In this stage, the hero must confront and be initiated by whatever holds the ultimate power in their life, whether a person or a force with life-and-death power. This stage is the center of the journey. I might have Atonement of the Father in my story; I don’t know yet.
Here are some examples of the Atonement of the Father: Luke forgiving Darth Vader and bringing his father back from the dark side (Star Wars), Rocky forgiving Mickey (Rocky), Balian realizing his father’s values, which lead to a sense of closure and atonement for both characters, and his acceptance of his father’s legacy and his commitment to protect Jerusalem (Kingdom of Heaven).