Because body-oriented spirituality is so much the rage these days, those of us who are called to articulate meaning in a theological-philosophical manner are often misunderstood. We are frequently told: "Oh, you're just your head," or "You're practicing mental masturbation," or even "All of your conceptual insights are merely ILLUSION!" However, our current era is suffering from a lack of meaning. While the old traditional theologies are falling by the wayside, there are few new ones to replace them. While the realm of the conceptual is not the ENTIRE spiritual journey, it is definitely a necessary component. It is with a great sense of consolation, therefore, that I read last week about the "Magician" archetype in Terry Jones' book "The Elder Within: The Source of Mature Masculinity":
"In
order to find our own individual centers, we need to be able to access
the inner Magician. The magician's wisdom and expertise guide us in our
understanding of the self. So, even though this archetype is really in
his head, we need his focus on the intellectual to grasp the meaning of
life. Mature masculinity depends on the balance of the fourfold way:
intellectual, psychological, spiritual, and physical . . . It is from
the magician archetype that we are moved to thoughtfulness, reflection
and insight."
While I seek to remain grounded in the physical, emotional and psychological realms, it is the intellectual realm - the place where insight and meaning are found - that is my primary vocation and dwelling place in this life.
Photo: South Sister Peak reflected in Lava Lake at sunrise, near Bend, OR, August 1, 2015
While I seek to remain grounded in the physical, emotional and psychological realms, it is the intellectual realm - the place where insight and meaning are found - that is my primary vocation and dwelling place in this life.
Photo: South Sister Peak reflected in Lava Lake at sunrise, near Bend, OR, August 1, 2015
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