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Initiator Program

The following is for men who have already gone through the MROP:

If you have ever wanted to return to an MROP and even help put one on, serving as an initiator is your opportunity. This is not a repetition of the MROP experience, but rather gives an initiated man the opportunity to deepen his understanding of the MROP while he plays an important role of service in supporting the initiation of other men.

Returning to the MROP as an initiator took me deeper than the first time.  It was a perfect mix of time in service, in nature, and with brothers.  I had no idea that the preparation time on Monday and Tuesday would be so meaningful as well.  It is a role I could see doing again and again not only for myself, but on behalf all the men coming through for the first time.

~ Thoughts from an Initiator

About Being an Initiator

Being an initiator is a multifaceted and essential role.  It gives initiated men the opportunity to create and hold the container for the entire MROP process. Following the tradition of a community of elders initiating others into their next stage of life, we are inviting you to join us as an initiator as we “keep the edges hot” in our role of supporting the rites. This will deepen your experience of what happened at your own MROP as you are a part of each gathering in the Sacred Space for the rituals and teachings as well as playing special roles throughout the MROP.

When the initiates are meeting in their small groups, you’ll also be meeting in council with the other initiators.  When the initiates are out on their day in the wilderness, you too will spend time by yourself out in nature.  Initiators also join in the everyday tasks to make the MROP happen, such as taking turns serving food or washing dishes.  Together with the kitchen team and the core team, we’ll all stand shoulder to shoulder, giving our prayerful strength and support to our brothers and to the men being initiated. Thus there is a wonderful rhythm of time together, time alone, time in sacred space, time doing self-care and resting, and time in service.  Come join us for a meaningful week.  You’ll leave refreshed and re-invigorated, and you’ll have paid forward the gift of the MROP to others.

Ideally, initiators arrive early with the rest of the team and help set up the site.  Monday through Wednesday morning involves the physical work of setting up and other key preparatory activities, including a fair amount of time with brothers preparing the space and ourselves for what is to come.  It is a great chance to spend time with the Weavers and staff and a great amount of bonding occurs with everyone before the initiates arrive on Wednesday.  You’ll play an important role in the welcoming of initiates on Wednesday, so even if you aren’t able to come until Wednesday, we ask all initiators to arrive as early as possible.

Everyone who comes is asked to carry their own weight financially. If you need a scholarship, however, we will do our best, recognizing that our priority is to scholarship initiates over initiators. Ideally, money should never be a reason one can’t participate. The cost for the program is discounted if you can arrive to help early.

This program is for you if:

  • You have been through the MROP and are an initiated man
  • You have a keen desire to deepen your spiritual journey by revisiting the messages of your initiation
  • You want to be an active “initiator” – a man who invites and supports other men to become initiated into the Journey of Illumination
  • You understand that you are not going through the rites again
  • You can be present and be part of the container for the entire MROP event
  • Are willing to serve wherever you’re needed in the moment

Bring a friend

Many initiators bring men with them who haven’t yet gone through the rites themselves.  For some, the thought of going to MROP where they know a friend will be there is a huge help.  Please consider who you might invite to the MROP.

As we are able to use initiators, and as initiators are able to serve, we may have additional roles before and after the MROP as well, as we walk this cohort of men through what we expect to be a transformative experience.  More details to come on this.

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Reflections On The January Retreat

Illuman Of Washington
It was comforting to spend time in the company of men who are there to support you; and who you can support as they and you walk through the stages of life.
~Dennis
Illuman Of Washington
It was comforting to spend time in the company of men who are there to support you; and who you can support as they and you walk through the stages of life.
~Dennis
Illuman Of Washington
I attended the January retreat and was moved by the power of the male community. The greetings upon arriving shifted my focus to assessing my gifts, wounds, and blessings. The time and space shared presented an opportunity to seek spiritual direction and understanding in the community of brothers.
~Stephen
Illuman Of Washington
After making the MROP years ago, and coming home to unpack the experience virtually alone, the Illuman retreat gave me a sense that, finally, a community is present, and willing, to share the journey.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
The January retreat was a great way to reconnect with the deepest needs of the spirit and leverage time-tested rituals for powerful impact. A wonderful opportunity to connect with other men that are on their own path of spiritual transformation, and learn from their journey and experiences.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
At the end of the retreat, I felt deeply at peace and very grateful for all the men who shared this space with me, as well as the volunteers who made it happen. I can't wait to go again!
~Ned
Illuman Of Washington
In the stillness of a damp, quiet corner of the Seattle metro area, a diverse group of men gathered to share rituals and a common desire to become better, more generative men. It was perhaps the first time I've ever experienced real unity in such a group of men, and the sacred time paved the way for some life-changing healing that could only have happened in the company of others.
~Sam
Illuman Of Washington
The combination of the gathered group, the small group "council" times, and the time in solitude was refreshing. It felt like a safe place to reflect and refocus, receiving encouragement from others along the way.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
Last year's retreat, was powerful as a continuance for those of us who had been through an MROP and for our brothers who were interested in learning more about MROP's and opportunities for being with like minded men.
~Participant
  • Home
  • Men’s Rites of Passage
    • What is the MROP?
    • Initiator Program
    • MROP Reflections
  • Elders’ Rites of Passage®
    • What is the EROP?
    • An Elder’s Offering
    • Registration & EROP Details
    • Before & After EROP
    • Returning Elders
  • Teen’s Rites of Passage
    • Growing Teens
    • Illuman Rising
  • Journey of Illumination
    • Overview of the JOI
    • Centering
    • Gathering
    • Connecting
    • Releasing
    • Serving
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Community
    • What are Councils?
    • Council Gatherings
    • Join – Serve – Lead
    • Members Portal
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Partners

Illuman Of Washington
19110 – 17th Ave NW
Shoreline WA 98177
Jeffrey Batstone, Convener

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