The terms “maiden”, “mother”, and “crone” have been used to represent the three phases and aspects of womanhood for many years across many different cultures. The terms “warrior”, “father”, and “sage” are used in this writing as the male counterpart of the above three female phases and qualities. Warrior, father, and sage represent both the qualities within a man and the progression of a man’s life through time. These phases also represent the placement of a man within the male hierarchy of his family unit of son, father, and grandfather. Although certain chronological ages enhance the experience of these stages, all three lie dormant within to be called forth when needed.
Historically, men have also been limited to certain socially acceptable behaviors for each of these phases. Baby Boomer men have been exploring new ideas and concepts and expanding their awareness to encompass the feminine component of themselves, as well as the masculine. These men were warriors in the 1960s and 1970s and were the first generation in the history of our country to launch a wide-scale demonstration against a war and stopped the fighting. These men were fathers in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and are now entering the sage phase.
WARRIOR
The warrior phase represents the extremes of curiosity and reluctance as well as freedom and limitation. This phase embraces both polarities, as the warrior has not yet gathered the experience to find his center. The warrior marks the beginning of a transformation from a boy into a man and represents the inner child in transition. He is that part of the self that has not yet been tried by interactions with life.
The warrior will be called forward whenever he wishes to explore new horizons or break through old limitations. The warrior protects and conquers, whether it is a country, a job, or a woman. It is the part of a man that is selfish and egotistical, as he sees himself as the hunter and protector and must put himself first for the sake of the family and/or tribe. The warrior remains youthful regardless of age and holds his Wisdom in his courage.
The warrior phase usually begins at puberty and can extend physiologically into adulthood. Historically, the warrior was considered to be the son until he left the home and could stand on his own. With the increased prosperity of the Baby Boomer generation, more men have chosen to go to college. However, the Vietnam War interrupted the education and other adult plans of many of these men. War has been a factor in every generation since the birth of our country, but this war did not allow the soldiers to return home as the conquering heroes. Many Vietnam veterans have never recovered from the traumas of this unheralded war, and those who chose not to go to war suffered greatly for their decisions.
I, THE WARRIOR, SPEAK TO YOU FROM MY SPIRIT. I HOLD THE SWORD OF TRUTH AND WEAR THE CROWN OF COURAGE. I FIGHT THE DRAGONS OF THE WORLD AND WITHIN MYSELF TO FIND THE TREASURES OF LIFE.
JOIN ME. TOGETHER WE WILL CONQUER FEAR!
FATHER
The father phase represents a man’s supportive and protective component. It is the time when men are taking on the responsibilities of adulthood. They are gathering experiences and gaining wisdom from the lessons of life.
The father within comes forward when he wishes to produce and establish his place in society. The father holds his Wisdom in a loving and responsible way.
Historically, a man entered the father phase when he had a child, became a leader in the community, or gave birth to new concepts or ideas. Since the Baby Boomer generation, many men have become involved in child rearing and domestic responsibilities because more women now work outside the home. This new family configuration has presented a challenge to men, as they must redefine their structure of power within the home and community.
I, THE FATHER, SPEAK TO YOU FROM MY HEART. I SUPPORT AND PROTECT THE CHILDREN OF THE EARTH AND THE CHILD WITHIN MYSELF. I SEEK THE LOVE OF A WOMAN TO OPEN MY HEART AND EMBRACE MY SEED.
JOIN ME. TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE A NEW WORLD!
SAGE
The sage phase represents a man’s inherent connection to the unlimited potentials in every form of life. He has gone through a long passage and he no longer has the ego-based needs of recognition through performance and success. He is free to accomplish and contribute for the sake of beauty and inner purpose. The seed of these qualities is present throughout his life.
The sage is called forward whenever a man needs to call upon his highest integrity and guidance. It is through the grounding of this higher intelligence that he becomes the sage. The sage holds his Wisdom in the gentle way that honors all life.
The status of the sage was traditionally achieved in a man’s later years and/or when he became a grandfather. Spirituality is often lost in the materialistic struggle to be “good enough” in a modern, competitive world. However, the men of the Baby Boomer generation have dared to explore realms of consciousness that were taboo to their fathers. These men are now entering the sage phase of their lives. Their courage and wisdom is much needed to address the challenges of today.
I, THE SAGE, SPEAK TO YOU FROM MY SOUL. I LIVE THE TRUTH, WHICH THE WARRIOR CONQUERED. MY POWER IS BALANCED BY MY WISDOM AND LOVE. I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA.
JOIN ME. TOGETHER WE CAN KNOW TRUTH!
