The Labours of Hercules: An Astrological Interpretation

by Alice A. Bailey

The Labours of Hercules is a vivid narrative describing the journey of the soul through the twelve signs of the zodiac, as viewed from the myth of Hercules. The text is based upon a series of lectures given by Alice A. Bailey and is an excellent introduction to an understanding of esoteric astrology. This book is an insightful addition to the 24 volume set of books by Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a Master of the Wisdom, a body of esoteric teaching handed down from ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period.

Genres: Astrology, Spirituality

229 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1957

About the author

Pease note: this is a different author from Alice Bailey.

Alice A. Bailey (1880-1949) was an English esoteric practitioner and writer.
At the age of 35, she entered the Theosophical Society center in Los Angeles (USA), at the Pacific Grove Theosophical Lodge. In 1919, Bailey (39 years old) severed her ties to the Theosophical Society and began to write texts that he claimed were dictated telepathically by a certain "Tibetan," or "D. K. ». She published those texts under the title Human and Solar Initiation. There she made known the existence of the spiritual hierarchy, which Madame Blavatsky had already spread, although not in an orderly way.
She later revealed that the Tibetan D.K. was the master Djwal Khul. She wrote using the teacher's name for 30 years, from 1919 until her death in 1949.

Reviews

[brandi gaspard · Rating 5 out of 5]

took me over a year to finish this but it was well worth it. Alice a Bailey contextualizes the labors of Hercules through astrology and the path of man, from animal to divine savior.

“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, and the reward of all the work done by Hercules” (p. 5).

[Parham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought three copies, one I kept, two I gave to friends.

[Joshua Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey took me through the Zodiac as Hercules, son of god, son of man, which we all are Hercules.

[Jose Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente libro que voy a presentar en una conferencia, mi primera conferencia de astrología

[Jose17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menudo viajazo de libro para ser consciente y encontrar nuestra alma interior. La mezcla entre mitologia, religión y horoscopo hace que este libro sea curioso, entretenido y espiritual.

[Risha · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best resources to explore what astrology actually is and to gain understanding for allegorical stories. Gemini and Scorpio are my favorite chapters!

[Fab Mariani · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want to have a shot at a career as a Youtube new age influencer, this is useful reading for your arsenal of dazzling concepts to appear profound to your clueless and naive audience. If you want an harmonious, humane, integrated life, skip, or read tongue in cheek.

Liked it at the time but this is neither astrological nor mythological. It is, in typical theosophical fashion, spiritualist babble, symbolistic sleight of hand to subvert ancient, revered material to new ends. Neo-syncretistic ends of sorts.

As usual with Bailey's writing, some nice writing here and there, albeit cold and soulless, but sometimes inspiring still.

Will do nothing for your heart or soul. Would, however, inflate your spirit, but then again that's kind of the point.

Great book to make you feel smarter than you really are while you learn nothing of essence.

[T M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic.