanced perspective that

supports people in a more introspective and holistic approach to career change.

Exploring Your Own Hero’s and Heroine’s Journey

To explore and prepare yourself for some of the key aspects of your own life situation, pick a

project, transition or initiative that you are currently involved in or planning and explore the

following questions:

1. The calling: What is this situation calling me to do? In what way is it calling me to stretch or

to grow? Who do I need to become, or become more, in order to achieve this calling? (It is

often useful to answer this question in the form of a symbol or metaphor; e.g., “I am being

called to become an eagle/warrior/magician, etc.”)

Separation/Identification : Are there any masculine figures I identify with? Or are there any

feminine ones? Do I reject any characteristics of these figures? Which ones do I rely on?

2. The threshold: What is the threshold I must go beyond, the risk I must take? What is the

unknown territory, outside of my comfort zone, that I must enter in order to achieve my

calling?

Descent and Initiation : Do I feel a sense of loss of meaning about the threshold I need to

cross?

3. Trials and challenges: What challenges, dangers, difficulties, etc. must I face? What seems to

be against me? (Demon) What difficult feelings does that bring up? (Shadow)

Road of Trials : What is my greatest inner challenge right now? Do I feel a sense of

emptiness?

4. Mentors and allies: Who are my inner and outer guardians that support me on my journey?

How and at what level do they support me? What are their key messages for me?

Are these figures more feminine or more masculine?

5. Transformation: What resources do I have and which do I need to develop more fully in

order to face the challenges and accomplish my calling? At what level are those resources and

how will I develop them?

Integration and Wholeness : Do I have a balance of resources that are both fluid (yin) and

grounded (yang)?

Conclusion

Integrating the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey offers a powerful and balanced approach

to coaching, personal development and leadership. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Wholeness and Integration: It encourages both external mastery (action, courage, change) and

internal mastery (self-awareness, emotional integration, meaning).

2. Balanced Masculine and Feminine Energies: It supports taking actions that are decisive yet

empathetic and strategic yet relational.

3. Transformation Without Burnout: It promotes sustainable growth that honors both challenge

and self-care.

References:

The Hero with a Thousand Faces , Campbell, J., Fontana Press., London, UK, 1993.

The Heroine’s Journey: Woman’s Quest for Wholeness , Murdock, M., Shambala, Boulder, CO.,

1990

The Hero’s Journey: A Voyage of Self-Discovery , Gilligan, S. and Dilts, R., Crown House

Publishers, London, 2009.