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Spiritual Direction: Archtetypes for Masculine Soul
Archetypes for Spiritual Direction: Discovering the Heroes Within (New York, Paulist Press, 2005) by Bruce Tallman
Goddesses in Everywoman by Jean Shinoda Bolen is a study of archetypes. This text of 256 pages is Tallman's doctoral thesis. It begins with archetypes and the thoughts of Caroline Myss, Robert Moore, Carol Pearson and Robert Bly.
Characteristics of the heroic and the opposing archetype are outlined, including exercises for accessing the archetypes along with questions for reflection.
The Sovereign, Warrior, Seer and Lover and each one's shadow, including the Tyrant and Abdicator, Sadist and Masochist, Manipulator and Fool, and, Addict and Frigid are explored.
Application to spiritual direction follow. The aim of the page-turner of a book is to "empower, protect and serve male and female seekers who so trustingly and vulnerably share their souls with the guide or director in the spiritual counseling relationship" and to help directors become more aware of the antiheroic and heroic archetypes in their own journey.
Gender stereotypes are pierced in this fine book. Deeper archetypal energies that reside within men and women are traversed and opened up for the reader.
Abuse of power, violence, the climate crisis, greed and materialism wound all of God's children, Tallman concludes. Spiritual directors are invited to become "exemplary, heroic models of the spiritual life" and "swim against the current of violence," Tallman suggests.
Engaging archetypes in spiritual direction and counseling are a challenge and help to spiritual seekers.
$20. Paulist Press, 1 800 218 1903.
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