The Spiritual Wound of Masculinity: A Journey to Authenticity

Last week, I was chatting with a man that I love deeply. While discussing our upcoming plans, I mentioned my intention to take a hermit-like retreat during Holy Week in Tulum, anticipating the crowds, especially on Good Friday. "Interesting," he remarked, "I guess it's 'Murder Jesus' week for Tulum." He then shared what was happening on his side of the world.

I had been working on a blog exploring the fear surrounding unconditional love. Seeking insights from friends and family, I reflected on how Jesus serves as an example of a figure that was killed for spreading messages of love. I found it not only interesting, but also terrifying.

The phrase "Murder Jesus" lingered heavily in my thoughts for the following days. Its significance, particularly coming from an atheist like him, touched me deeply.  

On the eve of Good Friday, I set up my altar and sat in meditation with the image of Jesus before me. The phrase "Murder Jesus," echoed in my mind repeatedly, until suddenly it stopped. In its place, a powerful voice emerged: "Witch wound." This revelation sent shivers down my spine. 

As part of my journey, I've explored the concept of the witch wound, an often-overlooked aspect of collective feminine trauma. The witch wound refers to the historical persecution and suppression of women who defied societal norms, particularly those who were perceived as powerful or threatening to the patriarchal order. It includes centuries of violence, oppression, and systemic marginalization aimed at silencing women's voices and suppressing their power.

Through my exploration of the witch wound, I've gained valuable insights into the impact of gender-based discrimination and the ways in which it continues to shape our perceptions and behaviors today. However, it wasn't until I heard the phrase "Murder Jesus” along with "Witch Wound" that I truly began to contemplate the spiritual wound of the masculine. 

I couldn't help but think of the man I love, my brother, close male friends, students, and men in general. I could not stop myself from crying, feeling the weight of these words.

To a certain degree we have been able to recognize the witch wound for the feminine collective, but we have overlooked spiritual wounds endured by the masculine throughout history, and evidently it has had a huge impact on them and their relationship with religion, spirituality and philosophy.

Socrates, Jesus of Nazareth, Galileo Galilei, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Thomas More, and Rumi are but a few examples of men who paid the ultimate price for their beliefs. It's no wonder the masculine collective has shied away from such topics.

Throughout history, it has rarely been safe for men to embark on a spiritual journey that allows them to forge their own unique path free from conditioning that helps them align with their deepest truths and purpose. The underlying message seems clear: diverge from the norm, and risk facing severe repercussions.

When they attempt to reconnect with spirituality, they often encounter a familiar obstacle: the pressure to conform to a particular spiritual doctrine or tradition. This further deepens their sense of disconnection from themselves. The men I mentioned earlier—Socrates, Jesus of Nazareth, etc.—were not merely imparting spiritual or philosophical teachings; they were reminding us of the importance of discovering our own truths.

The spiritual journey of a man will never feel true if he's following in the footsteps of others; this is the core of his spiritual wound. Healing begins when he realizes that crafting his own philosophy, free from external conditioning, is his birthright.

The conversation sparked by "Murder Jesus" reminded me of the profound need for a collective reevaluation of societal norms and expectations surrounding masculinity. We must challenge harmful stereotypes and promote a culture of acceptance and authenticity, especially when it comes to men's spiritual journeys. 

It's time to recognize and address the spiritual wounds endured by men throughout history, wounds that have hindered their ability to explore their own truths and forge their own paths. By fostering safe spaces for men to explore spirituality on their own terms, free from societal conditioning, we can empower them to reclaim their spiritual journey with courage and conviction. Lets extend an inclusive and empathetic understanding of masculinity, one that honors the complexity of men's spiritual experiences. Together, let's embark on a journey of exploration, growth, and transformation, ensuring that every man feels worthy of experiencing deep spiritual fulfillment on his own terms.