Gratitude For Old Teachers: Marking the 40th Anniversary of the Minnesota Men’s Conference

When we stride or stroll across the frozen lake,
We place our feet where they have never been.
We walk upon the unwalked. But we are uneasy.
Who is down there but our old teachers?
Water that once could take no human weight—
We were students then—holds up our feet,
And goes on ahead of us for a mile.
Beneath us the teachers, and around us the stillness.

—Robert Bly

Gratitude For Old Teachers: Marking the 40th Anniversary of the Minnesota Men’s Conference

Join Leon Cossar and Asher Packman for a special one-day retreat at Yarrakoora in the Byron Hinterland on Bundjalung country as we honour the 40th anniversary of the Minnesota Men’s Conference (MMC). Founded by Robert Bly in 1984, the MMC is a gathering of men dedicated to embodying what it means to live a life of character, depth and consequence amidst the chaos of our times. For four decades, men of all backgrounds have come together in the ritual sharing of ancient stories, poetry and ritual, drawing nourishment for the soul.

Hosted by The Fifth Direction, which has had a longstanding affiliation with the MMC, this retreat draws upon the elder wisdom of current MMC convenors Walton Stanley and Timothy Young, as well as others such as Ben Dennis, Thomas R. Smith, Miguel Rivera and Peter Hutter, who have all brought their deep experience to the men in this community since 2017.

The Fifth Direction—or 'sacred fifth'—represents a turning inward toward the centre of the self. Bly often called people into the fifth direction before his storytelling, and thus our name pays homage to the mythopoetic tradition we humbly continue.

Last year, our connection and brotherhood was further honoured with a ritual exchange of gifts, which will be woven into ceremony on each side of the planet.

The centrepiece of the day will be Leon’s retelling of Iron John—the beloved tale that became a cornerstone of Bly’s work. This ancient story explores the deep, archetypal journey of initiation and the need for each man to uncover and integrate the wild, soulful parts of himself that are often buried beneath modern demands. Its relevance today serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of mature, grounded masculine energy.

In this sacred gathering of men, we will re-dedicate ourselves to this important work and reflect on the enduring legacy of the Minnesota Men’s Conference. Profits will go towards the MMC Archives Fund, a project aiming to archive and release 16 years of previously unpublished conference material, a labour of love managed by The Fifth Direction. Since the passing of Robert Bly in late 2021, preserving this legacy has become even more essential, ensuring future generations of men have access to this deep well of wisdom.

Join us as we honour and carry forward the spirit of the MMC and deepen the work of soul-making in today’s world.

About Leon Cossar
Leon Cossar M.A, is an Australian poet, mythologist and leader in the field of initiation and Rites of Passage. Culminating over a decade’s experience in wilderness expeditions and guiding men through various initiatory stages through a mythopoetic lens - his work seeks to be a counter weight to the general cultural malaise and amnesia of our times. He is the author of DUST, a collection of poetry capturing the Australian colloquial and country spirit and founder of RITE WISDOM, the centre for his online and in-person courses and events.

About Asher Packman
Asher Packman is a depth teacher, writer, storyteller and founder of The Fifth Direction. He sits on the Council of Meditation Australia, where he previously served as the organisation’s longest-running president. With qualifications in leadership, coaching and mentoring, Asher is also an IFS-informed, clinical psychedelic-assisted therapist (CPAT) and certified instructor in Kundalini Yoga, HeartMath and the Wim Hof Method. His diverse studies span depth psychology, epigenetics, geobiology and the social psychology of sport. Additionally, he is a published poet, a former editor at The Good Men Project and a TEDx speaker.

About the Fifth Direction
The Fifth Direction is a global mythopoetic community that gathers to discuss, share, learn and practice the way that leads to the deep self. Through breath, meditation, poetry and storytelling, we reclaim our mythic imagination and celebrate a return to soul. The Fifth Direction is a welcome community for everyone. This includes people of all genders, faiths, backgrounds, orientations, ages and abilities.

About Yarrakoora
The home of the Rites of Passage institute (ROPI), affectionately known as Yarrakoora, is located in the Byron Hinterland on Bundjalung country. It has been the centre for ROPI’s Making of Men Camps and Rites of Passage Leadership training for over 20 years. It is led by CEO and Founder Dr Arne Rubinstein OAM with a committed team of men and women passionate about creating meaningful and appropriate Rites of Passage to support boys and girls successfully make a safe, healthy transition into adulthood.

Art by long-time MMC participant Matt Faulkner.

Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: 9am—5pm AEDT
Venue: Yarrakoora, near Mullumbimby, NSW
Investment: AUD$120 ($80 for existing members of The Fifth Direction)

Please note that space is limited to just 50 men.