The 12 Labors of Hercules

THE 12 LABORS OF HERCULES

AS ALLEGORY FOR THE PATH OF DISCIPLESHIP

The ancient legend of the great son of man who was also a Son of God, the one who is called Hercules, is handed down to us from the mists of time and was created by Initiates of The Mystery Schools as an allegorical story which encapsulates the long and obstacle-strewn journey of the aspirant to The Path of Attainment over uncountable lifetimes on Planet Earth. The name, Herakles, means The Glory of The Soul (or Higher Self), and the goal of all who choose the lengthy cycle of incarnations on this planet is the full and absolute dominance of The Soul over the incarnate personality.

Herakles or Hercules was the very first World Teacher to incarnate from out of the ranks of The Spiritual Hierarchy and walk amongst Humankind unknown eons ago, and the name of Herakles is a modern translation of his original name in a tongue long forgotten. The World Teacher is now also called The Christ and The Chohan of The Second Ray.

Each of The Labors is performed in one of The 12 Signs of The Zodiac as the spiritual aspirant journeys from Aries to Pisces around The Great Wheel in a counter-clockwise direction. This represents the innumerable rounds of lifetimes of the incarnate Soul as it slowly rises out of the fogs and miasms of its animal nature and the illusions of materiality. The Path has been laid out by The Lord of The World, Sanat Kumara, and all, without exception, are on this Path whether conscious of it or not. It usually takes hundreds and hundreds of lifetimes to even find The Path of Probation which is succeeded by The Path of Discipleship (to an Ascended Master) after many lifetimes of hardship and effort. The final Path is The Path of Initiation which begins with The Birth of The Christ in the cave of the heart and ends, at The 5th Initiation, with The Ascension.

Herakles represents the aspirant on The Path of Discipleship, and The Labors are those tests which all must face and successfully overcome to achieve the liberation that comes when moving along The Path of Initiation toward escaping from The Wheel of Rebirth at its culmination.

Most of this was written by Alice A. Bailey, however I firmly believe that she was mentally influenced and intuitively impressed by Djwhal Khul, The Ascended Master of Wisdom, as she wrote it. Lord Kuthumi was her Master, and D.K. was The Teacher sent to work with her. He directly provided the legend for the Introduction and the first 7 Labors prior to her passing in 1949, after which Dr. Francis Merchant provided the legend for the final 5 Labors. The legend of Hercules and The 12 Labors that he underwent is the journey that we all must take as sons and daughters of Man toward the eventual expression of our Divinity when we have constructed The Bridge of Antahkarana and the lower nature has become superceded by The Higher Nature of our God Self.

J.O. Cyr, M.D.

INTRODUCTION

The Path Through The Zodiac

"The Presiding One looked forth upon the sons of men, who are The Sons of God. He saw their light and where they stood upon The Way (of Discipleship) which leads back to The Heart of God. The Way sweeps in a circle through The 12 Great Gates (12 Signs of The Zodiac) and, Cycle after Cycle, The Gates are opened and The Gates are shut. The Sons of God, Who are the sons of men, march on."

"Dim is the light at first. Selfish the trend of human aspiration and dark the deeds resultant. Slowly men learn and, in learning, pass between the pillars of The Gates time and again. Dull is the understanding, but in The Halls of Discipline, found in each section of the circle's cosmic sweep, the truth is slowly grasped; the needed lesson learned; the nature purified and taught until The Cross is seen, that fixed and waiting Cross which crucifies the sons of men, stretched out on The Crosses of those who serve and save."

"From out the mass of men, one man (Hercules) 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 (Eurystheus) Who stood close at his hand and said, 'Who is that soul upon The Way of Life whose light can now be dimly seen?."

"Quickly the answer came, 'That is the soul who, on The Way of Life, experiences and seeks the clear light which shines from The High Place'."

"'Let him proceed upon his way, but watch his steps'."

"The swiftly passing eons ran their course. The Great Wheel (of The Zodiac) 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."

"'Whose is this soul upon The Way of High Endeavor 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 (counter-clockwise instead of clockwise). Then will he find the object of his search. Watch over his steps, and when he has an understanding heart, an eager mind, and skillful 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 (King Eurystheus) on The Way. Prepare for the last tests. Pass through each Gate, and in the sphere which they reveal and guard perform The Labor 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 Labors to perform, and place his name upon the tablets of The Living Way'."

Djwhal Khul

Forward

"The story of the dramatic experiences of that great and ancient Son of God, Herakles or Hercules, leaves untouched no phase in the life of the aspirant and yet links him up with cosmic enterprise. Its theme will be found to be so inclusive that all of us, struggling in our present modern life, can make application to ourselves of the tests and trials, the failures and achievements, of this heroic Figure Who strove centuries ago towards the same goal as we do."

"We shall trace the story of Hercules and endeavor to show how he, in his 12 Labors, played the part of the aspirant upon The Path of Discipleship. On It, he undertook certain tasks, symbolic in nature, and passed through certain episodes and events which portray for all time the nature of the training and attainments which characterize the man who is nearing liberation. He stands for the incarnated, yet not perfected, Son of God who definitely takes the lower nature in hand and willingly subjects it to the discipline which will eventually produce the emergence of Divinity."

"Two great and dramatic stories have been held constantly before the eyes of men down the ages. In The 12 Labors of Hercules, that Path of Discipleship is depicted and his experiences preparatory to the great concluding Cycle of Initiation (The Path of Initiation). In the life and work of Jesus, we have portrayed The 5 Stages of The Path of Initiation (from The Birth to The Ascension), which are the climaxing Episodes for which The 12 Labors have prepared the disciple."

"The Oracle has spoken, and down the ages the word has sounded forth, 'Man know thyself'. This knowledge is the outstanding attainment upon The Path of Discipleship."

"Discipleship could be defined as the final stage of The Path of Evolution and as that period in a man's experience in which he is definitely Self-conscious. It is the stage in which he knowingly pledges himself to impose the will of The Soul (The Higher Self), which is essentially The Will of God, upon the lower nature. Upon this Path he submits himself to a forcing process so that the flower of The Soul can unfold more quickly. It is a process of refining, of sublimation, and of transmutation carried steadily forward until at length The Mount of Transfiguration and of Illumination is attained."

"We shall trace the story of Hercules as he passed through The 12 Signs of The Zodiac. In each Sign he expressed its characteristics, and in each Sign he achieved some fresh knowledge of himself, and through that knowledge he demonstrated the power of The Sign and acquired the gifts which The Sign conferred. In each of The Signs we shall find him surmounting his natural tendencies, controlling and governing his destiny, and demonstrating the fact that the stars incline but do not control. Hercules astrologically enacted the life history of every aspirant and demonstrated the part which the unit must play in The Eternal Enterprise."

"In the physical body, handicapped and limited by the tendencies conferred on him by The Sign in which he performed The Labor, he attained understanding of his own essential Divinity. Through the overcoming of form and the subjugation of matter, a picture is given us of an unfolding divine Self-realization. In the study, therefore, of Hercules the disciple and of Christ The World Savior, we have an entire pictorial presentation of the final stages of unfoldment which lie ahead of all of us."

"Each one of us is an embryo Hercules, and each one of us faces the identical Labors. Each of us has the same goal to achieve and the same Circle of The Zodiac to encompass. The work to be done has for its prime objective the elimination of all fear and the control of the natural forces of the human nature."

"Competition and selfish objectives have to be completely changed and eliminated, and we shall find Hercules learning the lesson that to grasp anything for the separated self is no part of the mission of a Son of God. He has to find himself as an individual, only to discover (eventually) that individualism must be sacrificed intelligently to the good of the group."

"The characteristics of the man immersed in form life and under the rule of matter are fear, individualism, competition, and greed. These have to give place to spiritual confidence, cooperation, group awareness, and selflessness. This is the lesson that Hercules brings to us. As we look at the starry heavens above, we have eternally pictured for us this great drama, which the story of Hercules elucidates in detail for the aspirant."

"It is with the interplay of the outer form and the inner life that Hercules wrestles. He knew himself to be the form, the symbol, for the dominance of the lower material nature made its presence felt with the facility of age-long expression. At the same time, he knew that his problem was to express Spiritual Being and Energy. He had to know, in fact and in experience, that he was God, immanent in nature, that he was The Self in close relation to the not-self. Through The 12 Signs of The Zodiac he passed, struggling to work subjectively and trying to reject the lure and the pull of the outer tangible form."

"The plan of the hidden band of world workers, The Rishis, and The Occult Hierarchy (The Spiritual Hierarchy) of our planet is now focused upon leading Humanity onto The Path of Discipleship and training many of the more advanced so that they can become The Knowers and Initiates of The New Age. Thus men will pass out of The Hall of Learning into The Hall of Wisdom, from the realm of the unreal to The Real, and from the outer darkness of phenomenal existence into The Light that shines always in The Kingdom of Spirit."

"The new understanding impels the aspirant to identify himself with The Soul. A reorientation then takes place, and a new and self-directed effort is initiated, which is portrayed for us in the story of Hercules, The Sun-God. The Silent Beholder (Higher Self) awakens into activity. Hercules starts upon his Labors and begins to work through The 12 Signs of The Zodiac, only now working from Aries to Pisces via Taurus (counter-clockwise) instead of working in the ordinary human retrogressive fashion, from Aries to Taurus via Pisces (clockwise)."

"Finally, the changing focus of the life and the steady application to The 12 Labors in The 12 Signs enables the disciple to become the triumphant victor."

THE LEGEND OF HERCULES

The Herculean Legend

"He stood before his Teacher (King Eurystheus). Dimly he understood that a crisis was upon him, leading to change of speech, of attitude, and plan. The Teacher looked him o'er and liked him well. 'Your name?', He asked and waited for an answer. 'Herakles', the answer came, 'or Hercules. They tell me that it means Hera's rare glory, the radiance and effulgence of The Soul. What is The Soul, O Teacher? Tell me truth'."

"'That Soul of your's, you shall discover as you do your task and find and use the nature which is your's. Who are your parents? Tell me this, my son'."

"'My Father is Divine. I know Him not except that, in myself, I know I am his son. My mother is an earthly one. I know her well, and she has made me what you see. Likewise, O Teacher of my life, I am also one of twins. There is another one like unto me. I also know him well yet know him not. One is of Earth, thus earthly. The other is a Son of God'."

"'What of your training, Hercules, my son? What can you do and how have you been taught'?"

"'In all accomplishments I am proficient. I am well taught, well trained, well guided, and well known. All books I know, all arts and sciences as well. The labors of the open field are known to me, besides the skill of those who can afford to travel and know men. I know myself as one who thinks and feels and lives'."

"'One thing, O Teacher, I must tell to you and thus deceive you not. The fact is, not so long ago I slew all those who taught me in the past. I killed my teachers, and in my search for liberty I now stand free. I seek to know myself, within myself, and through myself'."

"'My son, that was a deed of wisdom, and now you can stand free. Proceed to labor now, remembering as you do that at the final turning of The Wheel will come the mystery of death. Forget this not. What is your age, my son'?"

"'I had turned 18 Summers when I slew the lion, and hence I wear its skin. Again at 21, I met my bride. Today I stand before you trebly free, free from my early teachers, free from the fear of love, and free indeed from all desire'."

"'Boast not, my son, but prove to Me the nature of this freedom which you sense. Again in Leo will you meet the lion. What will you do? Again in Gemini the teachers whom you slew will cross your path. Have you, indeed, left them behind? What will you do? Again in Scorpio will you wrestle with desire. Will you stand free or will the serpent meet you with his wiles and pull you down to Earth? What will you do? Prepare to prove your words and liberty. Boast not, my son, but prove to Me your freedom and your deep desire to serve'."

"The Teacher sat in silence, and Hercules withdrew and faced the first Great Gate. Then The Presiding One, Who sat within The Council Chamber of The Lord, spoke to The Teacher and bade him call the gods to witness the endeavor and start the new disciple on The Way. The Teacher called. The gods replied. They came and gave to Hercules their gifts and many words of sage advice, knowing the tasks ahead and the perils of The Way."

"Minerva handed him a robe, woven by herself, a robe that fitted well, of beauty rare and fine. He put it on with triumph and pride. Exulting in his youth, he had to prove himself."

"A golden breastplate Vulcan forged for Hercules to guard his heart, the source of life and strength. This golden gift was girded on, and shielded thus the disciple felt secure. He had yet to prove his strength."

"Neptune arrived with horses twain and handed them, in leash, to Hercules. Straight from the place of waters came they, of beauty rare and proven strength. And Hercules was pleased, for he had yet to prove his power to ride the horses twain."

