Map to territories of masculine selfhood

BOOK APPRECIATION by SB


King Warrior Magician Lover - Robert Moore, Douglas Gillette

'A bold map for traversing the masculine psyche' - Michael J Meade

Who are these guys?

Moore: Prof of Psychology and religion
Gillette: Co-founder Institute for World Spirituality - Chicago, USA
Philosophies of Jung

The book is toted as “Rediscovering the archetypes of the mature masculine"

If you will, a simplified and readable outline of an 'operator's manual for the male psyche'.

INTRODUCTION~

Since the fading out of ritual initiation into manhood (rites of passage) males {and females} have metamorphosized (some may say descended) into dominantly displaying patriarchal tendencies.

The word 'patriarch, -al, -y' is defined by the dictionary as ' A system of social organisation in which descent and succession are traced through the male line. Rule of a people or family by men. A society or social system founded by men and serving their interests alone, so that they retain and inherit power, wealth, privileges and opportunities that most women do not.'
(Reader's Digest Universal Dictionary 1987)

*Mmmm... I've learned something new already*

This patriarchy is the expression of immature masculinity. It is in effect an attack on masculinity in its fullness and femininity in its fullness. It is based on fear (and manipulation) - the boy's fear, the immature masculine's fear - of women and real men.

Apparently the cause for 'deteriorating' to this patriarchal state stems from inadequate connection to the inner feminine (and thus being overwhelmed by the feminine) and misconnection to the deep and instinctual masculine energies and potentials - and perpetuates the state by blocking meaningful and transformative initiatory processes to achieving a sense of true manhood. (The sins of the father, etc)

Patriarchy slanders and wounds both the masculine and feminine; added to this is the feminist critique which, when administered incorrectly, further inflicts damage on the already besieged authentic masculinity.

*Am I overly domineering or defensively belittling others to compensate my own feelings of inadequacy?*


We can be sure that mature masculinity is certainly not in the ascendancy today; therefore we must for the sake of our personal well-being, for our relationships with others and ultimately to avert the global crisis we face as a species; begin exploring the archetypes and emerge celebrating authentic 'masculine' power, energy and potency that lie within us all - men and women.