IN-PERSON
Awakening the Wild Erotic (AWE)
A ritual immersion to reclaim your sexual power, liberate your essential nature, and embody the archetype of the Lover.
Next Event: April 5-7, 2024, Vancouver Island.
The Journey Begins…
There is an urgent call for men to awaken and embody the archetypal Lover.
This potent force beckons us to connect with the depths of our hearts and to cultivate a profound sense of intimacy, passion, and vulnerability in our relationships.
The archetypal Lover encourages men to move beyond mere physicality and embrace the sacred aspect of Eros, the primary force of life.
By awakening the Lover within, you will embark on a transformative journey of self-integration, recognizing that true strength lies in claiming the authenticity of the heart and your potency as an erotic being.
It is through this awakening that you can forge a profound reconnection with yourself, your relationships and your connection to life.
You are invited to explore these realms in a rich, alchemical container alongside a group of men, to commit in solidarity for personal and collective erotic evolution.
Listen to an overview of the experience with faciliators Ian MacKenzie & Deus Fortier
Understanding the Archetypes
There are four core masculine archetypes as imagined by the “mythopoetic men’s movement.”
An archetype is a primal pattern found in the collective unconscious (according to Carl Jung), and this map has provided depth and meaning for generations of men since the 1980’s.
Offerings abound by men’s work groups & facilitators to explore the Warrior, the Magician, and the King, but few are specifically focused on creating an opportunity to awaken the Lover.
“The Lover is the primal energy pattern of what we could call vividness, aliveness, and passion. […] The Lover keeps the other masculine energies humane, loving and related to each other.”
- Robert Moore & Douglas Gilette
The Experience
Awaking the Wild Erotic (AWE) is an immersive invitation into vulnerable and (potentially) triggering territory. The benefits you receive are directly proportional to your willingness to show up fully in an honest and courageous way.
Many of the principles and practices we will be exploring venture into esoteric territory of myth, archetypes and somatics. Gaining experiential wisdom rather than intellectual understanding requires a willingness to dive into the unknown with an open heart and mind.
This isn't for men who aren't willing to take a big risk - to commit to honesty and vulnerability for themselves and the group.
This unique immersive experience will provide:
A focused, ritual container that provides fertile soil for long-term transformation
Deep connection with other like-minded men from diverse backgrounds
A rare opportunity to explore erotic themes in a safe and supportive space held by men
Personalized and attuned guidance and support from professional facilitators
Life-enhancing explorations that catalyze a paradigm shift on a personal and collective level
A deeper awareness and understanding of the invisible forces that shape our perception and experience of ourselves, others, and reality as a whole
Specialized integration tools and support
Participant Testimonials
“[This weekend] was a healing journey into the depths of my erotic soul and helped me retrieve and reclaim some lost parts of myself. The willingness of the men who participated to be vulnerable and truly seen was inspiring and let me feel safe in sharing so much of myself. If you feel called: do it!”
- WARREN
“This was the most powerful and transformative men's container I've ever been a part of. I noticed a total shift in the way I view and hold myself and how I fundamentally perceive myself.
My wife saw the same shift, immediately. It was a form of rite of passage into manhood that I never received. The insights I've gained from this container I already know will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
- AUSTIN
“I don't know how to convey everything that is happened in this retreat. I've written five poems since the first day of the retreat, and it's only the day after the closing ceremony. Eros is in my body, fire is in my belly and inspiration is in my bones. I came away changed. There was alchemy and magic in that space, and mysteries that are still unravelling.”
- PHIL
The Territory
We’ll explore questions like:
what is your personal story to your sexuality and what forces have shaped it
what is the mysterious and alluring force of Eros and how to step into right relationship with it
how you can dissolve shame, guilt and fear around your sexual energy
how you can draw upon the mythic archetypes of the King, Magician, Warrior and Lover and beyond to liberate our masculine essence
what is the function of male initiation, and why all traditional cultures practiced it (and continue to do so)
plus, much more.
Modalities Include:
Ceremony / Ritual
Mythic Erotic Archetypes
Intimacy, Sexuality & Connection
Authentic Relating & Communication Practices
Sacred Theatre (Group Processing)
Numa Breathwork
Comprehensive Integration
Who This Is For
Men of any age who:
Are devoted and dedicated to dissolving their erotic barriers and blockages
Enjoy facilitated spaces where they are challenged and supported in equal measure
Are open to exploring vulnerable, sensitive topics in a group setting
Wish to connect to a like-minded community of men
Are passionate about learning new ideas, approaches, practices and perspectives
Are inspired by mythopoetic archetypes and non-conventional methodologies
Have the desire for more ritual and ceremony in their life
Have some degree of experience with shadow work or therapeutic processing
Meet Your Guides
Ian MacKenzie is a filmmaker and cultural storyteller that has been tracking the seeds of emergent culture for over 15 years. His films include Sacred Economics (2012), Occupy Love (2013), and Amplify Her (2017) and the currently touring The Village of Lovers (2023). He is also the creator of The Mythic Masculine Podcast and co-founder of The School of Mythopoetics.
Deus Fortier is an Accelerated Evolution Coach, Transformational Artist, Numa Breathwork practitioner and Plant Medicine facilitator. He has over 17 years of experience in the immersive study and practice in non-ordinary states of consciousness, Kriya Yoga, Earth-based spirituality, body-centered psychotherapeutic methods, art therapy, embodiment practices and trauma-informed facilitation.
Additional FAQ’s
Q: Will there be direct sexual connection between men at this immersion?
While we will be engaging in erotic and sexual themes and practices throughout the duration of the retreat, these are energetic and somatic explorations and under no circumstances will direct sexual contact be invited or allowed.
There may be ‘edgy’ practices and processes that invite an uncommon level of intimate, vulnerable connection as a group in consensual and safe, supportive ways.
Q: Are trans men welcome to attend this weekend?
We acknowledge the sensitive nature of this conversation. After much reflection between the co-facilitators of the event, we have decided to only accept applications from male-bodied men (of any sexual orientation). This is largely due to the recognition that the power & presence of the naked female body can generate a specific consequence, whether or not intended, within a group of men. If you are a trans or intersex man, and wish to discuss, please email contact@ianmack.com