"With graceful speech and brilliant wit came Mercury, carrying a sword of rare design which he proffered, in a silver sheath, to Hercules. He strapped it on the thigh of Hercules, bidding him keep it sharp and bright. 'It must divide and cut', said Mercury, 'and with precision and acquired skill must move'. And Hercules with joyous words tendered his thanks. He had yet to prove his boasted skill."

"With blaring trumpets and the rush of stamping feet, the chariot of the sun god flashed. Apollo came, and with his light and charm cheered Hercules, giving him a bow, a bow of light. Through 9 wide open Gates must the disciple pass before he had acquired sufficient skill to draw that bow. It took him all that time to prove himself the archer. Yet when the gift was proffered, Hercules took it, confident of power, a power as yet unproven."

"And thus he stood equipped. The gods stood 'round his Teacher and watched his antics and his joy. He played before the gods and showed his prowess, boasting of his strength. Suddenly he paused and pondered long, then gave the horses to a friend to hold, the sword to still another, and the bow unto a third. Then running, he disappeared into the nearby wood."

"The gods awaited his return, wondering and puzzled over his strange conduct. Back from the wood he came, bearing aloft a club of wood, cut from a stalwart living tree. 'This is mine own', he cried. 'None gave it to me. This I can use with power. O gods, watch my high deeds'."

"And then and only then The Teacher said, 'Go forth to labor'."

Djwhal Khul

Elaboration of The Legend

"So he started off upon his career and, as the disciple under command of his Soul, undertook The 12 Labors, performing each of them in one of The Zodiacal Signs. He, therefore, represents every disciple who seeks to tread The Path and demonstrate his control over the forces of his nature, and he likewise represents the point at which Humanity now finds Itself."

"His early name was Alkeides, which was changed to Hercules after he had undergone a strange experience and before he started forth upon his Labors. The name Hercules was originally Herakles, which signifies 'the glory of Hera'. Hera represents The Soul, so his name embodied his mission, which was to manifest forth in active work on The Physical Plane the glory and the power of his innate Divinity."

"We are told that he had a Divine Father and an earthly mother, and so, as with all Sons of God, we find the same basic symbology emerging. They typify, in their persons, the essential duality of God in manifestation, of Life in form, of Soul in body, and of Spirit in matter. This duality is the glory of Humanity and also constitutes the problem which every human being has to solve. Father-Spirit and mother-matter meet together in Man, and the work of the disciple is to withdraw himself from the bonds of the mother and thus respond to the love of The Father."

"This duality is also brought out in the fact that he was one of twins. We read that one twin was born of an earthly father and that the other was the son of Zeus. Whilst still an infant, we are told that Hercules killed his twin. He was no longer a divided entity, no longer a duality, but Soul and body formed one unity. This indicates always the stage of the disciple. He has made the at-one-ment and knows himself to be Soul in body and not Soul and body, and this realization has now to color all his actions."

"Whilst in the cradle, history relates, the lusty infant killed 2 serpents, again emphasizing duality. In this act, he forecast the future in which he demonstrated that the physical nature no longer controlled, but that he could strangle the serpent of matter and that the great illusion no longer had him imprisoned. He slew the serpent of matter and the serpent of illusion."

"As Hercules grew up, we are told, great care was given to his education. He was trained in all possible accomplishments, and every faculty that he had was developed and organized. What is the lesson to be learned from this? It is the need to realize that every disciple, if he truly merits that name, must necessarily be a highly developed member of The Human Family. All 3 parts of his nature have to be unfolded. His mind must be well-stocked and functioning, and he must know how to use it. His sensitive emotional nature must be responsive to every type of contact. His physical body must be a fit medium of expression for the indwelling Soul and equipped to undertake the tasks to which the man has pledged himself."

"Saintliness, sweetness, and a pleasing, loving disposition have their place in the sum-total of the characteristics of the aspirant, but when linked to stupidity and an undeveloped mentality, they fail to be as useful as they could be when coupled to intelligence. So, Hercules was trained in all accomplishments and could take his place with the thinkers of his time. Physically, emotionally, and mentally he was developed."

"Having achieved his growth and having been trained in all that the world could give him, we are told next that he proceeded to slay his teachers. Why? Because he had reached the point where he could stand on his own feet, forming his own conclusions, guiding his own life, and handling his own affairs. It was necessary, therefore, to rid himself of all those who sought to supervise him. He had to break away from authority and set out to find his own way and make his own contacts with life."

"When he reached the age of 18 years, we are told, he slew a lion which was devastating the countryside and that he began to perform other public services. Eighteen is always a significant number. In it we have the number 10, which is the number of personality perfection, plus the number 8, which is the number of The Christ Force. It is The Christ Force in the new cycle of discipleship, seeking to express Itself, which produces the condition of turmoil and the difficulties which characterize that stage."

"At the age of 18 he must tread The Path whereon all the hidden things can be brought forth into the light. He has reached the point where he can achieve knowledge of himself and can begin to investigate the hidden forces of Nature."

"The next episode in his career is his marriage and the birth of 3 children, a symbolic way of expressing the truth that he made at-one-ment with The Soul. From that union, The 3 Aspects of The Soul were born or began to manifest Themselves. He began to know the nature of The Spiritual Will (1st Ray) and to use it in the directing of his life. He experienced the working of Spiritual Love (2nd Ray) and became conscious of the need to serve. Spiritual Mind (3rd Ray) began to reveal truth to him, and he saw the underlying purpose. These are the higher correspondences of the 3 aspects of the personality -- the mind, the emotions, and the physical body."

"We now discover him going through a very peculiar stage. We read in the ancient story that Hera (The Higher Self) drove him mad and that whilst in that curious state he slew his children and his friends and everyone connected with him. May it not be suggested that he passed through that unwholesome state (zeal) common to all beginners on The Path of Discipleship in which a morbid conscientiousness sacrifices everybody and everything to individual soul unfoldment? This is a most common fault with aspirants. Their sense of proportion is frequently at fault and their sense of values distorted. The balanced and sane life, which is the ideal for a Son of God, is subordinated to a fanatical determination to make spiritual progress."

"When Hercules had recovered from his insanity, we are told that a new name (Herakles) was given to him, that a new abode was assigned to him, and that The 12 Labors were laid upon him for fulfillment. ('When this shall be accomplished, then thou shalt become one of The Immortals'.) The name of The Soul became his name, and he was constantly reminded thereby that to express the glory of The Soul was his mission. The 12 Great Labors that were to set the seal of his accomplishment upon his life and which would indicate his right to join The Great Group of Immortals (The Spiritual Hierarchy) were outlined to him, and he entered upon The Way."

"We are told that in his person he symbolized The Fixed Cross in the heavens, formed by the 4 Constellations: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The ancient motto that has governed the activities of all active disciples became his, and his Soul enjoined upon him the need of 'the power to do, the power to dare, the power to be silent, and the power to know'. This he exemplified in his 12 Labors. The power to do is the motto of Taurus. The power to dare is the motto of Leo. The motto of Scorpio is silence, and the motto of Aquarius is to know."

"So, doing and daring, in silence and with knowledge, he overcame all obstacles and passed undeterred from Aries to Pisces, starting in Aries as the humble aspirant and ending in Pisces as the all-knowing, victorious World Savior. In the history of Hercules, we are told nothing of what he ever said. We are only told of what he did. In the silence of Hercules and in his steady accomplishment, no matter by what failure and difficulty he might be faced and in his power of endurance, we have shown to us the characteristics of the disciple."

"And now having reached maturity, having evolved the characteristics necessary for his mission, we read that the gods and goddesses did their utmost to equip him for the work that he had to do. Thus equipped, Hercules stands ready for the great endeavor. And when all the gifts had been bestowed and he stood with his divine equipment, we read of a most intriguing little detail. He went out and cut for himself a club. All these divine gifts were very lovely and wonderful, but as yet he did not know how to use them. He would rather bludgeon his way through with what he knew he could use than use the unfamiliar tools which had been given him. So, he clutched his wooden club and set out upon his Labors."

LABOR ONE IN ARIES

THE CAPTURE OF THE MAN-EATING MARES

The Legend of Labor One

"The first Great Gate stood open wide. A voice came through that portal, 'Hercules, my son, go forth. Pass through The Gate and enter on The Way. Perform thy labor and return to Me, reporting on the deed'."

"With shouts of triumph, Hercules rushed forth, running between the pillars of The Gate with over-weening confidence and surety of power. And thus The Labor started and the first great act of service was begun. The story that they tell carries instruction for the sons of men, who are The Sons of God."

"The son of Mars, Diomedes of fiery fame, ruled in the land beyond The Gate, and there he raised the horses and the mares of war upon the marshes of his land. Wild were these horses and fierce the mares and all men trembled at their sound, for they ravaged up and down the land, wreaking great damage, killing all the sons of men who crossed their path, and breeding steadily most wild and evil horses."

"'Capture these mares and stop these evil deeds', was the command which fell upon the ears of Hercules. 'Go rescue this far land and those who live upon it'."

"'Abderis', cried Hercules, 'come forth and aid me with this task', calling the friend he greatly loved and who ever followed in his steps as he went from place to place. And Abderis came forth and took his stand beside his friend and with him faced the task. Laying all plans with care, these 2 followed the horses as they ranged the meadows and the marshes of that land. Finally, he cornered these wild mares within a field wherein there was no further place to move, and there he caught and tethered them. He yelled with joy at the success achieved."

"So great was his delight in the prowess thus displayed that he deemed it 'neath his dignity to hold the mares or drive them on the way to Diomedes. He called his friend saying, 'Abderis, come hither and drive these horses through The Gate'. And then he turned his back and pridefully marched forward."

"But Abderis was weak and feared the task. He could not hold the mares or harness them or drive them through The Gate in the footsteps of his friend. They turned on him. They rent and trod him underfoot. They killed him and escaped into the wilder lands of Diomedes."

"Wiser, grief-stricken, humble, and discouraged, Hercules returned unto his task. He sought the mares again from place to place, leaving his friend dying upon the ground. Again he caught the horses and drove them through The Gate himself. But Abderis lay dead."

"The Teacher (King Eurystheus) looked him o'er with care and sent the horses to the place of peace, there to be tamed and broken to their tasks. The people of that land, released from fear, welcomed the deliverer, acclaiming Hercules as savior of the land. But Abderis lay dead."

"The Teacher turned to Hercules and said, 'Labor the first is ended. The task is done but badly done. Learn the true lesson of this task and then pass onto further service to your fellowmen. Go forth into the country guarded by The 2nd Gate and find and take the sacred bull into The Holy Place'."

Djwhal Khul

The Meaning of The Test

"In studying The 12 Labors, we follow the career of Hercules as he passes around The Zodiac from The Sign Aries, which is The Sign of commencement, through Taurus, Gemini, etc. (counter-clockwise) to Pisces, The Sign of death and of consummation. This will be in the reverse manner to that of the apparent path of the sun (clockwise), which is begun in Aries and appears then to retrograde through The Signs, passing into Pisces, and then to Aquarius, and so on through all the intervening Signs back again to Aries."

"The man who is immersed in form and who is living under the influence of the matter aspect follows necessarily the path of illusion and of appearances, but Hercules, The Soul, follows the true way, reverses the usual procedure, and, figuratively speaking, goes against the tide."

"Each Sign subjects the man who is working in It to the influence of certain distinctive forces and provides him with certain tendencies. The Sign gives us the field of activity of The Soul, and The Labor portrays the work of the disciple, living on The Physical Plane and endeavoring to demonstrate on the battlefield of the world his innate Divinity and latent powers."

"Hercules has received his instructions to undertake The 12 Labors and demonstrate his capacities and has been promised that if he fulfils the requirements he will be translated into The Kingdom of The Gods (The Spiritual Hierarchy). He has been equipped with all divine powers, though as yet he does not know how to use them, and he has hewn out for himself the club of his own endeavor, and with these he symbolically mounts the cross, The Fixed Cross of The Heavens, upon which he remains in spirit until the last Labor has been accomplished."

"Thus he sets out on his 1st Labor, little realizing the magnitude of his task and being unprepared for failure. The delightful part of the story of Hercules is his impulsiveness and the fact that he was not always successful. He failed sometimes and had to re-do the Labor until success followed on his efforts. This 1st Labor, therefore, starts with a partial failure as is so often the case with the inexperienced and impetuous aspirant."

