The Lover Within: Accessing the Lover in the Male Psyche

In this final volume in the four-book series that began with The King Within , Jungian analyst Moore and mythologist Gillette, a counselor, examine the Lover archetype within the male psyche (the others are the King, the Warrior, and the Magician--each examined in a previous volume). The authors trace how the Lover--the feeling side of men's nature--gives rise to passion, creativity and the pursuit of pleasure. Through the Lover's energy, the conscious mind may encounter the personal and collective unconscious. However, the authors contend, because many men fear being consumed--and thus emasculated--by the Lover's energy, they suppress their feelings and creative instincts. At the opposite extreme, a man can become possessed by the Lover, which then manifests itself as an addictive personality (whether to alcohol, drugs, food or relationships). A potpourri of Jungian theory and mythology, with anecdotes from Moore's workshops and private practice, this book attempts to show men how to get in touch with their inner Lover and use its energies without becoming consumed by them. Careful notes supply documentation for the authors' statements. Photos not seen by PW. (Aug.)