The important thing to note about initiation is that it is a transformative process.
Initiations have been a part of the collective psyche for a long time. In ancient times and aboriginal cultures, there would be initiations for both men and women. They would send a child into the wild once he was ready to become a man. Another initiation is the initiation of giving birth. Many people have experienced a power that comes from giving birth, they find they have a newfound sense of strength.
Initiation is something we lack in our culture. We need it now more than ever. Without initiation, men can never become who they are meant to be. They are left in a state of immature development. The same can be said about people in general. There is a subconcsious need for people to locate a place of renewal.
We believe we can find it in places like vacations, sex, and drugs, but there is much more that these experiences are leaving out without the added emphasis of initiation. The truth is that the current culture is still not aware of the power of initiation. Initiation is at the base of the human desire to grow and expand. We need a conscious awareness of initiation or else we will be stuck in limbo, seeking pseudo-initiations as a way to escape the true need to transform.
Being alive inherently means embracing transformation. Change is fundamental to existence, and only by actively engaging in our own transformation can we uncover the rejuvenating core of our true strength and potential.
Phases of Initiation
When speaking about initiation, it is quite simple. This isn’t some weird ritualistic practice that only the cultures of the past would do, nope, these are things that we can experience right now with the conscious intent to do so.
Below I will outline the phases with subsequent perspectives of how this would look like or play out.
The phases go as follows:
Ordinary Consciousness Challenged – Life World Restless and Morbid
- Campbell – This is the call to adventure that Joseph Campbell has outlined in The Hero’s Myth
- PsychoTherapy – Realization of the need for analysis
- Social Attitude – This is commonly attributed to a neurosis of some kind, something isn’t right, you have anxiety, feel restless, or depressed.
- Psychedelics – There is a feeling of needing something more, a desire to connect with something deeper.
Ordinary Consciousness Transcended – Life-World World Dismantled and Deconstructed
- Campbell – Descent into the zone of magnified power
- Psychotherapy – Analytical environment as a vessel or container (therapy session).
- Social Attitude – Submissive, autonomy relinqueshed, degradation mechanisms accepted
- Psychedelics – Full-on trip, with a feeling of loss of time and space.
Ordinary Consciousness Restituted – Life-World Reintegrated Renewed
- Campbell – Return with the boon that restores the world
- Psychotherapy – Post-Analysis Adaptation
- Social Attitude – Sense of Autonomy Reappropriated, Powers of Personal Agency Reaffirmed
- Psychedelics – Sense of lightness and lighter approach to life, a feeling of enlightenment followed by changes in behavior and beliefs.
The initiation process is as simple as the before, during, and after of experiencing sacred space and time. But it can look differently depending on the specific space and time experienced and the intention carried with it. This is something that will be elaborated more on in the future as this is where my perspective becomes a bit more narrowed from Robert Moore’s. I believe that we can experience initiation in our bedroom while undergoing self-reflective processes. I can see them as micro-initiations. The boon that we return with is an insight that we implement into our lives. But more of this will be discussed later.
For now, it is important to have this view of different perspectives on initiation. Hence, you have a more well-rounded understanding of initiation and you can start generating ideas for how you integrate this concept into your own life. Next we will dive into Sacred Space a key characteristic of Initiation.
Sacred Space
Sacred space is something that we lack in our culture. Robert Moore brought about a few terms and perspectives to describe this concept.
A few of them are:
- Heterogeneity of space
- Liminal vs Liminoid space
- Difference between profane space and time
Heterogeneity of Space
Mircea Eliade’s Concept: Mircea Eliade presented a deep understanding of sacred space through the discussion of the heterogeneity of space. He explained in his work that space is not homogeneous, there are specific pockets in space that bend the reality of human beings when entered. These spaces are the sacred spaces available to human beings for regeneration.
Modern Disconnection: Eliade thought that modern man could not experience the heterogeneity of space and is currently living a life of homogeneous space. This might be the problem of modern man in that he does not know about the sacred space available to him and thus is guided by the notion that there is no center. This is where the concepts of liminial and liminoid space are meant to be introduced for further clarification.
Liminal vs Liminoid Space
Liminoid space is an attempt at finding the transformative space of liminal experience in uncontrolled forms.
Self-destruction can result from looking for liminality in liminoid forms.
This is often seen in the abuse of drugs. True self-transformation cannot occur outside of liminal space; the reason being that we need a container to induce the alchemical process. Moore states that part of the container is a ritual elder, but I believe often, it can just be the conscious intention to seek transformation and one can then find the elder within.
Moore explains that liminoid space can still be sacred space. This is why people seek it because there is a feeling of regeneration. But you only scratch the surface, you cannot experience true transformation without intention. Many people go about their lives thinking it is the experience that feeds them, but it is the psychological interpretation of the experience that brings transformation.
