Rites of Passage for Men

Cross the threshold from who you’ve been to who you’re meant to become.
Men with hands on heart and belly, calm and peaceful, symbolising grounding, presence, and transformation through rites of passage.
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Man wearing a blindfold releasing emotion and power, symbolising the struggle beneath success and the call for deeper transformation.

Why You’re Here

You’re successful. You’ve built businesses. You’ve led teams. You “made it”.

But now, something feels off.

  • Burnout, you can’t “push through.”

  • A divorce, loss, or breakdown that stopped you.

  • The quiet voice within that says: This isn’t it.

In modern life, most men face transitions alone.

We’re told to figure it out. To keep grinding. To stay strong.

Why Rites of Passage Matter

When life demands change, a rite of passage provides the container to move forward with strength and clarity.

A rite of passage offers a container to:
  • Let go of who you’ve been.
  • Grieve what no longer fits.

  • Step forward with clarity, strength, and deeper purpose.

Man surrounded by others releasing built-up tension and anger, symbolising the power of rites of passage to let go, heal, and step forward with clarity.
Shamanic drums placed before a smoking fire with Temazcal stones and men waiting, symbolising sacred ritual, preparation, and transformation.
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What Is a
Modern Rite of Passage?

A rite of passage is a guided transition marking the end of one life phase and the conscious beginning of another, bringing clarity, strength, and purpose.

A modern rite of passage often includes:

Martin Thomsen standing atop the Sintra mountains at sunset, looking toward the horizon, symbolising clarity, vision, and transformation.
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  • 01

    A Challenge

    Physical, emotional, or spiritual, designed to test and reveal your deeper truth 


  • 02

    A Symbolic Death

    Letting go of old identities, patterns, or beliefs

  • 03

    A Threshold Space

    Time in nature, solitude, fasting, or reflection

  • 04

    A Return

    Time in nature, solitude, fasting, or reflection

  • 05

    A Witnessing Circle

    Where your story is heard, and your transformation is seen by others

This is timeless and necessary work.

Every culture once marked these transitions.

And it’s adapted here for the modern man.

Who This Is For

This is for men who know they’re at a threshold:

  • Burnt-out leaders and entrepreneurs.

  • Men navigating major transitions: in business, relationships, fatherhood, or loss.
  • Seekers feeling the call to something more raw, more real, more true.

  • Anyone ready to let go of the old self and step into their version of manhood.

This is not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to walk through the fire.

Man with eyes closed and hands on heart and belly, appearing deep in emotion, symbolising readiness to release the old self and step into authentic manhood.

The Rites We Offer

Rites of passage aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re tailored to the threshold you’re facing.

Man running on the spot, expressing power and rage, symbolising release, awakening, and the transformation from drifting to living with purpose.

Why This Work Matters

Without meaningful rites, men drift:

  • Stuck in roles that no longer fit.

  • Suppressing emotions that need to be honoured.

  • Repeating patterns that drain purpose and peace.


With them, men rise:

  • Grounded in truth.

  • Leading with integrity.

  • Creating with clarity.

This is the difference between drifting through life and living initiated.

Words from the Men on the other side

Men with clarity and strength after Martin Thomsen’s rites of passage in Portugal, reflecting brotherhood, healing, and renewed purpose.

“I joined because of the work I’d done online with Arun and wanted to see what could happen in person. Despite life’s demands and feeling ‘all in’ at the last minute, I found a powerful connection with Arun, Martin, and every single man there. I’ve never cried so openly or felt such love in just a few days. The clarity, vision, and emotional release I experienced were beyond anything I imagined. I return to normal life now checking in with my feelings, facing challenges with more compassion and love. I’m equipped with tools for a new journey ahead. Thank you, Arun, Martin, and everyone involved—for helping me surrender and discover a deeper part of myself.”

Danny
Men with clarity and strength after Martin Thomsen’s rites of passage in Portugal, reflecting brotherhood, healing, and renewed purpose.

“I felt a calling but wasn’t sure what to expect. I arrived ready to surrender, forgive, and trust my inner feeling. I learned so much about facing fear, sadness, anger, and joy. I gained tools to take on anything life throws at me. My heart is full of love for every man I met there. Keep showing up!”

William
Men with clarity and strength after Martin Thomsen’s rites of passage in Portugal, reflecting brotherhood, healing, and renewed purpose.

“Before the retreat, I felt disconnected and doubted a short experience could really change me. But it was life-changing. I came home and finally opened up to my parents about my struggles. We went from no affection to daily hugs and meaningful meals. I shared my truth with my girlfriend, and it brought us closer than ever. This was the most profound investment I’ve ever made in myself. I left more authentic, open, and capable of forming deeper connections. I’m so grateful I took that leap.”

Andre
Men with clarity and strength after Martin Thomsen’s rites of passage in Portugal, reflecting brotherhood, healing, and renewed purpose.

“It was a magical weekend. Coming home, I spoke openly with my partner, and we laughed, cried, and loved like never before. I feel so clear now—about my family, my projects, and my purpose in this world. Arun and Martin turned sand into gold, showing me the magic in all of us. Strangers became brothers beyond nationality, color, or status. Love truly is in everyone. I’m already planning trips with my family, feeling their eagerness too. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds and to share these stories again around a campfire. Speaking from the heart, with profound love.”

Antoine
Men with clarity and strength after Martin Thomsen’s rites of passage in Portugal, reflecting brotherhood, healing, and renewed purpose.

“I arrived without expectations, just a desire to open my heart. I connected with my buried emotions and learned to speak my truth. Arun and Martin created a safe space that allowed me to trust, let go, and see my life through fresh eyes. I feel more honest with myself and more in touch with my emotions than ever before.”

Marco
Men with clarity and strength after Martin Thomsen’s rites of passage in Portugal, reflecting brotherhood, healing, and renewed purpose.

“I attended another retreat before with Arun and it changed my life, so I came here wanting more access to my feelings and deeper connections. I worried it wouldn’t live up to my high expectations, but it truly expanded how I relate to others. I learned to express my feelings openly, realised how people appreciate me, and decided to focus on my inner world instead of constantly seeking external solutions. Now I’m more open, more relaxed, and more willing to reach out to others, even strangers. This retreat built on my previous growth and revealed how far I’ve come—and how much further I’m willing to go.”

Christian
Men with clarity and strength after Martin Thomsen’s rites of passage in Portugal, reflecting brotherhood, healing, and renewed purpose.

“I’d never done a men’s retreat before and felt drawn to Martin’s energy, so I took the leap. What I found were deeply rooted emotions still living in my body, and old traumas I thought were healed. I gained powerful tools and made big decisions I’d been avoiding. Surrounded by men who allowed themselves to feel, I felt safe to do the same. This experience solidified my resolve to speak my truth, to help others find their courage to feel, and to let my anger rise with purpose.”

Pedro
Silhouette of a man at sunset surrounded by trees, symbolising the call to transformation, honour, and brotherhood through a rite of passage.
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Ready for Your Rite of Passage?

You already feel the edge, the shift, the pull.

Don’t ignore it.

This work has been waiting for you.

We’ll walk it with you with honour, presence, and brotherhood.