This episode was a difficult one for Jenny and Phil. Their struggle around defining and identifying what feels sacred and masculine is rooted deeply in the spaces and places they were raised. Much of what they were handed about the sacred masculine was steeped in a white, western, patriarchal worldview that has been difficult to unpack. And yet, as they explored masculinity they were able to find many beautiful and hopeful qualities to celebrate.

As you listen, consider how growing up in a patriarchal society might have also altered your views of sacred masculinity.
Could you identify with Phil and Jenny’s struggles with initially finding the sacredness in masculinity?
Who embodies an energy that feels divinely masculine to you?
What are your own qualities that feel holy and masculine?
What is an image of holy masculinity that makes you feel hopeful?

May we remember that the true heart of the sacred masculine cannot be corrupted by patriarchy.

Jenny and Phil cover a lot of ground and reference a lot of people and ideas in this thoughtful episode including:

• Ken Wilbur and Spiral Dynamics
• Matthew Fox and The Hidden Spirituality of Men
• Sophie Strand (every single thing she does but particularly her book Flowering Wand)
• bell hooks
• HBO's The Righteous Gemstones is always prophetic.
• Cyrus and the Snakes by Ada Limón (which kicked the ever living crap outta Jenny)
• EO Wilson
• Gabes Torres on Eros and Revolution

Chapters00:00- Introduction to the Sacred Masculine
03:00 - Struggles with the Patriarchal Representation of God
07:05 - Re-examining Masculinity in the Midst of Patriarchy
12:20 - Embracing and Transcending the Masculine
20:10 - Struggling with the Divine Masculine
23:52 - Finding Empathy for the Masculine through Poetry
27:48 - Reimagining Masculinity in Nature
30:39 - Envisioning Alternatives to Patriarchal Masculinity
36:00 - Healing the Masculine and Embracing Power
41:25 - Reconnecting with Nature and Embracing Vulnerability
46:49 - Eros and Revolution: Activism and Pleasure
50:24 - The Importance of Connection and Mythology in Masculinity
50:54 - Exploring Myths of Masculinity
57:34 - Divine Animacy
01:01:51 - Reconnecting to Self