In ancient Greek mythology there was mention of a sacred space owned by Hera, a massive orchard/garden that spread far and wide into the vast infinity of the beyond. The plants and trees inside were guarded by the Hesperides, female spirits that roamed the land in leisure, marveling at the divine gifts that culminated in the perfection of the golden apples. These apples were so coveted that a massive monster was tasked with their protection, the one hundred headed dragon Ladon. It was untouched by mortals for ages, protected and taken care of by deities who perfected their roles as protectors and nurturers…all until one day.
The hero, Herakles, was tasked with stealing the golden apples of Hera straight from the hundred headed dragon Ladon. Herakles, who usually relied on his massive strength, decided that this labor required a different approach. As the son of Zeus, the all-knowing, he accessed his right to divine guidance and understood that a god/goddess had a better chance at retrieving the apples than someone who had never trekked the garden before. He needed someone who knew about the secret entrances and pitfalls, infinite as the mouth of the void itself.
The gods were all under the command of Zeus, so he decided to choose Atlas, the titan, to aid him in his eleventh labor. He promised to relieve him of his punishment of lifting the whole globe on his shoulders if he went to retrieve the golden apples on his behalf. Atlas agreed on the condition that he kill Ladon, which in all tales is the role of the hero, to defeat the monster that guards the treasure. Hercules strung his bow and struck the dragon dead, then proceeded to hold the globe while Atlas went to fulfill his end of the bargain.
As time passed Herakles began to believe that Atlas had tricked him. The demons from the beyond began to grasp at him, Phobos and Deimos, fear, panic, and terror. He didn’t relent and successfully swatted them with his mental might, just in time to observe Atlas approaching in the horizon. Atlas, now having his freedom back, decided that he wanted to remain unbound and went back on his promise.
A mere mortal would’ve gotten mad, becoming irrational and sealing their fate…but not a hero…heroes don’t lose their cool.
Herakles calmly said, “Hold the planet for one last time so I may make myself comfortable before committing to this task for eternity.” Atlas granted him this final request and as they switched roles Herakles grabbed the satchel of apples and said goodbye to Atlas, making his way back to the mortal world with his well-earned treasure.
This tale is far more complex than it looks to the naked eye. The garden is a metaphor for the unconscious mind where the immaterial dwells, angels and demons, curses and treasures, medicine and maladies, all are there for the picking. Hera, the sublime goddess is both mother and crone, willing to bestow gifts to those who understand the beauty of the dark side. The mortals are fearful of this seemingly evil energy which consumes them if they dare enter unprepared. Heroes are different as they trek on and fight their way to the treasure, wresting it from the hands of their guardians and taking it back to the mortal world.
But there is another type…
These beings understand the beauty of the YinYang, the perfect and seamless incorporation of both good and evil as neutral results. The true nature of the mother goddess as the most beautiful incarnation of the artistic palette of the universe. They walk through the garden unbothered, picking from the apples as if they were already theirs (Because they are). They used to be heroes who fought for everything in life until the day that they armed themselves with wisdom through trial. They laugh at the heroes who cower at home when presented with the opportunity to go back to the void and they are confused at those who refuse the call.
They don’t understand their words as they say, “It’s too hard to head back,” or “I’m afraid of another close call.” This other category of heroes are no longer afraid. They’re willing to go back for their unevolved brethren. They brave the perils time and time again bringing countless treasures and become kings. If they go back enough times, they evolve into a higher state of being…godhood.
This final category of beings, the gods, is one that grows so accustomed to the void that they walk through it, swim in it, and laugh in it…they laugh. The wisdom shared through this website is culled by someone that inhabited that place for many years, extracting as much information as he could until reaching the apex of wisdom, inevitably finding the philosopher’s stone, the source of all things, the ONE truth. The wisdom of someone that went from mortal to hero…to god.
Welcome to the Shadow Garden brave deity. Hope your stay is pleasant…
