Deep Masculine Journey

The Deep Masculine Journey (DMJ) is not a retreat, workshop, or class—it is a rigorous, yearlong process of initiation and mentoring for men who are willing to enter the mystery of transformation. Guided through the Illuman community, this journey invites men to explore the hidden terrain of the soul, where the deep masculine is encountered primarily in courtship with the divine feminine.

For many men, achievement and productivity fail to answer the questions that surface in midlife or seasons of transition. Those questions are answered by descent—by stepping into the unknown, facing the protectors of the False Self, and listening for the deeper wisdom that has been calling all along. The DMJ provides a sacred container for this descent through three in-person immersions, monthly mentoring, and ongoing councils of support.

A man outdoors in a mountainous forest landscape wearing a black Carhartt beanie and black fleece jacket, smiling with mountain and pine trees in the background during daylight.

  • “Much thanks to you guides, gifted teachers and beloved friends. You put much skin into this program and took some great risks to make it happen. You befriended us and let us get close to you. Thank you so much brothers. I will forever be grateful.”

    — Gil

  • "The DMJ was highly organized from the beginning. It is apparent much thought and planning has gone into this. The description of the level of physical exertion required was on the mark."

    — R

  • “All my life I have protected myself from such closeness to the earth . . . What a marvelous and shattering experience to drink the night sky and feel the deep sense of vulnerability it brings with it.”

    — G

  • “Three or four years ago I was dead inside. The darkness surrounded me. This program made me alive again and I am forever grateful.”

    — John

  • "This has been the best year of my life!"

    — Eric

Practices of the Journey

During the DMJ, participants engage in a variety of soulcraft™ practices developed by Bill Plotkin and the Animas Valley Institute, as well as Illuman’s own traditions. These include:

  • Self-designed ceremony that reflects your unique soul calling

  • Council and mirroring, offering deep listening and reflection

  • Dream tending and imagery journeys to encounter the language of the unconscious

  • Grief work to honor loss and open space for renewal

  • Shadow work to recognize and integrate the hidden parts of the self

  • Core wound exploration, discovering the places that need healing

  • Solo wanderings in the wild, where nature serves as a mirror and a guide

  • Storytelling and mythic imagination as ways of reclaiming purpose

Between immersions, participants meet for bimonthly virtual councils and monthly one-on-one mentoring with a trained guide. The cost is structured with flexibility and scholarships to ensure that all who are called may participate.

The program intentionally features a threshold after the first immersion. Participants who feel that the timing is wrong may choose not to continue, with no obligation for the remaining fee. If you decide not to continue—no worries! The reality is that initiation is not for everyone, or at least not for every season of life. Your journey is not over—this just isn’t the next step.

Join the Journey

Registration for the 2025 cohort is now closed. However, the journey will continue with new opportunities in the years ahead. If your soul is stirring with the call to initiation, I invite you to stay connected. Join the online community to hear announcements, share stories, and walk in companionship together.

Join the Community
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