King, Warrior, Magician, Lover

The corporate "yes man," the wife-beater, the hot-shot male junior executive and the emotionally distant father are all boys pretending to be men, observe the authors of this liberating guide to self-transformation. Writing within a Jungian framework, they perceive symptoms of "Boycaps per book psychology" all around us--in men's abusive behaviors, passivity and inability to act creatively. To help males become more nurturing and mature, Moore and Gillette identify four archetypes of masculine energies from myth and literature: the Lover, brimming with vitality and sensitivity; the Magician, guider of the processes of inner and outer transformation; the selfless and wise King identified with Adam or primordial man; and the Warrior, whose energies often go awry in destructive activity. Dream analysis, meditation, Jungian "active imagination" and ritual processes are among the tools set forth in a clear, concise map to territories of masculine selfhood. Moore is a professor of psychology and religion at Chicago's Theological Seminary, Gillette is cofounder of the Chicago-based Institute for World Spirituality. Illustrated.

"A map for men...[Moore and Gillette] are handing men concrete images and explicit ways of thinking and being, ways to mature and still remain fully masculine."-- Chicago Sun-Times The classic guide to the four essential male archetypes. Masculinity is on trial, leaving many men feeling lost, threatened, or unable to clearly express themselves. Instead of leading to internal growth and maturity, paradigms like "toxic masculinity" and "man up!" ultimately lead to men and boys feeling isolated, angry, and unable to hold steady and healthy relationships--with themselves and others. King, Warrior, Magician, Lover dispels these and other common myths and stereotypes and offers a new framework for understanding men and their many facets--and the societal and emotional factors that make us who we are. In this classic guide, Jungian analysts Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette make the argument that mature masculinity is not abusive or domineering, but generative, creative, and empowering of the self and others. Through a psychological lens, they clearly define the four mature male archetypes that stand out through myth and literature across history: The king --the energy of just and creative ordering The warrior --the energy of aggressive but nonviolent action The magician --the energy of initiation and transformation The lover --the energy that connects one to others and the world As well as the four immature patterns that interfere with masculine potential (divine child, oedipal child, trickster, and hero). In the realm of shadow work, and by providing reflective prompts, Moore and Gillette offer space for understanding our individual and collective strengths and weaknesses, and the self-awareness and empathy that can be gained in the process. King, Warrior, Magician, Lover is a must read for men searching for secure attachments in relationships, healthy emotional regulation, a deep sense of purpose, and the strength it takes to be selfless--and for all of us who love and raise them. Deepen your understanding of yourself and your archetype to become a more empathetic, assured, and fulfilled man. ...

#8220;An exciting view of masculinity, one rooted not in domination but in creativity and empowerment of the self and others.”

Klappentext

The bestselling, widely heralded, jungian introduction to the psychological foundation of a mature, authentic, and revitalized masculinity.