"The conquest of matter and the overcoming of illusion loomed large before Hercules and indicated, from the very outset of The 12 Labors, the nature of his final achievement. Hercules had to begin in the world of thought to gain mental control. For ages, the brood mares (intellectual activity) of thought had been breeding war horses and, through wrong thought, wrong speech, and erroneous ideas, had been devastating the countryside. He has, therefore, to learn the right use of his mind, and the first thing that he has to do is capture this feminine aspect of the mind and see to it that no more war horses are bred."

"The brood mares of his mind are constantly being fertilized by selfishness and illusion. These brood mares become the parents of error, falseness, and cruelty, which have their origin in the lower aspects of man's nature."

"Hercules rushed gallantly to the rescue, but he overestimated himself, and he failed to realize their potency and strength. He gave them to Abderis, the symbol of the lower personal self, to hold. But Hercules, The Soul, and Abderis, the personality, in unison were needed to guard these devastating horses. Abderis alone was not strong enough."

"The Soul, in the person of Hercules, had to deal with the problem of wrong thought, and only when he becomes a one-pointed aspirant in The Sign of Sagittarius (killing the Man-Eating Birds) does he really attain complete control of the thought processes of his nature."

The Meaning of The Sign

"The Sign Aries, which was the field of this first activity, is always spoken of as The 1st Sign of The Zodiac. At this Sign, The Great Wheel (of The Zodiac) begins its cyclic turning. It is, therefore, The Sign of commencement. This 1st Labor marks the first step upon The Path of Translation. In this Sign starts the path on which form is taken and dominates. On It likewise begins the life of inner unfoldment and the domination of The Soul or of Subjective Being. Re-organization, re-orientation, re-polarization, and re-generation are the characteristics of this stage, and all of them are expressions of the same life force."

"For eons, this life force has been applied to selfish ends, to the purposes of self-gratification, and to the satisfaction of desire. Little by little form-life loses its attraction until, having passed around and around The Zodiacal Wheel, the man finds himself back again in Aries, only this time with a new focus, a fresh interest, and a different vision."

"He has held before him the promise that, having achieved certain objectives, he may cease from incarnating and attain The Kingdom of The Gods (The Spiritual Hierarchy). Now he has to learn to use the life force with unselfish intent and not for the satisfaction of his personal greeds."

"Three outstanding urges characterize this Sign. There is, as we have seen, the urge to begin. Then this urge is followed by the consequent urge to create. Thirdly, we find the urge to resurrection. In this Sign, The Way of Liberation is first sensed, and the building of the spiritual body is begun. Physical commencement and spiritual commencement, physical creation and spiritual creation, physical emergence and spiritual liberation: these are the initial impulses sensed in Aries. It is under this urge to liberation that Hercules starts upon his Labors."

"Aries governs the head. It is, consequently, The Sign of the thinker and, therefore, a powerful mental Sign. All beginnings originate on The Mental Plane and in the mind of the creator. The aspirant begins his labors when he truly becomes the thinker and in full awareness proceeds to function as the arbiter of his own destiny."

"The horse stands for intellectual activity. The brood mares, such as we meet in this 1st Labor, indicate the feminine aspect of the mind as it gives birth to ideas, to theories, and to concepts which are let loose upon the world, devastating and destroying when emanating from the lower mind."

"The key words of The Sign Aries are:

1. 'And the word said, let form again be sought.' (the man)

2. 'I come forth and, from The Plane of Mind, I rule.' (The Initiate)"

LABOR TWO IN TAURUS

THE CAPTURE OF THE CRETAN BULL

The Legend of Labor Two

"The Presiding One spoke to The Teacher of the man whose light shone forth among the sons of men, who are The Sons of God, 'Where is the man who stood with power before the gods, received their gifts, and entered through the first wide open Gate to labor at his task'?"

"'He rests, Oh Great Presiding One, and ponders on his failure and mourns for Abderis and seeks for help within himself'."

"'It is well. The gifts of failure guarantee success when rightly understood. Let him proceed to labor once again and enter The 2nd Gate, returning with dispatch'."

"The 2nd Gate stood open wide, and from the light which veiled the distant scene a voice emerged and said, 'Pass through The Gate. Proceed upon thy way. Perform thy Labor and return to Me, reporting on the deed'."

"Alone and sad, conscious of need, and worn with deep distress, Hercules slowly passed between the pillars of The Gate into the light which shines where stands the sacred bull. On the horizon rose the island fair where dwelt the bull and where adventurous men could enter that vast maze which lured them to bewilderment, the maze of Minos, King of Crete, the keeper of the bull."

"Crossing the ocean to the sunlit isle (though how we are not told), Hercules entered on his task to seek and find the bull and lead it to The Holy Place where dwell the one-eyed Men. From place to place he chased the bull, led by the gleaming star which shone upon the forehead of the bull, a bright lamp in a dark place. This light, moving as moved the bull, led him from place to place. Alone he sought the bull. Alone he chased it to its lair. Alone he captured it and mounted on its back."

"Around him stood The Sisters 7, urging him on his way, and in the shining light he rode the bull across the glimmering water to The Isle of Crete unto the land where dwelt The Cyclops 3. These 3 Great Sons of God awaited his return, watching his progress through the waves. He rode the bull as if it were a horse and, with The Sisters singing as he went, drew near unto the land."

"'He comes with strength', said Brontes (thunder), and went to meet him on the shore. 'He rides in light', said Steropes (lightning), 'His inner light will brighter be', then fanned the light to sudden flame. 'He comes with speed', said Arges (whirling activity), 'He is riding through the waves'."

"Hercules nearer drew, urging the sacred bull upon the way, throwing the light upon the trail which led from Crete unto The Temple of The Lord within the city of the one-eyed Men. Upon the mainland at the water's edge, these 3 Men stood and grasped the bull, taking it thus away from Hercules."

"'What hast thou here?', said Brontes, arresting Hercules upon the way. 'The sacred bull, Oh Holy One'. 'Who art thou? Tell us now thy name', said Steropes."

"'I am the son of Hera, a son of man and yet a son of God. I have performed my task. Take now the bull into The Holy Place and save it from due death. Minos desired its sacrifice'."

"'Who told you thus to seek and save the bull?', said Arges, moving towards The Holy Place. 'Within myself I felt the urge and sought my Teacher. Told by The Great Presiding One, He sent me on the way, and with long search and many pains I found the bull. Helped by its holy light, I rode it through the separating sea unto this Holy Place.' 'Depart in peace, my son. Your task is done'."

"The Teacher saw him coming and went forth to meet him on the way. Across the waters came the voices of The Sisters 7, singing around the bull, and nearer still the chanting of the one-eyed Men within The Temple of The Lord, high in The Holy Place."

"'You came with empty hands, oh Hercules', The Teacher said. 'I have these empty hands because I have fulfilled the task to which I was assigned. The sacred bull is rescued, securely with The Three. What next?' 'Within the light shall you see light. Walk in that light and there see light. Your light must brighter shine. The bull is in The Holy Place'."

"And Hercules reposed upon the grass and rested from his Labor. Later, The Teacher turned to Hercules and said, 'Labor The 2nd is performed and easy was the task. Learn from this task the lesson of proportion. Strength to perform the arduous task; a willingness to do the task which taxes not your powers; such are 2 lessons learned. Rise soon and seek the country guarded by Gate The 3rd and find the golden apples. Bring them here'."

Djwhal Khul

The Meaning of The Test

"In spite of an initial partial failure, Hercules has made his start. In line with The Universal Law, he has begun his work on The Mental Plane. This 2nd Labor deals with the desire world and with the potency of desire. The key to The Labor in Taurus is the right understanding of The Law of Attraction. This is The Law that governs that magnetic force and that principle of coherence which builds the forms through which God, or The Soul, manifests."

"We find that this test concerns predominantly the problem of sex. Sex, desire, attraction, the instinctive urge to creation, the pull of The Soul, the urge to Divinity, desire of the male for the female, the lure of matter for Spirit: all these phrases can be piled up to express some of the activities of sex in its various relations."

"The Sign of Taurus has been called The Sign of generation, and the broad lesson to be learned in this Sign is to achieve right understanding of The Law of Attraction and right use and control of matter. The aspirant is tested in 2 ways: first as to the calibre of his animal nature and the motives underlying its utilization; second, he is tested as to the attraction which The Great Illusion can exert over him. Maya, or The Great Illusion, and sex are but 2 aspects of the same force, that of attraction: one, as it manifests on The Physical Plane, and the other as it expresses itself in the field of the emotional-desire nature."

"An aspirant to Discipleship has in sex a real problem with which to contend. Self-indulgence and the control of the human being by any part of his organism are always inevitably wrong. Through right control of the sex function and its relegation to the purpose for which it exists (the carrying onward of The Human Family and the providing of bodies whereby Souls can gain experience), then right use will be made of sex. The Soul must control and not the lower nature."

"Minos, King of Crete, who owned the sacred bull also possessed the maze in which The Minotaur lived, and the maze has ever been the symbol of The Great Illusion. The Island of Crete, with its maze and its bull, is an outstanding symbol of The Great Illusion. It was separated from the mainland, and illusion and bewilderment are characteristics of the separated self."

"The bull, to Hercules, typified animal desire and the many aspects of desire in the world of form which, in their totality, constitute The Great Illusion. The disciple, like Hercules, is a separated unit, divided from the mainland (the symbol of the group) by the world of illusion and the maze in which he lives. The bull of desire has to be caught and mastered and chased from one point to another in the life of the separated self until the time comes when the aspirant can do what Hercules succeeded in doing: ride the bull. To ride an animal in the ancient myths signifies control. The bull is not slaughtered. It is ridden and guided and under the mastery of the man."

"The bull has to be ridden across the waters to the mainland, which means that the solution of the whole sex problem will come when the disciple subordinates his separated personal island self to group purpose and endeavor. Let the aspirant use his mind and, through the medium of intelligent perception, guide and control the bull of desire."

"A clean mind and a pure heart, a rightly organized and rightly used physical body, conformity to the laws of the land in which his destiny is cast, utter consideration for the welfare of those with whom he is associated, and a life of loving service: these constitute the ideals of the aspirant."

"Let The Soul ride the form (the personality in the body), controlling and mastering it, and then it will surely know its right obligations. It will recognize the relation that it should hold to other human beings. Through control, through the use of commonsense, by a right understanding of celibacy, and by identification with group purpose, the disciple will arrive at liberation from the control of sex."

"When the bull of desire has been handed over to The Cyclops, to The Initiate with the single eye (The Third Eye), which is himself, The Soul, The 3 Divine Aspects will begin to manifest. Brontes, Steropes, and Arges will guard the sacred bull, and Hercules, the disciple, will no longer have any responsibility. Brontes is the symbol of The 1st Aspect of God The Father. Steropes means lightning or light and is The 2nd Aspect, The Soul. Arges means whirling activity, The 3rd Aspect of Divinity, expressing Itself in the intense activity of physical plane life. These Divine Aspects constitute the controlling factor, and once they have gained possession of the sacred bull, the problem of Hercules is solved."

The Meaning of The Sign

"The 'eye of the bull' in Taurus, the magnificent fixed star, Aldebaran, is one of the reasons why this Constellation is regarded as conferring illumination. Taurus has always been connected with light and, therefore, with Christ Who proclaimed Himself as The Light of The World. Light, illumination, and sound as an expression of The Creative Force: these are the 3 basic ideas connected with this Constellation."

"The consummation of the work that is undertaken in Taurus and the result of the Taurian influence is the glorification of matter and the subsequent illumination through its medium. When the matter or form aspect has been consecrated, purified, and spiritualized, then the glory and the light can, indeed, shine through."

"The power of The Sign, Taurus, is that of attraction or of bringing together. In this Sign are to be found The Pleiades (The 7 Sisters), among them Alcyone, and around it circles our sun (The Solar Logos). The Pleiades are the symbol of The Soul around which The Wheel of Life revolves."

"It is interesting to discover in Taurus the triplicity which is so constantly recurrent in astronomical lore and in mythology: Taurus, representing form and the attractive pull of matter; The Pleiades, representing Soul and the vast recurrent cycle of experience; and The Lost Pleiad (for only 6 are visible), a symbol of the obscuration of Spirit (The Monad or Higher Self of The Soul) whilst Soul, through desire, takes a body. Spirit (The Monad) is 'lost' or veiled and disappears in the attractiveness of the outer form and in the glamor which The Soul attracts around Itself."

"The more closely we study this heavenly picture book, the more we realize that ever before us is held the symbol of our Divinity, the symbol of The Soul in incarnation and the story of matter as it receives purification and glorification through the laborious work of The Soul."

