King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine

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.