[Arwen]

Originally Posted by Medusa

Im curious if there are any Femmes who identify as "Crone" and if this identity is tied to Wicca for you, if it is tied to age and wisdom, or if there is some other meaning for you? I hope Im asking this the right way, not trying to be offensive, just highly curious.
When I read the definition above for "Crone", it feels kinda ageist...but maybe this is my ignorant read.

Thoughts on this identity?

I adore the word Crone. It is about wisdom and aging gracefully and enjoying the transitions. I am Wiccan and it is very much tied to that.

In my spirituality, we have celebrations of transitions among other things. I've written a ritual celebrating a girl child's transition into womanhood (first blood).

My Goddess is seen in four ways--Maiden, Mother, Crone and a fourth way I am not at liberty to discuss (oathbound.) Each phase is a celebration of that part of being a woman.

The men also have four ways--Son, Father, Sage and a fourth.

But for me, I look forward to my croning. If I were in a coven, it would be a huge hairy deal complete with all the trappings and honorings we give to a woman who has passed that threshold.

The patriarchy (most likely) defiled and twisted the word Crone into meaning withered, old witch. It was a way to take power away from the healers and wise women of the time. And it was a way to keep women in their place.

So while I'm right at the edge of what would be considered my Crone years, I look forward to them. I also acknowledge and celebrate the wisdom of all those women gone before me.

It's actually completely anti-agiest, A. It puts our elders in their rightful place. One of wisdom and being honored for the life they have lived (and will still live because Cronehood is not death by any means.)

The Crones in Wicca are our spiritual leaders as are the Sages. It's about time in the trenches, if you will.

So yes, I love the word Crone and celebrate it. I am not afraid of growing older either. Sometimes I think those that eschew the word may be. We've been taught that getting older means loss of life and enjoyment and activity. I think we can look around our own community and know that's not true.