LABOR THREE IN GEMINI

GATHERING THE GOLDEN APPLES OF THE HESPERIDES

The Legend of Labor Three

"The Great Presiding One within The Council Chamber of The Lord had watched The Labors of the son of man who is a Son of God. He and The Teacher saw The 3rd Great Gate opening before the son of man, revealing a new chance to tread The Way. They noted how the laborer arose and prepared to enter on his task."

"'Send out the word to guard the sacred tree. Let Hercules unfold the power to search without discouragement, deception, or too great a speed. Let perseverance now be called upon. He has done well so far'. And thus the word went forth."

"Far in a distant country grew the sacred tree, the tree of wisdom, and on it grew the golden apples of The Hesperides. The fame of these sweet fruits had gone to distant lands, and all the sons of men who knew themselves to be likewise The Sons of God desired them. Hercules too knew of these fruits, and when the word went forth to seek for them he sought The Teacher, asking Him the way to go and find the sacred tree and pick the apples."

"'Tell me the way, O Teacher of my Soul. I seek the apples, and I need them quickly for my use. Show me the quickest way, and I will go'!"

"'Not so, my son', replied The Teacher, 'the way is long. Two things alone I will confide to you, and then it is for you to prove the truth of what I say. Remember that the sacred tree is guarded well. Three maidens fair cherish the tree, protecting well its fruit. A dragon with 100 heads protects the maidens and the tree. Guard thyself well from strength too great for thee, from wiles too subtle for thy comprehension. Watch well. The second thing that I would say to thee is that thy search will carry thee where 5 great tests will meet thee on The Way. Each will afford thee scope for wisdom, understanding, skill, and opportunity. Watch well. I fear, my son, that you will fail to recognize these points upon The Way. But time alone will show. God speed thee in thy search'."

"With confidence, because success nor failure held for him a claim, Hercules went forth upon The Way, sure of himself, his wisdom, and his strength. Through The 3rd Gate he passed, going due north. Throughout the land he passed, seeking the sacred tree but found it not. All men he met he questioned, but none could guide him on his way. None knew the place. Time passed, yet still he sought, wandering from place to place and returning oft upon his steps to The 3rd Gate. Sad and discouraged, still he sought on every hand."

"The Teacher, watching from afar, sent Nereus to see if he could aid. Time and again he came, in varying form and with differing words of truth, but Hercules responded not nor knew him for the messenger he was. Skilled though he was in speech and wise with the deep wisdom of a Son of God, Nereus failed, for Hercules was blind. He did not recognize the help so subtly proffered. Returned at length with sadness to The Teacher, Nereus spoke of failure."

"'The first of the 5 lesser tests is past', replied The Teacher, 'and failure marks this stage. Let Hercules proceed'."

"Finding no sacred tree upon the northern way, Hercules turned towards the south and in the place of darkness continued with his search. At first he dreamed of quick success, but Antaeus, the serpent, met him on that way and wrestled with him, overcoming him at every point."

"'He guards the tree', said Hercules. 'This I was told, so near him must be the tree. I must break down his guard and, thus destroying him, break down and pluck the fruit'. Yet, wrestling with much strength, he conquered not."

"'Where lies my fault?', said Hercules. 'Why can Antaeus conquer me? E'en when an infant I destroyed a serpent in my cot. With my own hands, I strangled it. Why fail I now'?"

"Wrestling again with all his might, he grasped the serpent with both hands, lifting it high in air, away from off the ground. And lo! The deed was done. Antaeus, vanquished, spoke, 'I come again in different guise at The 8th Gate. Prepare again to wrestle'."

"The Teacher, gazing from afar, saw all that happened, and to The Great Presiding One Who sits within The Council Chamber of The Lord he spoke, reporting on the deed. 'The second test is past. The danger is surmounted. Success at this point marks his way.' And The Great Presiding One replied, 'Let him proceed'."

"Happy and confident, Hercules went on, sure of himself and with new courage for the search. Now to the west he turned himself and, turning thus, he met disaster. He entered without thought upon the third great test, and failure met him and for long delayed his steps."

"For there he met Busiris, the great arch-deceiver, son of the waters, of close kin to Poseidon His is the work to bring delusion to the sons of men through words of seeming wisdom. He claims to know the truth, and with quickness they believe. He speaks fair words saying, 'I am the teacher. To me is given knowledge of the truth, and sacrifice for me. Accept the way of life through me. I know, but no one else. My truth is right. All other truth is wrong and false. Hark to my words. Stay with me and be saved.' And Hercules obeyed and daily weakened on the early way (third test), seeking no further for the sacred tree. His strength was sapped. He loved and adored Busiris and accepted all he said. Weaker from day to day he grew until there came a day when his loved Teacher bound him to an altar and kept him bound throughout a year."

"Suddenly one day, when struggling to be free and slowly seeing Busiris for what he was, words spoken long ago by Nereus came to his mind: 'Truth lies within yourself. There is a higher power and strength and wisdom in yourself. Turn inwards and there evoke the strength which is, the power which is the heritage of all the sons of men who are The Sons of God.' Silent he lay a prisoner on the altar, bound to its corners 4 for one whole year. Then with the strength which is the strength of all The Sons of God, he broke his bonds, seized the false teacher who had seemed so wise, and bound him to the altar in his place. He spoke no word but left him there to learn."

"The watching Teacher from afar noted the moment of release and, turning to Nereus, said, 'The third great test is past. You taught him how to meet it, and in due time he profited. Let him go forward on The Way and learn the secret of success'."

"Chastened yet full of questioning relief, Hercules continued with his search and wandered far. The year, spent prone upon the altar, had taught him much. He went with greater wisdom on his way."

"Suddenly he halted in his steps. A cry of deep distress smote on his ear. Some vultures circling o'er a distant rock caught his attention. Then again the cry broke forth. Should he proceed upon his way or should he seek the one who seemed in need and thus retard his steps? He pondered on the problem of delay. A year had now been lost. He felt the need for haste."

"Again a cry broke forth, and Hercules with rapid steps sped to his brother's help. He found Prometheus chained upon a rock suffering dire agonies of pain caused by the vultures plucking at his liver, thus slowly killing him. He broke the binding chain and freed Prometheus, chasing the vultures to their distant lair, and tending the sick man until he had recovered from his wounds. Then, with much loss of time, he again started to make his way."

"The Teacher, watching from afar, spoke to his seeking pupil these clear words, the first words spoken to him since he entered on his search: 'The fourth stage on the way unto the sacred tree is past. There has been no delay. The rule upon The Chosen Path which hastens all success is Learn to Serve'."

"The Presiding One within The Council Chamber of The Lord remarked, 'He has done well. Continue with the tests'."

"Upon all ways the search went on, and north and south and east and west the sacred tree was sought but was not found. There came a day when, worn with fear and traveling, he heard a rumor from a passing pilgrim on the way that near a distant mountain the tree was to be found, the first true statement given him as yet. Therefore, he turned his feet to the high mountains of the east, and on a bright and sunny day he saw the object of his search and hastened then his steps. 'Now I shall touch the sacred tree', he shouted in his joy, 'surmount the guarding dragon, see the fair maidens of wide fame, and pluck the apples'."

"But again he was arrested by a sense of deep distress. Atlas confronted him, staggering 'neath the load of worlds upon his back. His face was lined with suffering. His limbs were bowed with pain. His eyes were closed with agony. He asked no help. He saw not Hercules but stood bowed down with pain, with the weight of worlds. Hercules, trembling, watched and gauged the measure of the load and pain. He forgot about his search. The sacred tree and apples faded from his mind. He only sought to aid the giant and that without delay."

"Forward he rushed and eagerly removed the load, lifting it off the shoulders of his brother onto his own back, shouldering the burden of the worlds himself. He closed his eyes, bracing himself with effort, and lo! The load rolled off and he stood free and likewise Atlas."

"Before him stood the giant, and in his hand he held the golden apples, offering them with love to Hercules. The search was o'er."

"The sisters 3 held still more golden apples and pressed them likewise into his hands, and Aegle, that fair maid who is the glory of the setting sun, said unto him, placing an apple in his hand, 'The Way to us is always marked by service. Deeds of love are signposts on The Way.' Then Erytheia, who keeps the gate which all must pass before they stand alone before The Great Presiding One, gave him an apple and upon its side, inscribed in light, was writ the golden word of Service. 'Remember this.', she said, 'Forget it not'."

"And lastly Hesperis came, the wonder of the evening star, and said to him with clarity and love, 'Go forth and serve and tread the way, from henceforth and for aye, of all world servers'."

"'Then I give back these apples for those who follow on', said Hercules, and returned from whence he came."
"Before The Teacher then he stood and rendered due account of all that had transpired. To him The Teacher gave the word of cheer and then with pointing finger indicated The 4th Gate and said to him, 'Pass through that Gate. Capture the doe and enter once again The Holy Place'."

Djwhal Khul

The Meaning of The Test

"This Labor concerns predominantly the active work of the aspirant on The Physical Plane as he comes to an understanding of himself. Unifying of Soul and body is the theme of this Labor. It is in this physical plane achievement and in the work of gaining the golden apples of wisdom that the real test of the sincerity of the aspirant takes place."

"Knowledge, we know, is the quest of sense, whilst wisdom is the omniscience of the synthetic knowledge of The Soul. In this Labor, Hercules is faced with the tremendous task of bringing together the 2 poles of his being and of coordinating or at-one-ing Soul and body so that duality gives place to unity and the pairs of opposites are blended."

"The apple has long figured in mythology and in symbology. In The Garden of Eden, the serpent gave the apple to Eve, and with the giving of that apple and with its acceptance came the knowledge of good and of evil. This is a symbolic method of telling us the story of the appearance of mind (in Humanity) and of how it began to function in that early creature, which was neither animal nor strictly human. With the coming of mind came also the knowledge of duality."

"When Hercules turned south in his search, it was a symbol of going back into the world, the opposite pole of Spirit. He had no sooner done so when he met the serpent (Antaeus) with whom he had to wrestle. In his search for the golden apples on The Physical Plane, Hercules had to conquer, as do all disciples, glamor and illusion, for in the carrying forward of spiritual aspiration the disciple is very apt to be taken in by astralism and lower psychism in one form or another."

"As Hercules wrestled with the serpent, he found he could not overcome it until he discovered that it was invincible only so long as it was in contact with The Earth. Just as soon as Hercules lifted the serpent high into the air, it became utterly weak and unable to defeat him. Glamor is ever changing, ever taking one form or another. It concerns appearances and not reality, and The Earth stands for appearances (and illusion)."

"The whole of this story really signifies the lesson which is the first that all aspirants have to master and one which it is impossible to learn until the tests in Aries and in Taurus have been undergone. Then on The Physical Plane, in the field of the brain and in his waking consciousness, the disciple has to register contact with The Soul and to recognize its qualities."

"Nereus is the symbol of The Higher Self, and later on in the history of the disciple he is the symbol of The Teaching Master. When contacted, especially in the early stages of the search, The Higher Self will manifest as a flash of illumination, and then it is gone; as a sudden realization of truth, so elusive, so fleeting that at first the disciple cannot grasp it; as a hint dropped into the consciousness in moments of one-pointed attention when the mind is held steady and the emotions temporarily cease to control."

"In the case of a more advanced disciple who has established contact with his Soul and who, therefore, may be supposed to be ready for instruction from one of The Great Teachers of The Race, it will be found that The Master works just as Nereus did. He cannot always be contacted and only occasionally does the disciple come into touch with Him. The Master will give a hint and disappear. He will make a suggestion and will say no more. It is for the disciple to act upon the hint as best he may and to follow up the suggestion should he deem it wise."

"The individual aspirant is of no personal interest to The Master until he has achieved the point in his evolution where he is so closely in touch with his Soul that he becomes a magnetic server in the world. Then and then only will it profit The Master to throw him a thought and give him a hint. Then, as those hints are followed, he may give him more but, and this is the point that must be emphasized, only in connection with the work that he has to do in the field of world service."

"The physical bodies of the aspirants are in no condition to stand the greatly heightened vibration of One Who has achieved. The body would be shattered and the brain overstrained if one of The Masters made constant contact with a disciple before he had even learned to know Nereus as the symbol of his own Higher Self. When, by our own efforts, we are beginning to live as Souls and when, by our own self-initiated endeavor, we are learning to serve and be channels of spiritual energy, then we shall know Nereus more intimately, and then almost inevitably our knowledge of the work that The Great Ones have to do will be so vital and so real that we will forego our own desire for contact and seek only to lift the burden that They carry."
"When aspirants have learned to forget themselves in service and to lose sight of their spiritual selfishness by helping Humanity, there will be a much more rapid gathering in of Initiates through the portal onto The Path that leads from darkness to The Light and from the unreal to The Real."

