This is one of the books which will absolutely change your life. It has been described as “a bold map for traversing the masculine psyche”
King Warrior Magician Lover first takes on the difficult task of separating “man from the boy” by excavating psychological facts, examining the symbolism and history in various cultures, and by drawing references in everything from ancient fables to modern movies.
Authors Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette then identify four archetypes of masculine energies giving familiar examples 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.
For each archetype, two shadow poles are discussed. In the case of the Shadow King, The Tyrant is described as the active pole, and The Weakling as the passive pole.
This book has helped me tremendously in different stage of my life. Over the next few posts, I will share my notes on each of the four archetypes. Though my notes will not do it justice as the King Warrior Magician Lover is an eloquent, complete story to be read on its own.
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover:
Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine