We’re now a month out from our next cohort of The Deep Masculine, a 3 month online journey for men that weaves together mythology, somatics, ritual & brotherhood.
I invited my collaborator Deus Fortier to reflect on our initial journey which we launched earlier this year and completed in June.
At its core, The Deep Masculine seeks to repattern men's relationships with eros - the primal force of life. Drawing from the mythopoetic men's movement and texts like Robert Bly's "Iron John" and "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover" by Douglas Gillette and Robert Moore, we offer a framework to help men rediscover a more intimate sense of aliveness.
In "Iron John," Bly speaks about the Wild Man, the undomesticated male energy that holds the key to a man's soul. This archetype is deeply connected to the wisdom of the earth. Reconnecting with this energy is a recurring theme in our work.
It’s important to make a critical distinction between the "wild" and "savage" man. The former is deeply attuned and rightfully placed within the natural order, while the latter is dangerously disconnected. A savage man is willing to shoot up a shopping mall out of their own self-hatred poured forth as rage against others. This understanding is pivotal in redefining what it means to rewild in a positive, life-affirming way.
Central to our inquiry is the archetype of The Lover. Modern men’s work often prizes the King and the Warrior while neglecting the Lover, whose sensitivity and emotional depth are essential for integrated masculinity.
“The Lover keeps the other masculine energies humane, loving and related to each other.” - Robert Moore & Douglas Gilette
Shadow work is also a significant part of the journey. Often, aspects of ourselves deemed unacceptable are relegated to the shadow. By integrating these parts, men can reclaim lost vitality and unlock deeper wisdom. This process includes exploring sexual shadow, addiction, and infidelity, and forging a pathway for healthier relationships.
In the words of indigenous grandmother Pat McCabe, our ultimate vision is to “realign masculinity with thriving life.” This means developing the Lover's qualities such as courtship and appreciative consciousness, and fostering solidarity among men.
If you are drawn to these themes, we invite you to apply for the next cohort beginning in late September. The application process itself is a valuable reflective journey. We’re inviting a global brotherhood to gather around this fire.
p.s. On Sept 4, I’m also hosting a free webinar An Introduction to Mythopoetic Masculinity. Open to all genders.
Share this post