"Hercules, the disciple, has known the touch of The Higher Self, but he did not know enough to stay with Nereus. So he turns south or back into the world. He has to wrestle with Antaeus, the serpent. This time it is the serpent of astral glamor and not primarily the serpent of desire. It is with the glamors of lower psychism (psychic abilities and phenomena) that he has to wrestle, and these seem in the early stages inevitably to attract the interest of aspirants."

"The serpent may take the form of the more common aspect of psychic phenomena, and so the aspirant falls into the snares and pitfalls of astralism. In some form or another, the aspirant who has left Nereus will meet the serpent and will have to wrestle with him. I would urge upon all aspirants to forego all interest in psychic phenomena and to shut out as steadily as they can The Astral Plane until they have developed the power to be intuitive and to interpret their intuitions through the medium of a well-developed, well-stocked, well-trained mind."

"The next stage of the search of Hercules is equally applicable to Humanity as a whole. He fell into the clutches of Busiris (the false teacher) who claimed to be a great teacher. For a long period of time Hercules was kept in bondage."

"But Hercules freed himself as do all sincere seekers, and having escaped from the world of psychic and pseudo-spiritual glamor, he began to serve. First, he freed himself under the symbol of Prometheus who signifies God Incarnate, releasing him from the torture of the vultures of old. The Solar Plexus (3rd Chakra), the stomach, and the liver are externalizations, if I might so express it, of the desire nature, and Hercules freed himself from the vultures of desire that had for so long tortured him. He gave up being selfish and gave up satisfying himself."

"After the sacrifice comes the reward, and Hercules received his great surprise after freeing both Prometheus and Atlas. Having given up his search in order to help the world, Atlas went for him to the garden and handed to him the golden apples, bringing him in touch with the 3 beautiful maidens, The 3 Aspects of The Soul (Atmic, Buddhic, Monasic)."

"At the beginning of this Labor, he contacts his Soul as Nereus. At the close of this Labor, having overcome much glamor, he achieves a greatly increased vision of his Soul and sees It in its 3 Aspects, each One holding in it the potency of The 3 Principles of Divinity (Divine Will, Love-Wisdom, and Active Intelligence)."

"Aegle gives an apple to Hercules saying, 'The way to us is ever through deeds of love'. Erytheia gives to Hercules an apple marked with the golden word, Service. Hesperis says to Hercules, 'Tread The Way': Intelligence, Love, and Will (The 3 Aspects of Divinity) visioned and contacted by the selfless aspirant through Service."

The Meaning of The Sign

"Gemini has in it 2 stars, called by the Greeks, Castor and Pollux or The Twins. These personify 2 major groups of stars, The 7 Pleiades and the 7 stars of The Great Bear. One star represents each Constellation. Castor and Pollux were also called Hercules and Apollo: Apollo meaning The Ruler, The Son God, and Hercules, 'the one who comes to labor'. They represent, therefore, the 2 aspects of man's nature, the personality and The Soul."

"Castor was regarded as mortal and Pollux as immortal. It is an interesting astronomical fact that the star, Castor, is waning in brilliancy and has not the light that it had several hundred years ago, whilst Pollux, the immortal brother, is waxing in brightness and eclipsing his brother. Gemini holds always before the eyes of Man the thought of the increasing potency of the spiritual life and the decreasing power of the personal self."

"This was the problem to be wrestled with in The Sign Gemini. The at-one-ment of the lower self with The Higher Self, of the mortal and the immortal aspects, is the objective. Hercules was at length attentive to the voice of Nereus, The Higher Self, but sometimes under the illusion and glamor of the lower self."

"The search upon which Hercules was engaged was for The Soul, and this has ever been the unrecognized search of the human being until the time comes when he knows himself to be Hercules (the disciple of The Ascended Masters) and starts to concentrate upon the search for the golden apples of instruction and wisdom."

"Gemini is predominantly The Sign of the intellect. It governs all education. It deals with knowledge, with the sciences, and lays the foundation for wisdom. In this Labor, Hercules receives an outstanding revelation, and in the 5 stages of his search his education is steadily carried forward."

"The exoteric ruling planet of Gemini and of the first decanate is Mercury. In consciousness, it signifies thought, understanding, reason, intelligence, intellect; the abstract kinds rather than the concrete, knowledge for its own sake."

'Venus is the esoteric ruler of Gemini and governs the second decanate. Venus makes at-one, and through its influence The Law of Attraction and the bringing together of the polar opposites takes place."

"We find Saturn governing the last decanate, for Saturn is the planet of discipleship, the planet that brings about the difficulties, problems, and tests that offer to the disciple immediate opportunity. It is Saturn that opens the door into incarnation and Saturn that opens the door onto The Path of Initiation."

"Mercury, the interpreter and the illuminating intellect; Venus, the principle of attraction and of at-one-ment; and Saturn, the generator of opportunity: these 3 play their parts in the life of the aspirant as he unifies higher and lower, passes through the 5 stages in this test, and visions the goal which ultimately he must achieve."

LABOR FOUR IN CANCER

THE CAPTURE OF THE DOE OR HIND

The Legend of Labor Four

"The Great Presiding One, Who sits within The Council Chamber of The Lord, spoke to The Teacher, standing by his side. 'Where is the son of man who is The Son of God? How fares he? How is he tested and with what service is he now engaged'?"

"The Teacher said, casting his eye upon the son of man who is a Son of God, 'Naught at this time, O Great Presiding One. The third great test provided much of teaching sustenance to a learner such as he. He ponders and reflects'."

"'Provide a test which will evoke his wisest choice. Send him to labor in a field wherein he must decide which voice, of all the many voices, will arouse the obedience of his heart. Provide likewise a test of great simplicity upon The Outer Plane and yet a test which will awaken, in the inner side of life, the fulness of his wisdom and the rightness of his power to choose. Let him proceed with the fourth test'."

"Before The 4th Great Gate stood Hercules, a son of man and yet a son of God. At first was silence deep. He uttered not a word nor made a sound. Beyond The Gate the landscape stretched in contours fair, and on the far horizon stood The Temple of The Lord, The Shrine of The Sun-God, the gleaming battlements. Upon a hill nearby there stood a slender fawn. And Hercules, who is a son of man and yet a Son of God, both watched and listened and, listening, heard a voice. The voice came out from that bright circle of the moon which is the home of Artemis. And Artemis, the fair, spoke words of warning to the son of man."

"'The doe is mine, so touch it not', she said. 'For ages long I nurtured it and tended it when young. The doe is mine and mine it must remain'."

"Then into view Diana sprang, the huntress of the heavens, the daughter of the sun. Leaping on sandalled feet towards the doe, she likewise claimed possession."

"'Not so', she said. 'Artemis, fairest maid, the doe is mine and mine it must remain. Too young until today, it now can be of use. The golden-antlered hind is mine, not yours, and mine it shall remain'."

"Hercules, standing between the pillars of The Gate, listened and heard the quarrel and wondered much as the 2 maidens strove for possession of the doe."

"Another voice fell on his ear and with commanding accents said, 'The doe belongs to neither maid, O Hercules, but to The God whose shrine you see on yonder distant mount. Go rescue it and bear it to the safety of the shrine and leave it there. A simple thing to do, O son of man, yet (and ponder well my words) being a Son of God you thus can seek and hold the doe. Go forth'."

"Through The 4th Gate sprang Hercules, leaving behind the many gifts received, and cumbered not himself in the swift chase which lay ahead. And from a distance the quarreling maidens watched. Artemis, the fair, bending from out the moon and Diana, beauteous huntress of the woods of God, followed the movements of the doe and, when due cause arose, they each deluded Hercules, seeking to foil his efforts. He chased the doe from point to point, and each with subtlety deceived him. And this they did time and again."

"Thus for the length of a full year, the son of man who is a Son of God followed the doe from place to place, catching swift glimpses of its form, only to find that in the fastness of the deep woods it had been lost. From hill to hill and wood to wood, he hunted it until close to a quiet pool, full-length upon the untrampled grass, he saw it sleeping, wearied with its flight."

"With quiet step, outstretched hand, and steadfast eye he shot an arrow towards the doe, and in its foot he wounded it. Exciting all the will of which he was possessed, he nearer drew and yet the doe moved not. Thus he drew close and clasped the doe within his arms, close to his heart. And Artemis and fair Diana both looked on."

"'The search is o'er', he chanted loud. 'Into the northern darkness I was led and found no doe. Into the deep dark woods I fought my way but found no doe. And over dreary plains and arid wilderness and deserts wild I struggled towards the doe, yet found it not. At each point reached, the maidens turned my steps, but still I did persist, and now the doe is mine! The doe is mine'!"

"'Not so, O Hercules', came to his ears the voice of One Who stands close to The Great Presiding One within The Council Chamber of The Lord. 'The doe belongs not to a son of man e'en though a Son of God. Carry the doe to yonder distant Shrine where dwell The Sons of God and leave it there with Them'."

"'Why so, O Teacher wise? The doe is mine, mine by long search and travel, and mine likewise because I hold the doe close to my heart'."

"'And are you not a Son of God although a son of man? And is The Shrine not also your abode? And share you not the life of all Who dwell therein? Bear to The Shrine of God the sacred doe and leave it there, O Son of God'."

"Then to The Holy Shrine of Mykenae Hercules bore the doe, carrying it to the center of The Holy Place, and there he laid it down. And as he laid it down before The Lord, he noted on its foot the wound made by an arrow from the bow he had possessed and used. The doe was his by right of search. The doe was his by right of skill and the prowess of his arm. 'The doe is therefore doubly mine', he said."

"But Artemis, standing within the outer court of that most Holy Place, heard his loud cry of victory and said, 'Not so. The doe is mine and always has been mine. I saw its form reflected in the water. I heard its feet upon the ways of Earth. I know the doe is mine, for every form is mine'."

"The Sun-God spoke from out The Holy Place, 'The doe is Mine, not your's, O Artemis! Its spirit rests with Me from all eternity here in the center of The Holy Shrine. You may not enter here, O Artemis, but know I speak the truth. Diana, that fair huntress of The Lord, may enter for a moment and tell you what she sees'."

"Into The Shrine for one brief moment passed the huntress of The Lord and saw the form of that which was the doe, lying before the altar, seeming dead. And in distress she said, 'But if its spirit rests with Thee, O Great Apollo, Noble Son of God, then know the doe is dead. The doe is slain by the man who is a son of man e'en though a Son of God. Why may he pass within The Shrine and we await the doe out here'?"

"'Because he bore the doe within his arms, close to his heart, and in The Holy Place the doe finds rest, and so does Man. All men are mine. The doe is likewise Mine, not your's, not man's, but Mine'."

"And Hercules, returning from the test, passed through The Gate again and found his way back to The Teacher of his life. 'I have fulfilled the task set by The Great Presiding One. Simple it was except for length of time and wariness of search. I listened not to those who made their claim nor faltered on The Way. The doe is in The Holy Place, close to The Heart of God and likewise, in the hour of need, close to my heart also'."

"'Go look again, O Hercules my son, between the pillars of The Gate.' And Hercules obeyed. Beyond The Gate, the landscape stretched in contours fair, and on the far horizon stood The Temple of The Lord, The Shrine of The Sun-God, with glistening battlements, whilst on a nearby hill there stood a slender fawn."

"'Did I perform the test, O Teacher wise? The fawn is back upon the hill where I earlier saw it stand.' And from The Council Chamber of The Lord where sits The Great Presiding One there came a voice, 'Again and yet again must all the sons of men, who are The Sons of God, seek for the golden-antlered fawn and bear it to The Holy Place, again and yet again'."

"Then said The Teacher to the son of man who is a Son of God, 'Labor The Fourth is over, and from the nature of the test and from the nature of the doe, frequent must be the search. Forget this not, but ponder on the lesson learnt'."

Djwhal Khul

The Meaning of The Test

"Eurystheus (The Teacher) sent Hercules to capture the golden-antlered Keryneian Doe or Hind. The word, hind, comes from an old Gothic word meaning 'that which must be seized', in other words, that which is elusive and difficult to secure."

"We have seen that the hind or doe, for which Hercules sought, was sacred to Artemis, the moon, but was also claimed by Diana, the huntress of the heavens, and by Apollo, The Sun-God. The words instinct, intellect, and intuition are but varying aspects of consciousness and of response to environment and to the world in which the human being finds himself."

