The Blessing of the Masculine
Holding Power Without Burning What We Love
In a time when many men feel caught between silence and noise, domination and confusion, this retreat invites a different path. The Blessing of the Masculine creates space for men to explore the deeper gifts of masculine energy: strength that protects rather than harms, power that serves rather than dominates, and presence that brings steadiness to families, communities, and the wider world. Through guided reflection, Council practice, ritual, and time in nature, participants are invited to revisit their understanding of masculinity and rediscover a more grounded, life-giving expression of it.
This retreat offers a container for men to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with a wisdom older than cultural expectations. Together, we will explore what it means to hold power responsibly, to live in rhythm with the seasons of life, and to become men whose strength contributes to healing rather than harm.
Whether you are navigating a personal threshold, seeking renewed purpose, or longing for authentic community with other men, The Blessing of the Masculine is an invitation to step into a more mature and generative way of being that honors both the fire and the tenderness at the heart of the masculine journey.
Details:
Date: April 17-19, 2026
Location: Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, AL
Price (includes meals and lodging): Double Room: $270, Single Room: $490 (scholarships available)
Retreat Guide: Ned Abenroth, Illuman Elder & Rites of Passage Weaver
Questions? Contact Justin Banger (205-527-2279) or David Murphree (205-909-8403) or email illumanofal@gmail.com.