This was Hercules’s most dangerous labor. He is ordered by Eurystheus to descend to the underworld and capture the beast called Cerberus, subdue him and bring him back to his kingdom. As the vicious guard of Hades, Cerberus had three heads and a snake’s tail. For Hercules to enter Hades was an extreme act of bravery because no human had ever returned from a journey there.

Before embarking on this labor, Hercules prepares by visiting the holy place of Eleusis, where the secret reglious rites were held. These secret mysteries revealed the three phases of the spiritual journey, the deccent, the search, and the ascent. While there Hercules is initiated into the mysteries of life and death and taught about the inhabitants of the underworld. His prepared in the ways to travel between the worlds and only then does he set off for his journey.

Upon reaching the entrance to the underworld and journeying through the passages, he arrives at the dark and mournful River Styx. The river ferryman, Charon demands a fee from anyone who wishing to pass, but he was so frightened by the sight of Hercules that he forgot payment and ferried him to the other side.

Hercules navigates the labyrinth of the underworld until he comes upon the God of Death himself, Hades. Hades demands to know what Hercules seeks. Containing his fear, he responds, “I have come to bring your hound to Eurystheus.” Hades agrees to this but only on the condition that Hercules can subdue and bind the beast without weapons. Should he fail in his task, Hercules must find his place in Hades underworld kingdom.

Hercules proceeds and approaches Cerberus, who is snarling and in a frenzied fury. A long fight with the beast ensues and eventually Hercules grabs it at the base of the three heads at the throat. Finally exhausted, the hound is subdued. Hercules then binds him and brings him into the light. Upon seeing him, Eurystheus flees in terror. Cerberus is then returned to guard the underworld.

Hercules then returns Cerberus to Hades to resume guarding the gates of Hades.

Hercules was allowed to study the Eleusinian Mysteries before beginning the labor. This was an essential part of his preparation and provided him with secrets of the underworld and clues to successfully navigate its dark realms.

The Elusinian Mysteries Paul Sérusier, 1888

These secret rituals of the Eleusinian Mysteries are thought to have run continuously for 1000 years (ending around 392 CE). Their religious rites revolved around the story of Demeter and Persephone and the cycle of descent to the underworld and the return the world of the living.

Those who participated in the mysteries were said to be eternally changed. Indeed, the most influential thinkers during this time, Cicero, Plutarch, Socrates, and Plato were all known to have participated in the mysteries. Through participation in the rites, they learned the secrets of the afterlife, rebirth, and the soul’s immortality.

Hercules’s ability to access the underworld made Hades willing to assist him in his task. Once again we see that the cooperation of the Gods demonstrates that Hercules is willing to do the work necessary for the task.

Cerberus was the loyal three-headed servant of Hades. He was ferocious and had jagged teeth and dutifully guarded the gate to Hades to prevent the dead from escaping and the living from entry. this ferocious creature’s name translates to “Demon of the Dark.”

Hercules’s descent into the underworld represents the Hero’s initiation. Through his ability to navigate the world of darkness and return to light, he indicates his accomplished mastery over his personality. It is through this labor, that he becomes enlightened and manifests his God-self.

The return of Cerberus to the underworld completes the cycle of individual development. From the perspective of Hercules’s spiritual evolution, his future work occurs from the place of the universal or collective good.

Self-knowledge and mastery over the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of personality in Capricorn are required so that the fully integrated individual can go forward in service of the collective.

The personality in Capricorn tends to be very focused on worldly concerns. They can be severe, determined, ambitious, and strong-willed. Capricorn strongly influences many leaders who rule by dominating others as they climb the corporate mountain. This energy, in a spiritually immature Capricorn, can drive them to act solely on their own selfish behalf.

The spiritually mature Capricorn has learned humility. They have been to the underworld and they recognize that there is no real separation between themselves and the other. In Capricorn the mountain and the goat is left behind and through the journey, they are transformed into the unicorn, with a singular drive for service. Only then can they descend the mountain to work on behalf of all of humanity.