In his stimulating and challenging book, ‘The Power of Myth,’ Joseph Campbell introduced us to the ‘guardians of the threshold.’ The ‘guardians’ are fierce-looking figures placed at the entrances of ancient buildings. They are the protectors of the dark inner spaces of transformation. Campbell writes:
That is why the approaches and entrances to temples are flanked and defended by colossal gargoyles: dragons, lions, devil-slayers with drawn swords, resentful dwarfs, winged bulls. These are the threshold guardians to ward away all incapable of encountering the higher silences within. . . . They illustrate the fact that the devotee at the moment of entry into a temple undergoes a metamorphosis.
If I-you-we commit ourselves to what transformation requires [transformation = a fundamental change in character or structure], there will probably be some gargoyles guarding the entrance to the deeper, darker regions of our hearts and souls. The price we are asked to pay in order to gain entrance is a commitment to our transformation — especially a commitment to our ‘spiritual’ transformation. For you-me-us the specifics of our personal journeys differ; the common element of transformation for each of us is that we can no longer remain just as we are. Our commitment requires us to fundamentally change and we engage our commitment when we choose to cross the threshold. For many, certainly for myself, both the commitment and the action of stepping over the threshold is scary — the gargoyles help ensure that we are a bit, if not greatly, frightened as we step off into the dark new territory of transformation.
There are ‘true’ and ‘real’ dangers as we stand before this threshold: hazy uncertainty, risking the unknown challenges, uncovering our ‘true’ self, facing the reality of who we are and facing the question of ‘do I have the will to move forward, to move into the depths and the darkness?’ In the darkness one can move, as I have, into depression. For some, the confused haziness results in one being distraught, if not lethargic; for others confusion and doubt abound. The deep silence that comes with this journey can also feed one’s insecurity; it can also unbalance one with illusions and delusions.
Of course, all is not dark within the darkness of transformation. In addition to the gargoyles there are also guides who are present to aid our crossing and to offer us support as we go deeper still. We need them for we cannot make this journey alone. Our guides are composed of legends, myths, stories, and people. For me, they often appear in my dreams as crones or wizards. When I am most anxious or frightened they appear and provide me counsel, direction, hope and little pieces of light. When I am in their presence I experience deep peace and an abiding calmness. In stories they are the ‘Spider Woman,’ the wise crone, the crafty fox, the ‘fairy godmother,’ the wolf who speaks. In my faith tradition, it is the Holy Spirit who guides me and there are also some ‘saints’ that I turn to for support and sustenance.
For me, my inner journey of transformation is also supported by folks who have gone before me — I gain strength and inspiration from them. Some I have met through their writings and some I have met in person. Like all students seeking transformation, when I am ready the teacher and the guide will appear. The key, of course, is being able to discern them when they appear and then to invite them in and then to welcome them. They support me as I continue my journey and they are wise enough to know that it is my journey and hence I must also take it alone.
When have you, gentle reader, chosen to cross the threshold protected by the gargoyles? Who have been your guides? In what ways have they supported and/or guided you? What has your journey been like? Where is your current journey taking you and why are you choosing to go there?
Searcher-Seeker 
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