"Man is an animal and, in company with the animal, he possesses the quality of instinct and of instinctual response to his environment. Instinct is the consciousness of the physical form and of the cell life, the mode of awareness of the form, and, therefore, Artemis, the moon, who rules over the form, claims the sacred hind. In its own place, animal instinct is as divine as those other qualities which we regard as more strictly spiritual."

"But man is also a human being. He is rational. He can analyze, criticize, and he possesses that something which we call the mind and that faculty of intellectual perception and response which differentiates him from the animal and through which he becomes aware of the world of thought and of ideas. When he has reached that stage of intelligent awareness, then Eurystheus indicates to him that there is another world of which he can become equally aware but which has its own method of contact and its own response apparatus."

"Diana, the huntress, claimed the doe because to her the doe is the intellect, and man is the great seeker, the great hunter before The Lord. But the doe had another and more elusive form, and for this Hercules, the aspirant, sought. For a life cycle, we are told, he hunted. It was not the doe, the instinct, for which he looked. It was not the doe, the intellect, that was the object of his search. It was something else, and for this he spent a life cycle hunting. Finally, he captured it and carried it into The Temple where it was claimed by The Sun-God Who recognized in the doe the spiritual intuition, that extension of consciousness, that highly developed sense of awareness which gives to the disciple a vision of new fields of contact and opens up for him a new world of being."

"We are told that the battle is still going on between Apollo, The Sun-God, Who knew that the doe was the intuition, Diana, huntress of the heavens, who knew it was intellect, and Artemis, the moon, who thought that it was only instinct. Both goddess claimants have a point, and the problem of all disciples is to use the instinct correctly, in its right place, and in its proper way."

"The disciple must learn also to use the intellect and through it become en rapport with the world of human ideas and research. He must learn to carry that capacity of his into The Temple of The Lord and there to see it transmuted into intuition and, through the intuition, become aware of the things of Spirit and of those spiritual realities which neither instinct nor intellect can reveal to him. And again and again the sons of men, who are also The Sons of God, must recapture these spiritual realities upon The Endless Way."

"There is no success for the aspirant until he has transmuted instinct into intuition, nor is there right use of the intellect until the intuition is brought into play, interpreting and extending the intellect and bringing realization. Then instinct is subordinated to both."

The Meaning of The Sign

"Cancer is called The Crab, and the Greeks tell us that it was the crab that was sent by Hera (The Soul) to bite the foot of Hercules. (Again we meet this symbol in the vulnerable 'heel of Achilles'.) This is an interesting way of expressing the liabilities of the incarnation process and of illustrating the handicaps which beset The Soul as It travels along The Path of Evolution. It symbolizes the limitations of all physical incarnation, for Cancer is one of The 2 Great Gates of The Zodiac. It is The Gate into the world of forms, into physical incarnation, and The Sign wherein the duality of form and of Soul is unified in the physical body."

"The crab lives half on the earth and half in the water. It is The Sign, therefore, of The Soul dwelling in the physical body but predominantly living in the water, which is the symbol of the emotional, feeling nature."

"Exoterically, Cancer is ruled by the moon, which is always the mother of form, controlling the waters and the tides. Therefore, in this Sign the form is dominant and constitutes a handicap. The crab builds its house or shell and carries it upon its back, and people born in this Sign are always conscious of that which they have built. They are usually over-sensitive, over-emotional, ever seeking to hide away. The Cancer native is so sensitive that he is difficult to handle and so elusive and sometimes so indefinite that it is hard to understand him or to pin him down."

"This is always regarded as a mass Sign. In the masses, instinct rules, therefore Cancer is The Sign of instinct, of herd life, of mass reaction. It represents the subconscious mind, hereditary instinct, and the collective imagination. The unevolved Cancer native is immersed in the masses. He is an unconscious part of the great whole, and therein lies the problem. The average Cancer person as well as the aspirant who is performing The Labor of this Sign is subjected to the urge to lift himself up out of the masses to which he is held by his instinct and to develope instead the intuition which will enable him to so rise. It definitely portrays the struggle that goes on in the life of the aspirant so that instinct can give place eventually to intuition."

"It is interesting to contrast the 2 Signs, Cancer and Capricorn (2 opposite arms of The Cardinal Cross), for that which is indicated in Cancer is consummated in Capricorn. Cancer represents the home, the mother. It is personal and emotional, whilst Capricorn represents the group which the unit consciously enters. The Gate of Cancer is entered through the process of transference out of the animal state of consciousness into the human, whilst The Gate of Capricorn is entered through Initiation. One is inevitable, subconscious, and potential. The other is self-initiated, self-conscious, and potent. Cancer represents the mass form, the collective animal soul. Capricorn represents the group, The Universal Soul."

"Christ is the perfect example of The Capricorn Initiate Who becomes The World Server in Aquarius and The World Savior in Pisces. Cancer admits the soul into The World Center which we call Humanity. Capricorn admits the soul into conscious participation in the life of that World Center which we call The Hierarchy."

"The pilgrims (on The Way) are equipped with instinct, and as they pass through the various Constellations (of The Zodiac) that instinct demonstrates as intellect in a human being as he developes self-consciousness and emerges from out of the purely animal stage, until the time comes when, having progressed around and around The Zodiac, the aspirant finds himself again in Cancer, faced with the problem of finding that elusive, sensitive, and deeply occult or hidden spiritual intuition which will guide him in his now lonely journey."

"The aspirant has emerged out of the masses and has started on The Lonely Way of all disciples. Then he treads the path of tribulation, of test and trial, wrestling by himself as an individual from Leo to Capricorn until the time comes when, with the aid of instinct, intellect, and intuition and driven by the urge of The Christ Life, he again merges himself with the masses and becomes identified with the group. He then becomes the world server in Aquarius and has no sense of separateness."

LABOR FIVE IN LEO

THE SLAYING OF THE NEMEAN LION

The Legend of Labor Five

"The Great Presiding One sat within The Council Chamber of The Lord and there discussed The Plan of God for all the sons of men who are The Sons of God. The Teacher stood at his right hand and listened to his words. And Hercules rested from his Labors."

"And The Great Presiding One within The Council Chamber of The Lord watched the tired warrior rest and watched his thoughts. He said then to The Teacher Who stood close to his hand within The Council Chamber of The Lord, 'The time for a dread Labor now draws near. This man, who is a son of man and yet a Son of God, must be prepared. Let him look well unto the weapons that he owns and let him burnish bright his shield and dip his arrows in a lethal brew, for dire and dread is The Labor just ahead. Let him prepare'."

"But Hercules, resting from his Labors, wot not the trial which lay just ahead. He felt his courage strong. He rested from his Labors, and time and time again past The 4th Gate he chased the sacred doe (intuitive ability) clear to The Temple of The Lord. Time came wherein the timid hind knew well the hunter who pursued her and gently came at his command. Thus, time and time again he placed the doe upon his heart and sought The Temple of The Lord. Thus rested he."

"Before The 5th Great Gate stood Hercules, armed to the teeth with all the gifts of war and warriors, and as he stood the watching gods marked his firm step, his eager eye, his ready hand. But deep within his heart was questioning."

"'What do I here?', he said. 'What is the test and wherefore do I seek to pass this Gate?' And speaking thus he waited, listening for a voice. 'What do I here, O Teacher of my life, armed, as You see, with the full panoply of war? What do I here'?"

"'A call has sounded forth, O Hercules, a call of deep distress. Your outer ears have not responded to that call, and yet the inner ear knows well the need, for it hath heard a voice, aye many voices, telling you of need and urging you to venture forth. The people of Nemea seek your aid. They are in deep distress. Word of your prowess has gone forth. They seek that you should kill the lion that devastates their land, taking its toll of men'."

"'Is that the savage sound I hear?', asked Hercules. 'Is it the roaring of a lion I hear upon the evening air?' The Teacher said, 'Go seek the lion which ravages the land lying upon the further side of The 5th Gate. The people of this ravaged land live silently behind locked doors. Forth to their tasks they venture not, nor till their land, nor sow. From north to south, from east to west, the lion prowls and prowling seizes all who cross his path. His shocking roar is heard throughout the night, and all are trembling behind locked doors. What will you do, O Hercules? What will you do'?"

"And Hercules, with listening ear, responded to the need. Upon the nearer side of The Great Gate, which guarded firm the country of Nemea, he dropped the panoply of war, retaining for his use the club cut by his hands from a young and springing tree. 'What do you now, O son of man who are likewise a Son of God? Where are your arms and where your strong defense?' 'This fine array of arms but loads me down, retards my speed, and hinders my departure on The Way. I shall require naught but my stalwart club, and with this club and my stout heart I go upon my way to seek the lion. Send word unto the people of Nemea that I go upon The Way, and bid them cast out fear'."

"From place to place passed Hercules, seeking the lion. He found the people of Nemea hiding behind locked doors, save but a few who ventured forth because of need or desparation. They trod the highway in the light of day, yet full of fear. They greeted Hercules with joy at first, with questioning later as they saw the manner of his travel; no arms, small knowledge of the ways of lions, and naught save a frail wooden club."

"'Where are your arms, O Hercules? Have you not fear? Why seek the lion without defense? Go find your weapons and your shield. The lion is fierce and strong, and numbers vast he has devoured. Why take this chance? Go seek your arms and panoply of strength.' But silently, without response, the son of man who was The Son of God went forth upon The Way, seeking the footstep of the lion and following his voice."

"'The lion is where?', asked Hercules. 'The lion is here', came the reply. 'No there', enjoined a voice of fear. 'Not so', replied a third, 'I heard its roar about the mountain wild this week.' 'And I, likewise, within this valley where we stand.' And yet another said, 'I saw its tracks upon a path I trod, so, Hercules, list to my voice and track him to his lair'."

"Thus Hercules pursued his way, afraid yet unafraid, alone yet not alone, for on the trail he followed others stood and followed him with hope and fearful tremblings. For days and several nights he searched The Way and listened for the lion's roar whilst the people of Nemea crouched down behind closed doors."

"Suddenly he saw the lion. Upon the edge of a deep thicket of young trees it stood. Seeing an enemy draw near and one who seemed quite unafraid, the lion roared, and with his roar the young trees shook, the Nemeans fled, and Hercules stood still."

"Hercules grasped his bow and sheath of arrows, and with sure hand and eye of skill planted an arrow in the shoulder of the lion. Straight to the mark it flew. Upon the ground the arrow fell and failed to pierce the shoulder of the lion. Again and yet again, he shot the lion until there rested not an arrow in his quiver. Then towards him came the lion, untouched, unscathed, and fierce with rage, quite unafraid. Throwing his bow upon the ground, the son of man who is a Son of God rushed with wild shouting towards the lion who stood upon The Way, blocking his path, amazed at prowess hitherto unmet."

"For Hercules came on. Suddenly the lion turned and rushed ahead of Hercules into a thicket on the rocky sides of the sharp mountain way. And so the 2 went on. And suddenly, as he traveled on The Way, the lion disappeared and was no more seen or heard."

"Hercules paused upon The Way and silent stood. He searched on every hand, grasping his trusty club, the weapon he himself had made, the gift that to himself he had bequeathed in days long past, his trusty club. On every hand he sought. On every way he passed, traveling from point to point upon the narrow way that ran athwart the mountainside. Suddenly, upon a cave he came, and from the cave there came a lusty roar, a rumbling, savage voice which seemed to bid him stay or lose his life."

"And Hercules stood still, shouting unto the people of the land, 'The lion is here. Await the deed that I shall do.' And Hercules, who is a son of man and yet a Son of God, entered that cave and passed throughout its darkened length into the light of day and found no lion, only another opening in the cave that led into the light of day. And as he stood, he heard the lion behind him not before."

"'What shall I do?', said Hercules unto himself. 'This cave has openings twain, and as I enter one the lion passes out and enters by the one I left behind. What shall I do? Weapons avail me not. How kill this lion and save the people from its teeth? What shall I do'?"

"And as he cast about for things to do and listened to the roaring of the lion, he saw some piles of wood and sticks lying in great profusion near his hand. Pulling them towards him, dragging with his might, he placed the piles of sticks and bundles of small twigs within the opening near at hand and piled them there, blocking the way into the light of day, both in and out, and shutting both himself and the fierce lion within the cave. Then he turned and faced the lion."

"With his 2 hands he grasped the lion, holding it close and choking it. Near was its breath and blasting in his face. Yet still he held its throat and choked the lion. Feebler and feebler grew the roars of hate and fear. Weaker and weaker grew the enemy of man. Lower and lower sank the lion, yet Hercules held on. And thus he killed the lion with his 2 hands, without his arms and through his own great strength."

