The Firmung is the next step on the M.A.L.E.s journey.  This process is always open for enrollment, but the journey can take from 8 months to 3 years depending on the individual. A signed covenant is required before the start of this journey.  

The follow-up work you do is essential to the confirmation of your MROP initiation.  Like an MROP, during the 3 day Frimung ritual there will be no partial attendance.  Unlike an MROP, you may repeat the Firmung as long as you go thru the 8-12 month process followed by a Firmung ritual.  A Firmung process will commence immediately following the annual MROP, open to the new initiates and all initiated men, and culminate in a Firmung ritual 12 months later.

Although a self guided process, the Firmung curriculum is not intended to be done alone.  It is a WE process with emphasis on a Home Group conference meeting/call every quarter and clear contact made with a sponsor/mentor half way thru.  These will provide a measure of accountability to be doing what we said we would do. 

Firmung Elements include the following;
.Personal prayer practice required
.Solitude in nature.  (TBA:  maybe 1 day alone in nature every 4-6 months) To include one Death Lodge (see Soulcraft pg. 105)
.Personal Reflexion Practice.  Once a month (on the 30th perhaps) reflect on where you are at on the journey.
.Follow a curriculum of study of men's work via monthly Webcasts and/or assigned readings from Adams Return and Soulcraft.
.Spiritual support.  (at least one)
     1) Spiritual Director
     2) Small Group (M.A.L.E.s)
     3) Anam Cara (a special "spiritual" friend)
.Commitment to a "Giveaway"/Practical Service (at least one)
     1) New/Different activity
     2) Personally chosen and meaningful
     3) Generative in its result

After 8-12 months of doing the soulwork necessary to confirm your initiation experience you will be prepared to re-do or do again your vision fast done on the Saturday of your initiation, only this time you'll be entering from a new place into a new land. 

We have identified this confirmation of initiation as crucial to the development of the M.A.L.E.s program.  As we increase our breadth thru expanding into regional MROPs we feel the Firmung will increase our depth thru making our transformation a life long journey.  We ask that you prayerfully consider choosing the Firmung as the next step on your personal journey. 

The ritual part of Firmung is scheduled for Oct. 23-25, 2009 and again December 11-13, 2009, at John Knox Ranch.  The October date is the last 3 days of the 2009 Texas MROP also at John Knox Ranch. 

To start the process, print the Firmung Passport and mail it in.