A Change in Season: The Renewed Masculine

Alexander John Shaia, PhD, LPC, CST-T

Abstract

This article reviews new archetypal perspectives on the masculine and masculine development. Searching mythologies, it brings to awareness the limits of Greek dualism, describing myths where the earth is father (Norse, Australian, Egyptian) and the moon is male (German, Japanese). It posits a lunar–solar polarity within the male psyche. Reviewing newer theories of masculine development, it explores the idea of phallus as central to a man’s sacred core, and the beholding violence and ritually spilling blood are key steps in a man’s development of psyche. The article concludes with provocative questions for the sandplay therapist serving as witness for the work of boys and men.

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