"He killed the lion and stripped its skin, shewing it to the people without the entrance of the cave. 'The lion is dead', they cried. 'The lion is dead. We now can live and till our lands and sow the needed seeds and walk in peace together. The lion is dead and great is our deliverer, the son of man who is a Son of God, named Hercules'."

"Thus Hercules returned in triumph to The One Who sent him forth to test his strength, to serve and meet the need of those in dire distress. He laid the lion's skin beneath the feet of Him Who was The Teacher of his life and gained permission to wear the skin in place of that already worn and used."

"'The deed is done. The people now stand free. There is no fear. The lion is dead. With my own hands I strangled thus the lion and slaughtered it'."

"'Again, O Hercules, you slew a lion. Again you strangled him. The lion and serpents must be slain again and once again. Well done, my son. Go rest in peace with those you have released from fear. Labor The Fifth is over, and I go to tell The Great Presiding One Who sitteth waiting in The Council Chamber of The Lord. Rest thou in peace.' And from The Council Chamber came the voice, 'I KNOW'."

Djwhal Khul

The Meaning of The Test

"Hercules, the aspirant, symbolized the lion, the prince, the ruler, and because of this he symbolically wore the lion's skin. The Nemean Lion stands essentially for the coordinated, dominant personality, for the aspirant has always to be a highly evolved individual."

"The aspirant, the lion of Judah, has to slay the lion of his personality. Having emerged out of the masses and developed individuality, he then has to slay that which he has created. He has to render helpless that which has been the great protecting agent up to the present time. Selfishness, the self-protecting instinct, has to give place to unselfishness, which is literally the subordination of the self to the whole."

"Therefore, The Nemean Lion symbolizes the powerful personality running wild and menacing the peace of the countryside. The highly evolved aspirants track the lion of the personality down into the cave and there master it. People are now very individual. The world is full of personalities, and the time has come when the lion of The Tribe of Judah must prevail over the lion of the personal self."

"Entering now, as we are, The Aquarian Cycle, the aspirants of The Race are in a position to begin to learn the lesson of service and universal consciousness. The lion of the personality has to be dealt with and the cave entered."

"There is in the head a little cave, a small bony structure which shields and guards one of the most important glands in the body, the pituitary (physical counterpart of The Ajna Chakra). When this gland is in full and proper functioning activity, we shall have a personality rounded-out and active, self-controlled, with pronounced mental activity and endurance."

"This pituitary body is dual in its configuration. In one of its lobes, the anterior pituitary, is to be found the seat of the reasoning mind, intellectuality, and in the other, the posterior pituitary, is the seat of the emotional, imaginative nature. This gland coordinates the others, controls growth, and is essential to life."

"The pituitary body, with its 2 lobes, symbolizes the cave with 2 openings, one of which Hercules had to close before he could control the personality by the higher mind. For it was only when he had blocked the opening of the personal emotions (posterior pituitary), thrown away even his trusty club, and refused symbolically to lead any longer a personal, selfish life that he could subdue the lion of the personality in the cave by entering the opening represented by the anterior pituitary."

The Meaning of The Sign

"This is one of the most interesting Labors numerically, and in order to understand it thoroughly and grasp its true significance, we must take account of the number 5 which distinguishes it. From the standpoint of the esotericist, 5 is the number of Man, because Man is a divine Son of God plus the quaternary, which consists of the lower 4-fold nature, the mental body, the emotional body, the vital body (aetheric body), and the physical sheath."

"In Aries, The Soul took to Itself that type of matter which would enable It to be in relation to the world of ideas. It clothed Itself in a mental sheath. In Taurus, the desire world was contacted. The means of sentiently contacting the world of feeling and emotion were developed, and Man became a sentient soul. In Gemini, a new and vital energy body was constructed by the bringing together of the energies of Soul and matter, and the vital or aetheric body came into being. In Cancer, which is the sign of physical birth and of the identification of the unit with the masses, the work of incarnation was completed, and the 4-fold nature was manifested. Man became a living actor on The Physical Plane."

"But it is in Leo that Man becomes what is occultly called the 5-pointed star, for that star stands as the symbol of individualization of Humanity, of the human being who knows himself to be an individual and becomes aware of himself as The Self. It is in this Sign that we begin to use the words, I and my and mine."

"The individual in Leo becomes The Initiate in Capricorn and demonstrates as The Complete Man in Aquarius, and this has only been possible because of the boundless devotion to a dimly sensed objective that has carried him 'round and 'round The Zodiac until full Self-consciousness has been achieved."

"Just as this is The Sign wherein man recognizes himself as the individual and begins the cycle of experience wherein he acquires knowledge, so it is The Sign wherein the Self-conscious man begins his training for Initiation. It is in this Sign that we have the last of the tests on The Probationary Path. When The Labor of this Sign ends, definite training for Initiation in Capricorn is begun."

"Some measure of control of thought has been gained in Aries, and some power to transmute desire has been achieved in Taurus. The apples of wisdom have been gathered in Gemini, and the distinction between wisdom and knowledge has been somewhat learned, whilst the necessity of transmuting instinct and intellect into intuition and the carrying of them both into The Temple of The Lord has been grasped in Cancer."

"In Leo we see Cosmic Mind working out in the individual as the lower reasoning mind, and this lower aspect has to be sacrificed, and the little mind of man must be subordinated to The Universal Mind. The problem before Hercules was the problem of The Sign, the crucifixion of the lower self and the conquering of individual self-assertion."

"In this Constellation is the exceedingly bright star, Regulus, The Ruler, The Lawgiver, holding in its significance the thought that man can now be a law unto himself, for he has that within him which is the king or the ruler. Hidden in The Constellation is also a vivid group of stars called 'the sickle'."

"The Constellation conveyed to the ancient Initiates 3 major thoughts: first, that man was the ruler, the king, God incarnate, an individual Son of God; second, that man was governed by law, the law of Nature, the law that he makes for himself, and the spiritual law to which he will eventually subordinate himself; third, that the work of an individual is to apply the sickle and to cut out or cut down that which hinders the application of the spiritual law and so hinders the flowering forth of The Soul."

"Hercules, the aspirant, expressing himself in Leo, envisions the great battle that lies ahead of him and knows that his past must work out to fulfillment in the future by demonstrating the power to dare, by facing the terrific struggle that lies ahead of him in the next 3 Signs, and by the slaying of the lion of his own nature (king of beasts) alone and unaided."

LABOR SIX IN VIRGO

SEIZING THE GIRDLE OF HIPPOLYTE

The Legend of Labor Six

"The Great Presiding One called unto Him The Teacher watching over Hercules. 'The time is drawing near', He said. 'How fares the son of man who is a Son of God? Is he prepared again to venture forth and try his mettle with a foe of a different sort? Can he now pass The 6th Great Gate'?"

"And The Teacher answered, 'Yes'. He was assured within Himself that when the word went forth the disciple would arise to Labors new, and this He told The Great Presiding One within The Council Chamber of The Lord."

"And then the word went forth. 'Arise, O Hercules, and pass The 6th Great Gate.' Another word likewise went forth, though not to Hercules but unto those who dwelt upon the shores of the great sea. They listened and they heard."

"Upon those shores dwelt the great queen who reigned o'er all the women of the then known world. They were her vassals and her warriors bold. Within her realm, of men not one was found. Only the women gathered 'round their queen. Within The Temple of The Moon they daily worshipped, and there they sacrificed to Mars, the god of war."

"Back from their annual visit to the haunts of men they came. Within the temple precincts they awaited word from Hippolyte, their queen, who stood upon the steps of the high altar, wearing the girdle given her by Venus, queen of love. This girdle was a symbol, a symbol of unity achieved through struggle, conflict, strife, a symbol of motherhood and of the sacred child to whom all human life is truly turned."

"'Word has gone forth', she said, 'that on his way there comes a warrior whose name is Hercules, a son of man and yet a Son of God. To him I must give up this girdle which I wear. Shall we obey the word, O Amazons, or shall we fight the word of God?' And as they listened to her words and as they pondered o'er the problem, again a word went forth, saying that he was there ahead of time, waiting without to seize the sacred girdle of the fighting queen."

"Forth to The Son of God who was likewise a son of man went Hippolyte, the warrior queen. He fought and struggled with her and listened not to the fair words she strove to speak. He wrenched the girdle from her only to find her hands held out and offering him the gift, offering the symbol of unity and love, of sacrifice and faith. Yet, grasping it, he slaughtered her, killing the one who dowered him with that which he required. And as he stood beside the dying queen, aghast at that which he had done, he heard his Teacher speak."

"'My son, why slay that which is needed, close, and dear? Why kill the one you love, the giver of good gifts, custodian of the possible? Why kill the mother of the sacred child? Again we mark a failure. Again you have not understood. Redeem this moment if e'er again you seek my face'."

"Silence fell and Hercules, gathering the girdle to his breast, sought out the homeward way, leaving the women sorrowing, bereft of leadership and love."

"Unto the shores of the great sea again came Hercules. Close to the rocky shore he saw a monster of the deep, holding between his jaws poor Hesione. Her shrieks and sighs rose to high heaven and smote the ears of Hercules, lost in regret and knowing not the path he trod. Unto her help he promptly rushed but rushed too late. She disappeared within the cavernous throat of the sea serpent, that monster of ill fame."

"But losing sight of self, this son of man who was a Son of God breasted the waves and reached the monster who, turning towards the man with swift attack and roaring loud, opened his mouth. Down the red tunnel of his throat rushed Hercules in search of Hesione, finding her deep within the belly of the monster. With his left arm he seized her and held her close whilst with his trusty sword he hewed his way from out the belly of the serpent into the light of day. And so he rescued her, balancing thus his previous deed of death. For such is life: an act of death, a deed of life, and thus the sons of men who are The Sons of God learn wisdom, balance, and the way to walk with God."

"From out The Council Chamber of The Lord, The Great Presiding One looked on. And from his post beside, The Teacher too looked on. Through The 6th Gate again passed Hercules, and seeing this and seeing both the girdle and the maid, The Teacher spoke and said, 'Labor The Sixth is over. You slaughtered that which cherished you, and all unknown and all unrecognized gave unto you the needed love and power. You rescued that which needed you, and thus again the 2 are one. Ponder anew upon the ways of life, reflecting on the ways of death. Go rest, my son'."

Djwhal Khul

The Meaning of The Test

"The story of the legend related that The Great Presiding One recognized that this Labor was indeed with an enemy 'of a different sort'. It is interesting that the 2 Labors which Hercules performed badly were with his polar opposites, females (in Aries and Virgo). The war between the sexes is of ancient origin. Indeed, it is inherent in the duality of Humanity and The Solar System (The 2 Cosmic Principles of Polarity)."

"Hippolyte proferred to Hercules the girdle of unity (and of the sacred child), given her by Venus, because she had been told that The Presiding One had so ordered, not because she felt unity. Did she do it under compulsion but with no love? And so she died. Hercules failed to understand his spiritual mission, though he obtained its objective."

"The Tibetan says, 'The symbology of Virgo concerns the whole goal of the evolutionary process, which is to shield, nurture, and finally reveal the hidden Spiritual Reality. This every form veils, but the human form is equipped and fitted to manifest it in a manner different from any other expression of Divinity and so make tangible and objective that for which the whole creative process was intended'."

"It is said that Virgo is the oldest of The Zodiacal Signs. Down through the ages, be it Lilith or Isis, Eve or The Virgin Mary, all portray The Mother of The World, but it is Mary who at length bears The Child in her arms. It is in this Sign that The Christ Consciousness is conceived and nurtured through the period of gestation until at last in Pisces, the opposite sign, the world savior is born. It was left for Hercules to understand the nature of The Labor, and he did not. Though he had passed through 5 Gates, he failed at The 6th Gate and had to begin again and make reparation for his lack of love and understanding."

"Also, The Amazons worshipped the moon (the physical form) and Mars, the god of war. They too did not understand their true function, for Mary is pictured with the moon under her feet and in her arms The One to be known as The Prince of Peace."

The Meaning of The Sign

"A unique feature of Virgo is that it has a triple symbol. This is significant, implying that The Sign is connected with the growth of Christ Consciousness. It marks a critical point in The Soul's experience, a point of integration wherein The Soul is consciously at-one-ing Itself with the form and at the same time with Spirit (The Monad, The Higher Self of The Soul)."

"Virgo is also called 'the goddess of the two ways', because as The Holy Mother Principle she symbolizes matter and also is the custodian of The Christ Life. In Virgo, the first of the steps towards spirituality is taken. The Soul is called The Son of Mind, and Virgo is ruled by Mercury, carrying the energy of the mind."