The main difference between liminoid and liminal space is that when you are in liminal space you are looking for the boundaries of liminal space. You cannot have transformation occur in liminoid space because it is boundless, there is nothing to define your change. An example of this could be pornography addiction or any addiction for that matter. There is a constant desire for the thing without any real-world transformation. People get a sense of sacredness but they are not sure where it comes from and what to do with it.
Liminal space is different in that there is a defined boundary. Boundaries are necessary for initiation. Without a container the regenerative energy just spills everywhere, never really entering the spaces that need to be filled and one is left wanting more and more. Liminal space is what “tears down the normal structure by virtue of deviating from the norms and patterns of structure”, it is a break from the persona. I would call this the stripping of the ego, where the person submits himself to a higher power to be restored.
Sacred Space vs Profane Space
The next comparison that needs to be made is that between profane space and sacred space. Profane space is the realm of the persona.
Profane Space: The Realm of Everyday Consciousness
- Definition: Profane space refers to the ordinary, everyday world that most of us inhabit. This is the space of routine, mundane activities, and the general status quo.
- Characteristics: It’s characterized by a lack of centrality or ‘axis mundi’ – there’s no focal point of spiritual or transformative significance. This space is defined more by its structure, which is dictated by societal norms and interpersonal relationships.
- Structure and Persona: In profane space, structure as defined by Victor Turner, refers to the social constructs and roles we adhere to. It’s concerned with persona, the social mask we wear, rather than our true selves.
- Ceremonies vs. Ritual: In this context, ceremonies are seen as extensions of the status quo. They reinforce existing structures and norms and do not facilitate the encounter with the ‘shadow’ – the unacknowledged or repressed parts of our psyche.
Sacred Space: The Realm of Transformation
- Definition: Sacred space, in contrast, is a realm apart from the everyday world. It’s where individuals can connect deeply with their true self, or the Self in Jungian terms.
- Characteristics: This space is considered regenerative and transformative. Unlike profane space, it’s not deteriorating or stagnant; instead, it’s where renewal and profound change can occur.
- Connection to the Self: In sacred space, the focus shifts from the persona to the Self – a deeper, more authentic aspect of our being. It’s a space for introspection, spiritual connection, and transformation.
- The Hunger for Renewal: As Moore points out, the desire for sacred space is innate. When our relationships or life experiences become too ordinary or entrenched in the profane, we seek out experiences that offer renewal. This search for sacredness is often misdirected in modern society, leading to pursuits like extramarital affairs or substance abuse as substitutes for true transformative experiences.
The Three Pillars of Initiation According to Robert Moore
Initiation, a profound journey of transformation and renewal, is characterized by three essential elements as outlined by Robert Moore. These elements are foundational to the process of initiation and take place within the realm of sacred space.
- Submission: Embracing Humility and Openness
- Deep Humility: The first step in initiation is submission, which requires a deep sense of humility. It’s about acknowledging one’s need for growth and being open to the transformative journey ahead. This humility is not about weakness, but about recognizing and respecting the power of the initiation process.
- Surrendering to the Process: True submission involves surrendering to the experiences and lessons that the initiation process presents. It’s a willingness to let go of preconceived notions and ego-driven resistance, allowing oneself to be molded and shaped by the journey.
- Containment: Creating a Structured Space for Transformation
- Defining Boundaries: Containment is about establishing a structured, safe environment where the initiation can unfold. This involves setting clear boundaries and rules that create a ‘container’ for the experience.
- The Role of Boundaries: These boundaries are not restrictions but rather guiding principles that provide focus and direction. They help in channeling the energies and experiences of the initiation process towards meaningful transformation.
- Enactment: Living the Transformation
- Embodiment of Change: Enactment is the active engagement in the initiation process. It’s about embodying the changes and lessons that emerge from the experience.
- Integration into Being: This step is crucial as it involves integrating the insights gained during the initiation into one’s life. It’s a transition from experiencing change to living it, marking the completion of the initiation journey.
Incorporating Initiation
Understanding the archetype of initiation is crucial in our journey towards self-discovery. My insights from Robert Moore’s ‘The Archetype of Initiation’ reveal its profound impact on our personal development. The absence of initiation rituals in modern culture often leads to neurosis and unhealthy behaviors, a phenomenon evident in the skewed perceptions of masculinity today, as seen with figures like Andrew Tate and the red pill movement. True initiation guides us in recognizing and embracing our authentic selves, be it in masculinity or other aspects of identity. It’s not just about monumental rites of passage; even simple acts like journaling can be forms of initiation. As we delve deeper into our spiritual paths, understanding and facilitating initiation becomes crucial, not just for ourselves but also for helping others realize their potential. As we explore this archetype further, we see the potential for real change, both within and around us. In embracing initiation, we embrace the essence of life itself – constant growth and renewal.