What is the sacred masculine?

The sacred masculine is a concept originating from the masculine archetypes perceived through different spiritual currents. Archetypal figures such as Zeus, Thor or the notion of "Father" in Christianity represent the qualities that make up the references used to reflect the sacred quality of masculine energy.

The sacred masculine is based on principles of action, focusing basically on acting rather than waiting. This energy that inhabits all beings regardless of sex, gender or sexuality, is related to precision, confidence, speaking for oneself and fighting, when necessary, for a cause.

In addition, the sacred masculine also comprises 11 fundamentals: 1) risk-taking, 2) assertiveness, 3) action, 4) discipline, 5) boundaries, 6) confidence, 7) objectivity, 8) logical and analytical thinking, 9) warrior spirit, 10) yang energy, and 11) survival instinct.

This article deals with this important concept, so renegade in today's culture due to patriarchy. Read on to understand it.

Meaning of sacred male

The sacred masculine is, in a way, the essence of man's soul, free from the effects of society. This, however, does not mean that it is only restricted to individuals who identify with this gender, whether trans or cis men. As we will show, it inhabits all beings.Check it out.

What does "sacred" mean

The word "sacred" comes from the Latin 'sacer' which, in turn, means dedicated, purified or consecrated to the gods. By this association, it is possible to use the word sacred to refer to everything that is related to the divine. In general, everything that makes up the notion of sacred is considered immutable and therefore generates veneration and respect.

In the case of the sacred masculine, we have the essence of energy found most predominantly in men. As the etymology of the sacred points out, this essence is unchanging. Moreover, in its pure state, it contains the secrets of what it actually means to be a man.

Female and male

The entire universe is composed of two essential energies of opposite and complementary natures, often referred to as feminine and masculine. Therefore, all people and beings have access to and are composed of these energies regardless of sex, gender identity or sexuality.

As we will show below, both energies are understood in several different ways depending on the school or culture in which they are inserted, as is the case of the ancestral concepts of yin and yang and, more recently, the notion of anima and animus.

Yin and Yang

According to Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin and Yang represent an energetic duality of opposite and complementary nature. Yin energy is generally more in evidence in women because it represents the feminine principle.

As such, Yin energy is associated with the moon, darkness, night and sensations such as cold and humidity. In contrast, Yang energy tends to be more present in men, since it is the masculine principle. It is associated with the sun, day, clarity and sensations such as heat and dryness.

Over the years, in men, the Yin principle has been repressed, while in women, it is the Yang energy that has been despised. However, both are necessary for balance.

Anima and Animus

Anima and Animus are concepts originating from psychology. While Anima is the representation of the female psyche, Animus is its male counterpart. This concept was coined when they realized that in different religions of the world there are always male and female archetypes like Shiva and Parvati, Adam and Eve, Frey and Freya etc.

If we think about the division of our brain in two hemispheres, it is possible to understand, in a clearer way, how these two energies are organized in our psyche from a physiological structure. In the same way that the brain needs the two hemispheres to fully function, we need to be in balance with the Anima and Animus energies in order to live in equilibrium.

The need for the healing of the "feminine" in man

When men get too exposed to the energies of what would be classified as "masculine", there is a great tendency for them to develop aggressiveness and impulsiveness in their behavior. Therefore, there is a need for the healing of the "feminine" in men.

Through this healing and rescue, it is possible to rediscover values belonging to the Yin energy, such as love and cooperation, thus generating a well-being for all of society. Furthermore, from the healing of the feminine, the masculine side will naturally rebalance itself.

Consequently, you will be able to be empathetic, handle your relationships better, and not reproduce toxic behaviors that put your physical, emotional, and mental integrity at risk.

The search for balance from the individual to the collective

By getting in touch with your sacred masculine, you will begin the search for balance starting from you, as an individual, and reverberating in the collective. In this way, it is possible to review concepts that are rooted in society itself, which has been poisoned for years by patriarchy, such as the use of violence, domination and aggression.

In this healing process, concepts such as violence, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, racism and many other toxic behavior patterns will be broken. And from this, you will be able to reflect on your actions, so that the result will be a more just and equal society.

Sacred Masculinity X Toxic Masculinity

When attempting to connect with the Sacred Masculine, it is important to make clear differences between it and the concept of toxic masculinity. At present, the term masculinity has a very negative meaning due to the behavioral standards imposed on men. Understand the consequences of imbalanced masculine energy below.

The masculine energy in imbalance

When the masculine energy is out of balance, many problems arise. Among them are exacerbated aggressiveness, lack of compassionate leadership, adolescence and childishness that are perpetuated into adulthood, and disconnection with the feminine energy.

And the antidote to these toxic masculinity patterns is connection to the sacred masculinity. Toxic masculinity is grounded in fear, as it results from stagnation generated by lack of leadership, wrong role models, and most importantly, absence.

All these patterns are perpetuated by the patriarchal society that stifles men and destroys women, as they are seen as something to be conquered and dominated.

The feminine as derogatory

In a society guided by the concepts of patriarchy, which wishes to dominate, subjugate and conquer everything, the feminine is seen as weakness and assumes a depreciative character. Therefore, boys from an early age are trained to believe that everything feminine should be devalued.

As a consequence, they end up having problems relating to each other, being emotional and developing empathy. And in their adult life, they end up becoming potential aggressors, with problems expressing intimacy, being doomed to loneliness and with a high level of developing depression.

The overrated "male"

As a consequence of the depreciation of everything related to the feminine, the idea of the "macho man" is one of the standards of toxic masculinity that is constantly stimulated.

And this stimulus to macheza has disastrous consequences, which are already perceived during youth, a period in which there is the need to prove that one is better than everyone around, with encouragement to athletic competition, the objectification of women and the use of violence to solve problems.