"Virgo is called the goddess of virtue or of vice, and the root of virtue is the Latin word, vir, meaning strength. The root meaning of vice is to render ineffective, as an ineffectiveness of the spiritual life."

"The Tibetan states, 'The misuse of substance and the prostitution of matter to evil ends is a sin against The Holy Ghost'. It was this 'sin', the greatest of his whole pilgrimage, that Hercules committed in Virgo when he did not understand that the queen of The Amazons was to be redeemed by unity not killed."

"It is in Virgo, after complete individualization in Leo, that the first step toward the union of Spirit and matter is made, the subordination of the form life to the will of The Indwelling Christ."

"The Tibetan points out that Mercury, Saturn, and Venus rule the 3 decanates of Virgo, and He reminds us that when a man is on The Reversed Wheel of the disciple (counter-clockwise), he will enter The Sign through the influence of Venus, while the average man will enter under the rulership of Mercury."

"On the ordinary Wheel (clockwise around The Zodiac), the command goes forth in the following words which constitute the activity of Virgo, 'And the word said, "let matter reign".' Later, upon The Wheel of the disciple (counter-clockwise around The Zodiac), the voice emerges from The Virgin Herself and she says, 'I am the mother and the child. I, God, I, matter am'. The Tibetan adds, 'Ponder upon the beauty of this synthesis and teaching and know that you yourself have said the first word as The Soul, descending into the womb of time and space in a far and distant time. The time has now come when you can , if you so choose, proclaim your identity with both divine aspects, matter and Spirit, the mother and the child'."

LABOR SEVEN IN LIBRA

THE CAPTURE OF THE ERYMANTHIAN BOAR

The Legend of Labor Seven

"The Great Presiding One within The Council Chamber of The Lord pondered the nature of the son of man who is likewise a Son of God. He thought on what was needed to make him still more like unto his Father. 'Another Labor must be carried out. Balance he needs and judgement sound and preparation for a major test and future service to The Race of Men. For this, let him prepare with care.' And The Teacher, noting on his tablets the purpose of the coming test, went forth and spoke to Hercules. 'Go forth, my son, and capture the wild boar. Salvage a ravaged country, yet take the time to eat.' And Hercules went forth."

"And Hercules, who is a son of man and yet a Son of God, passed through The 7th Gate. The power of The 7th Sign passed through him. He knew not that he faced a dual test, the test of friendship rare and the test of courage unafraid. The Teacher had instructed him to seek the boar, and Apollo gave to him a brand-new bow to use. Quoth Hercules, 'I will not take it with me on The Way, for fear I kill. At my last Labor, upon the shores of the great sea, I slew and killed. This time I slaughter not. I leave the bow'."

"And so unarmed, save with his trusty club, he climbed the mountain steep, seeking the boar and seeing sights on every hand of fear and terror. Higher and higher still he climbed. And then he met a friend. Upon The Way he met with Pholos, one of a group of centaurs, known unto the gods. They stopped and talked, and for a time Hercules forgot the object of his search. And Pholos called to Hercules, inviting him to broach a cask of wine which was not his nor yet belonged to Pholos. Unto the group of centaurs this cask belonged, and from the gods who dowered them with the cask had come the word that never must the cask be broached, save when the centaurs met and all were present. It belonged unto the group."

"But Hercules and Pholos opened it in the absence of their brothers, calling to Cherion, another centaur wise, to come and share their revels. This he did, and all the 3 together drank and feasted and caroused and made much noise. This noise the other centaurs heard from distant points."

"In wrath they came and a fierce battle then took place, and in spite of resolutions wise, again the son of man who was a Son of God became the messenger of death and slew his friends, the centaurs twain with whom he earlier had drunk. And whilst the other centaurs sorrowed with lamentations loud, Hercules escaped again into the mountains high and again renewed his search."

"Up to the limits of the snow he went, following the tracks of the fierce boar. Up to the heights and bitter cold he followed it, and yet he saw it not. And night was drawing on, and one by one the stars came out, and still the boar outdistanced him. Hercules pondered on his task and sought within himself for subtle skill. He set a snare with skill and wisely hid, and then he waited in a shadow dark for the coming of the boar. And hour by hour went by, and still he waited 'til the dawn drew near."

"Out from its lair the boar emerged, seeking for food, driven by ancient hunger. And in the shadows near the snare waited the son of man. Into the snare the boar fell, and in due time Hercules released the savage beast, making it the prisoner of his skill. He wrestled with the boar and mastered it and made it do the thing he said and go the way that he desired."

"Down from the snowy summit of the mountain high came Hercules, rejoicing on the way, driving before him on the downward way the fierce though tamed boar. By the hind legs twain he drove the boar, and all upon the mountain laughed to see the sight. And all who met the son of man who is The Son of God, singing and dancing on the way, laughed too to see the progress of the 2. And all within the city laughed to see the selfsame sight, the staggering, weary boar and the laughing, singing man. Thus, Hercules performed his Seventh Labor and returned unto The Teacher of his life."

"And The Great Presiding One within The Council Chamber of The Lord remarked, 'The lesson of true balance hath been learnt. A lesson still remains. At The 9th Gate, again the centaur must be met and known and rightly understood'."

"And The Teacher said, 'The Seventh Labor is completed, The 7th Gate passed. Ponder upon the lessons of the past. Reflect upon the tests, my son. Twice have you slain that which you should love. Learn why.' And Hercules stayed within the city gates and there prepared for that which later should befall, the test supreme."

Djwhal Khul

The Meaning of The Test

"The two good centaurs that Hercules killed are known as Cherion (good thought) and Pholos (bodily strength). This test was to show control of the emotional, astral, desire nature in whatever form it may take, and it is all the more powerful the more advanced a human being is. You cannot control or guide the desire nature by physical strength or by thought alone. You may succeed for a time, and then it surges back up in you again. The only answer is to take the boar of desire up into the high mountains. It is on mountain tops that all the great revelations occur, where the mists of the valley disappear and illumination comes."

"Before Hercules captures the Erymanthian boar, he sat at the table of Pholos and drank heady wine. At this time he was the soul of conviviality, seeking and finding pleasure. For Hercules, as for all who assume The Labor that must be performed in Libra, the fumes of pleasure must be dissipated before the greater task of self-mastery, i.e. the capturing of the boar (of the desire nature), can be undertaken."

"It is to be noted that the quaffing of the wine by Hercules leads to a tragedy, the death of Pholos. This sudden interjection of catastrophe into the pleasure-seeking existence of the Libran, harsh though the experience may be, is a necessity for the growth of The Soul. Without such tragedies, the potentialities of Libra remain dormant."

"Hercules does not use brute force in taking the boar (desire) captive. He sets a trap, waits, and allows the beast to trap itself. When the boar flounders in the snowdrifts, Hercules seizes his opportunity. It is curiously Libran to avoid a direct encounter and not to expend more force than is necessary. He seeks to achieve his ends gently, not coercively."

"We are told that Hercules seizes the hind legs of the boar (after gaining total control over the desire nature, achieving desirelessness) and compels the beast to walk down the mountainside on its front legs (commandeering personal desire), and this spectacle excites the laughter of all who witness it. In this incident, we observe the Libran's ability to find unusual solutions and to perceive the value of the incongruous."

"This is the only Labor that ends in a burst of laughter. Not only does Hercules perform the task assigned, he makes the ferocious boar (of desire) an object of ridicule (bringing a sense of lightness and laughter into The Path). By a slightly altered perspective, many of the terrifying experiences of life may be transformed by a beneficent sense of humor."

The Meaning of The Sign

"The average man approaches Libra through the drastic test of Scorpio (clockwise on The Zodiac), while the more evolved man enters into the Libra test from The Sign of Virgo (counter-clockwise on The Zodiac) with The Christ Consciousness stirring in his heart and mind. Think how different will be the experiences of these 2 men in Libra."

"The Libran goes about weighing and balancing all things. This attitude frequently makes him appear hesitant and indecisive. Knowing that there are innumerable gradations between black and white, he is seldom inclined to be an extremist. The quest for truth becomes changed into the developement of discrimination."

"Halfway between heaven and earth the Libran waits. Looking above, he sees the vision, the golden dawn gilding a snowcapped mountaintop. Gazing downwards, he beholds the sloughs and the mire through which the sons of men pass. At this midway point he must stand and work."

"He becomes aware that man lives in a swirling mist of illusion, clinging to life as an end in itself, often fleeing from truth as from a catastrophe. The Libran is not at all sure he cares to take part in the aggressive struggle to make a living and to push his way forward belligerently to a place of power and prestige in the world. The Libran is not inclined to be either a zealot or a tyrant. Seeking to persuade rather than to compel, he understands the art of spiritual compromise."

"The constant weighing and measuring so characteristic of Libra have one aim, the establishment of equilibrium. The world is upheld by equilibrium, and this the Libran understands. As a matter of fact, the laws of karma may be considered as equilibrizing activities that prevent the continuance of an unbalanced condition. The catastrophies that befall a man are meant not to punish but to restore equilibrium in his nature."

"In the midst of dissonance, the Libran cherishes the dream of harmony. This longing for harmony strengthens in him the desire to be a peacemaker. He can usually understand both sides of an issue, and this ability serves him well as a mediator and arbitrator. He is attracted by all programs of action that promote brotherhood and unity."

"There is a strongly feminine element in the Libran, and this is natural since Venus rules The Zodiacal Sign. The hard, driving thrust of modern life is too aggressively masculine. The softer grace and artistic beauty of the feminine component should act as a complementary influence."

"The ruler of Libra is Venus. Exoterically, there must be at-one-ment between the will and The Higher Mind, expressing itself through desire or love according to the status of evolution. The esoteric ruler of Libra is Uranus, and Saturn in this Sign is the ruler of that Stupendous Creative Hierarchy which forms part of The 3rd Aspect of Divinity (Active Intelligence). It is for this reason that Libra is closely connected with and explains The 3rd Aspect of The Godhead, and hence it is a governing Sign and a major determining factor where law, sex, and money are concerned."

"The Tibetan states that, 'If students will make a careful study of these three: law, 1st Aspect; relation between the pairs of opposites (sex), 2nd Aspect; and concretized energy called money, 3rd Aspect, as they express themselves today and as they can express themselves in the future, they will have a picture of physical human achievement and of future spiritual expression which will be instructive and most worthwhile. The whole process is accounted for by the activity of the 3 rulers of Libra: Venus, Uranus, and Saturn'."

"The keynotes of The Sign are clear and plain. They speak straight to the heart and without obscurity. To the average man with no developed spiritual consciousness, the word goes forth again and again throughout the eons, 'Let choice be made'. The response eventually comes back as a result of the evolutionary process and from The Soul (in the aspirant), 'I choose The Way which leads between the 2 great lines of force'."

LABOR EIGHT IN SCORPIO

DESTROYING THE LERNAEAN HYDRA

The Legend of Labor Eight

"The Great Presiding One, enrobed in radiant calm, said but a single word. The Teacher heard the golden command and summoned Hercules, The Son of God who was also the son of man."

"'The light now shines on Gate The 8th', The Teacher said. 'In ancient Argos a drought occurred. Amymone besought the aid of Neptune. He bade her strike a rock, and when she did out gushed 3 crystal streams. But soon a hydra made his dwelling there'."

"'Beside The River Amymone, the festering Swamp of Lerna stands. Within this noisome bog the monstrous hydra lies, a plague upon the countryside. Nine heads this creature has, and one of them is immortal. Prepare to battle with this loathsome beast. Think not that common means will serve. Destroy one head, 2 grow apace.' Expectantly Hercules waited."

"'One word of counsel only I may give', The Teacher said. 'We rise by kneeling. We conquer by surrendering. We gain by giving up. Go forth, O Son of God and son of man, and conquer.' Through Gate The 8th, then, Hercules passed."

"The stagnant Swamp of Lerna was a blot dismaying all who came within its confines. Its stench polluted all the atmosphere within a space of 7 miles. When Hercules approached, he had to pause, for the smell alone well-nigh overcame him. The oozing quicksands were a hazard, and more than once Hercules quickly withdrew his foot lest he be sucked downward by the yielding earth."

"At length he found the lair where dwelt the monstrous beast. Within a cavern of perpetual night, the hydra lay concealed. By day and night Hercules haunted the treacherous fen, awaiting a propitious time when the beast would sally forth. In vain he watched. The monster stayed within its fetid den."

"Resorting to a stratagem, Hercules dipped his arrows in burning pitch and rained them straight into th