MEN OF THE MOVEMENT

Introduction: The development of men's circles and the broader men's work movement is a product of a tremendous amount of influences over millennia, this page is dedicated to highlighting some of the most influential figures in modern times.


This is by no means a complete list, and I intent to continue to add to this list. If you have a name that you believe belongs on this list, please reach out and let me know. To say that it would be impossible to list everyone is an understatement. This is simply to share some of the names that have impacted men’s work.

This is not a direct endorsement of any particular man, view or ideology. Personally, I tend to take a little bit from any resource. It is always up to each of us to figure out how to integrate new knowledge.

Context: This movement, focused on men's emotional well-being, personal growth, and community, blends a variety of influences, from traditional rites of passage to modern therapeutic practices.

The men’s movement is diverse, blending psychological, spiritual, and sociocultural elements to provide men with opportunities for emotional growth, connection, and healing.

It is important to note, that the roots of this work, including many elements of the structure and framework are based in ancient, indigenous traditions. Throughout human history there have been many different ways in which men have gathered, been in and sought council and created spaces of ritual ceremony, rites of passage and initiation.

This wisdom has greatly influenced modern men’s work and circle spaces. Listed are a number of the men who have been credited with greatly influencing, shaping and bringing into the public eye, ritual spaces for the healing and transformation of men.

Please note: This page is dedicated to an overview of some of the men who have influenced the mens work movement. Please be sure to check out more information on the following pages:

Resource List - A comprehensive list of books and other resources.

Archetypes - An overview of how archetypes are used in the structure of a circle and the broader context of mens work.

Four Directions - An overview of how the wisdom of the four directions is used within the structure and framework of circles.

  • Role: Poet, author, and founder of the Men's Movement in the 1990s.

    Contribution: Bly’s book Iron John: A Book About Men (1990) is considered a foundational text for the modern men's movement. Bly’s work emphasized the importance of emotional expression, the reawakening of "wild" masculinity, and the return to ancient rites of passage for men. The lens of this books is also important, as it is based in mysticism and weaving of a fairy tale. He was also a key figure in starting men's retreats and circles focused on developing authentic masculinity.text goes here

  • Role: Philosopher, author.

    Role: Philosopher, author.

    Contribution: Keen’s book Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man (1991) explored the search for meaning and identity in contemporary men’s lives. Keen was also involved in organizing men's retreats and was one of the early thinkers to address the emotional and existential struggles many men face today. Keen’s book explored the search for meaning and identity in contemporary men’s lives. Keen was also involved in organizing men's retreats and was one of the early thinkers to address the emotional and existential struggles many men face today.

  • Role: Jungian Psychoanalyst and Author

    Contribution: Johnson, best known for his accessible writings on mythology, psychology, and the exploration of the human psyche. Johnson's work was heavily influenced by the ideas of Carl Jung. In his work with men, Johnson combined Jungian psychology, myth, and symbolism to help men understand their inner worlds and navigate the challenges of emotional maturity, relationships, and personal transformation. His book “He: Understanding Masculine Psychology” is known as one of the seminal books within this space.

  • Role: Authors of the seminal and highly influential book King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine.

    Contribution: Gillette and Moore’s book is one of the most influential contributions to contemporary men's work. Through this book, they explore the idea of masculine psychology through the lens of archetypes, drawing from Jungian psychology, myth, and cultural anthropology. This work is tied directly to the structure and framework of many men’s circles.

  • Role: Jungian psychologist and author.

    Contribution: Hollis is widely recognized for his work on the psychology of men and his exploration of midlife crises in men. His book Under Saturn’s Shadow (1994) addresses the journey of men through midlife and the challenges they face in confronting the unconscious aspects of their lives. This is just one of numerous books, be sure to check out the reference page for a full list of the wealth of knowledge he has contributed.

  • Role: Mythologist, author, and storyteller.

    Contribution: Meade is known for his work on mythology and the "mature masculine." His approach to men's work blends ancient myths, modern psychology, and the integration of community ritual. His book The Water of Life: Initiation and the Tempering of Men is a key resource in men's work circles.

  • Role: Author, Teacher, Trainer

    Contribution: Lee’s book The Wounded Lover written in his early thirties, was the beginning of a long list of books written through a raw, personal lens of his experiences fromm childhood to his decades of work within’s the mens work movement. He started the Men’s Center in Austin, TX and had led weekends alongside the likes of Robert Bly and Sam Keen.

  • Role: Co-founder of the ManKind Project.

    Contribution: Kauth, along with his co-founders, created the ManKind Project in 1985, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men improve themselves and become better leaders, fathers, and partners. The New Warrior Training Adventure (NWTA) is a cornerstone of the ManKind Project, and it includes men’s circles and initiation rites.

  • Role: Author, Clinical Psychologist

    Contribution: Aaron Kipnis' work in men's circles and men's work is marked by his deep understanding of the emotional and psychological struggles men face, particularly in the areas of anger, vulnerability, and relationships. His books Knights Without Armor and Angry Young Men: How Parents, Teachers, and Counselors Can Help Bad Boys Become Good Men have been foundational in helping men understand and navigate their emotions and relationships in healthier, more authentic ways.

  • Role: Author and counselor.

    Contribution: Eldredge’s Wild at Heart (2001) became a popular text for men interested in rediscovering their masculine identity. The book explores themes of adventure, battle, and the desire for a deeper connection with one’s true nature. While not as rooted in therapeutic men’s circles, his work has significantly influenced the contemporary men's movement.

  • Role: Psychotherapist, author.

    Contribution: Real’s work in men’s issues primarily focuses on relational dynamics and emotional intelligence. His book I Don't Want to Talk About It (1997) addresses men’s emotional repression and the challenges men face in relationships, especially regarding vulnerability and intimacy.

  • Role: Author and teacher.

    Contribution: Deida’s work, especially his books The Way of the Superior Man (1997) and Dear Lover (2004), has been highly influential in the intersection of masculinity, spirituality, and relationships. While his focus is more on personal growth and spiritual masculinity than on men’s circles, his ideas are often incorporated into men's work.