King, Warrior, Magician, Lover

02Boys need a proper initiation to become mature men

The idea of initiation is as old as humanity itself. If we take a trip back in time to the ancient Cro-Magnon caves, we'll find drawings of our forefathers as hunters, warriors, and providers. These aren't just doodles on a wall; they're symbolic of the roles and duties these men had to shoulder. These caves were sacred spots for initiation, a ritual that's still alive in many tribal cultures today. Initiation is a rite of passage, a shift from one state of existence to another. It's a common thread in human history, often portrayed in tales and myths. This shift isn't just physical, but also psychological and emotional. It's a journey from boyhood to manhood. But in our modern world, the true meaning of initiation has been lost. It's become a hollow ritual with no real depth. For example, joining the military or a gang is often seen as a way to 'become a man'. But these institutions often twist the true meaning of manhood and can do more harm than good. They push a patriarchal idea of 'manning up', which is inherently harmful. A real initiation process needs a dedicated sacred space where the initiates can face emotional and physical challenges under the guidance of an elder. In tribal cultures, this space could be a hut or a cave where the elder, a mature man with secret knowledge of manhood, would guide the boys through the initiation process, away from the influences of the outside world. Today, we're facing a crisis of manhood due to the lack of mature masculine role models and meaningful initiation rituals. This has led to feelings of anxiety, belittlement, and underappreciation among men. But there's a solution to this crisis. Carl Jung, a famous psychologist, believed that our behavior is guided by archetypes, which are patterns inherited from our ancestors. These archetypes can be found in nature. For example, a baby duck instinctively looks for a 'caretaker' or 'mother' upon hatching. Similarly, we humans seek the archetypes of 'mother' and 'father', regardless of whether our actual parents fit these descriptions. These archetypes aren't just found in folklore and mythology; they're deeply rooted in our collective unconscious. By letting these archetypes guide our lives, we can find harmony and balance. In their book, two authors argue that men can better themselves and their relationships with others by tapping into their archetypal potentials. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, men can navigate their journey towards maturity more effectively. Interestingly, men can also have female archetypes, forming a subpersonality known as Anima. Similarly, women can have male subpersonalities, known as Animus. These subpersonalities can influence our behavior and relationships in profound ways. By understanding and embracing these subpersonalities, we can achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

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