And this toxic pattern is fostered by movies, series and commercials, strengthening limiting beliefs that result in wearing masks to oppress what's going on behind the "carcass".

The film "The Mask You Live In"

In the 2015 documentary film "The mask you live in", available on Netflix, you can get an overview of the big problem that exists in society in the upbringing of boys and the consequences of that upbringing.

The film has alarming data that relate how the upbringing of boys ends up exposing them to different instances of toxic masculinity such as the use of drugs in preadolescence, encouragement to physical violence, exaggerated consumption of pornography and even encouragement to rape.

Although the data are from the North American reality, the reality of countries like Brazil is not very different, especially if we consider the contexts related to colonization and the fact that the US is considered as a kind of crystal ball to predict what will happen in Brazil soon.

How to connect to the sacred masculine

In order to connect with the sacred masculine, it is essential to strip away the toxic concepts that are imposed by society. As a starting point, it is important to develop self-awareness and self-forgiveness, as well as recognize that you need help. Check out the following tips on how to begin your process of connecting with your sacred masculine.

Self-knowledge and self-forgiveness

The first step to promoting change is to seek the answers within yourself. This process can be difficult and painful, but it is essential so that you can hear your inner voice and connect with your sacred masculine that lies dormant within you.

Try to find the reason for your connection with your sacred masculine: do you want to improve your relationships? Do you want to be someone more empathetic, less violent?

It is important that as you find answers to your questions, you learn to forgive yourself. It is through this step that you can trigger change by accepting who you are and forgiving yourself in order to move forward. This is undoubtedly the biggest step towards expanding your consciousness and improving your life.

Connect with the sacred within

When you hear your inner voice, it is important to try to seek that which can connect you to your inner sacred. This is a process that may take time, but leave your mind open to the possibility. It is not necessary to possess any spiritual beliefs to make this connection, for the answer lies within yourself.

However, if you follow a specific spiritual path, you can try to connect with your mentors for them to guide you through this inner journey. If you wish, use music, meditation or go on a nature walk to facilitate this connection.

Search for help

Whenever possible, it is important to seek help during the process of getting in touch with your sacred. Unfortunately, there are still many taboos associated with therapy.

However, try to strip yourself of limiting beliefs that have been imposed on you and understand that at some point in life, we all need help. Therapy can aid your healing process, as from it you can access aspects of your life that you may not know about.

In addition, it will help you understand your feelings, the roots of your traumas and, mainly, help establish a dialogue, since there is a communication channel in which you can express yourself freely and without judgments.

Participating in men's groups

Whenever possible, try to participate in men's groups, where you can meet men who are on the same journey as you and who can help you during your search.

In these meetings, you will learn to re-signify what it means to be a man and hear the experiences of other men who are in the same healing process as you. You will notice that you are not alone and that many men go through similar problems.

In this sense, men's groups also serve as support networks and can provide you with a kind of map or even a structured program to get you where you want to go. although the search.

Awareness of being a reference

From the moment you begin your journey of encountering your sacred masculine, it is important that you have the consciousness that you are a reference.

It is important that you express yourself in a new way that relates to the new man you are becoming and act as a reference figure, mirroring the masculine archetypes essential for a healthy upbringing and relationship, with more empathy, respect and self-confidence.

Encouraging other men to heal

By assuming your awareness of being a reference, it is important that you can encourage other men to heal. It is not about "converting" them or forcing them to follow the same path as you, but rather, showing them that there is a way out to a fuller life with healthy relationships.

So encourage people who were in the same situation as you found yourself and act appropriately so that you help deconstruct the toxic masculinity patterns that boys and men are exposed to.

Sometimes, just as important as talking is the ability to listen. Listen to those who need it, and when you have to talk, leave out the toxic small talk and make room for the expression of your feelings and emotions.

Opening up for equality

Part of connecting with your sacred masculine and letting go of your toxic masculinity is letting go of prejudices and macho attitudes. Remember that toxic masculinity is based in fear and that the sacred masculine offers the cure for fear.

Be open to diversity and try to recognize other important social causes such as the feminist movement, recognizing the protagonism of women in the movement and realizing the importance of equality between genders.

Say yes to what is different and you will see the range of opportunities that will open up in your path. You won't stop being a man by doing this. In fact, it takes a lot of men to be open-minded and respectful of multiple differences, whether they be gender, ethnicity, or sexual identity.

Be aware that they have their periods

Just as the female cycles are marked by the moon, which often coincides with the menstrual cycle, men have their cycles. However, unlike women, male periods are longer and more subtle.

Being ruled by the sun, each season of the year represents a phase in which different aspects of the sacred masculine can be accessed. Winter is the period of introspection, due to its association with the archetype of Death. When spring arrives, it is time for the inner child, to grow and blossom.

In summer, the sun reaches its maximum power so it is the time to connect with the Warrior and Father archetype. Finally, autumn contains the Mage archetype and provides recollection and intuition.

Is the sacred masculine really necessary?

Yes. The sacred masculine, as we have demonstrated throughout this article, is a healing path that allows the modern man to connect with his essential energies, devoid of preconceptions.

From this contact, you will be able to get in touch with your inner self and will have the self-knowledge to live in balance and break the parameters of toxic masculinity imposed on you. Furthermore, you will be able to recognize your emotions and your potentials, expressing them.

In this way, you will connect with your cycles and manifest the 4 main archetypes of the mature man: King, Lover, Warrior and Magician, leading your life, loving the people around you, fighting for ideals and having the wisdom to act in various situations.

This will reverberate positively in your interpersonal relationships with friends, family partners or co-workers, so that you will have more quality of life and will be an important agent in promoting a more just and equitable society.