Introduction:

Another central tenant of the framework of a men’s circle is male archetypes. As mentioned on the Four Directions page, a traditional mens circle has four rounds (or doors) and each of these rounds is represented by both a direction and an archetype.

Context:

This framework is thanks to Robert Moore and Doug Gillette’s book King, Warrior, Magician, Lover published in 1990. This book has been highly influential in contemporary mens work. In this book, they explore the idea of masculine psychology through the lens of archetypes, drawing from Jungian psychology, myth, and cultural anthropology.

Moore and Gillette's central thesis is that there are four primary archetypes of mature masculinity, each representing a vital aspect of a man’s psyche. These archetypes are not separate identities but different facets of a man’s potential, and the goal is for a man to integrate all four into his life. Each archetype has a shadow side, representing the negative or immature expression of that aspect of the psyche. The mature man strives to embody the positive aspects of each archetype while working through the negative aspects.

Naturally, this work goes into beautiful depth and is worthy of a full read. However, within the context of how it is applied within men’s circle, it is helpful to have a general overview of each archetype and its relation to circle framework. ManKind Project is credited with bringing this framework into the circle space. It is important to note that archetypes have a wide range of applications with this space.

Archetypes In Circle:

Similarly to honoring the Four Directions, by bringing these archetypes into the framework and structure of a circle, it allows men the opportunity to come into deeper relation and integration of each archetype. In each round, the archetype is often referenced to provide men a visual reference as to the type of energy that the circle is tasked with cultivating in each round. There are also often exercises and activities in these rounds that are a reflection of each archetype.

Alongside a brief overview of each, you will find how it is connected to each round within circle. Please note that the order of the archetypes has been restructured here to represent the flow of circle (East/Lover, South/Warrior, West/Magician, North/King):

Lover

• Role: The Lover archetype is associated with passion, connection, intimacy, and joy. It is about a man’s emotional life, his ability to connect with others deeply, and to experience life in a full, sensory, and expressive way. The Lover also connects to creativity, art, and the enjoyment of beauty.

• Shadow: The Addicted Lover may seek pleasure at the expense of everything else, becoming consumed by desires, while the Impotent Lover is emotionally withdrawn and detached, unable to form connections or experience joy.

• Impact: The Lover archetype is crucial for men to develop emotional depth, intimacy, and the ability to form healthy, loving relationships. It encourages men to embrace their emotions, passions, and creativity in ways that are fulfilling and constructive.

• Circle Influence: Lover is honored during the check in round. This being the first round in circle, this is where men are invited to arrive and come into connection with the other men in circle. This is done in different ways, but almost always involves a “check in” where each man has the opportunity to state his name and current time feeling.

Warrior

• Role: The Warrior archetype represents courage, discipline, focus, and action. The Warrior is about fighting for a cause, protecting the vulnerable, and pursuing goals with determination. This archetype emphasizes strength, skill, and the willingness to confront challenges head-on.

• Shadow: The Sadistic Warrior uses aggression and violence without a sense of honor, while the Masochistic Warrior is passive, fearful, and avoids conflict, even when it is necessary to fight.

• Impact: This archetype is vital for men to develop the inner strength and determination to pursue their goals, stand up for what they believe in, and face challenges without hesitation. It represents the need for action, but also for discernment in choosing battles.

• Circle Influence: Warrior energy is represented in the second round through accountability, integrity and self-awareness. The warrior round is essential to creating a safe container for the evening and this is done by each man holding themselves and each other in accountability and integrity.

Magician

• Role: The Magician archetype is about wisdom, insight, transformation, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Magician is a man who seeks understanding, cultivates inner awareness, and uses his knowledge to benefit others. This archetype also represents creativity and the ability to see beyond the ordinary.

• Shadow: The Shadow Magician can manifest as the Manipulative Magician, who uses knowledge and power to control or deceive others, or the Inactive Magician, who fails to apply his wisdom or inner potential.

• Impact: The Magician archetype encourages men to cultivate wisdom, intuition, and self-reflection. It represents the importance of developing a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, and using that understanding to transform one’s life and the lives of others.

• Circle Influence: If you were to pull out a specific theme from the magician archetype in circle it would likely be “transformation”. This round is also often refers to “the work round” as this round is the space and place where men are invited to explore their shadows. It is the opportunity to go within, explore the inner landscape, come into relation and transformation of the depths of the soul.

King

• Role: The King archetype represents the mature masculine energy of leadership, order, wisdom, and nurturing. The King is a protector and a ruler, someone who creates stability and fosters a sense of community.

• Shadow: The negative expression of the King is the Tyrant, who abuses power and controls others through fear, or the Weakling King, who is passive and incapable of leadership.

• Impact: The King archetype is deeply connected to a man’s ability to create and lead, whether in his family, community, or career. Embracing this archetype allows men to step into their rightful leadership roles with integrity and compassion.

• Circle Influence: Critical to circles is the “king” round where nurturing, wisdom and stability is sought before the circle closes for the night. Following the land of the magician, where deep work is almost always done, this round helps to bring balance, peace and closure to the circle and evening before men have to step back into the real world.

Integration of the Archetypes:

One of the key messages in King, Warrior, Magician, Lover is the importance of integrating all four of these archetypes into a man’s life. Moore and Gillette argue that many men today are disconnected from these aspects of themselves due to societal pressures, lack of initiation rites, and emotional repression. Upon reflection and integration, men will often find that they are stuck in one or two of the archetypes.

It would be fair to say that integration of the archetypes -balance- is the goal. Integration -an important and prominent theme in mens work- of the four within can ensure that no one energy is dominating a mans life.

Conclusion:

King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette is a seminal work in the field of men's psychology and personal development. Through the lens of archetypes, Moore and Gillette offer a blueprint for understanding the psychological development of men, helping them integrate four key energies necessary for a mature and fulfilling life. These archetypes—King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover—serve as vital tools in helping men understand themselves, their emotions, and their relationships, and they continue to be a cornerstone of contemporary men’s work.

Their framework has helped create deeper structure, meaning and context for men within a circle space. It has been instrumental is helping men understand the significance and energy within each round, as well as the flow of the circle as a whole. The authors sought to inspire men on a individual level to create balance and integration of each archetype, just like the Four Directions, the flow of Lover to Warrior to Magician to King is creates a balanced, integrated approach to a group, circle space.