Progress, Wisdom, and the Crone Within
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The iris is considered a symbol of wisdom. Photo credit from Unsplash.
Recently I had a full-on meltdown over something that, in the grand scheme of things, really wasn’t a catastrophe. It was just an inconvenience—one of those small life disruptions that means you have to wait a little longer or change your plans. But my nervous system reacted as if I was being chased by a tiger. Within minutes I had imagined several worst-case scenarios, each one more dramatic than the last, with my despair growing by the minute.
As I sat with my feelings (or rather laid on the couch sobbing with them), I realized two things: I was being a bit dramatic, and I hadn’t had this kind of anxious overreaction in quite some time. I started thinking about that. Why were normal inconveniences suddenly making me feel like the sky was falling?
For most of my life, overreacting and catastrophizing were pretty familiar habits. But over the past couple of years I had been so preoccupied with other responsibilities that I didn’t really have the time or energy to spiral about every little thing. My focus had to stay on the task in front of me. Without realizing it, that structure had acted like guardrails for my anxieties and emotions. Now, with more space in my days and fewer immediate demands on my attention, those old worrying tendencies suddenly had room to creep back in.
Eventually I peeled myself off the couch and started a load of laundry. Then I washed the dishes that were piled in the sink. Then I made a pan of brownies. And somewhere along the way, I started to feel better. Distracting myself with a few simple tasks pulled me out of my spiral. The situation hadn’t changed, but my ability to shelve it for the time being had.
While I still have moments of anxiety and overreaction, I realized I’m much better at recognizing these types of pattern than I used to be. And that recognition — the ability to see what’s happening while it’s happening — feels like a kind of wisdom I didn’t always have. It made me think about how as women, we move through different seasons of life, sometimes described as the Maiden, Mother, and Crone and with each season comes a different perspective.
Was I more fully entering my own Crone Era?
The Crone and the Triple Goddess Archetype
The idea of the Maiden, Mother, and Crone is often referred to as the Triple Goddess and aligns with the different moon phases and represents all the stages of womanhood. It highlights the power of the feminine and no matter your age or maternal status, you can look to the Triple Goddess for guidance, inspiration and comfort.
The Maiden
The Maiden is represented by the new moon. It focuses on youth, curiosity and new beginnings. Tapping into your inner Maiden can help you learn who you are. It can encourage exploration and independence.
The Mother
The Mother is represented by the full moon. Fertility is an obvious association with this archetype, along with creation, responsibility and nurturing.
The Crone
The Crone is represented by the waning moon. This is associated with aging, wisdom, discernment and letting go of what no longer serves you. I am not sure if is because I am in the early stages of my own Crone era that I feel this - but it is a time connect with yourself and live more authentically.
All three goddess archetypes can coexisit within any woman. You may opt to tap into your Inner maiden when exploring something new. Or, like me, you find yourself pausing to listen to your inner Crone and the wisdom she offers. When you show care and concern of others, your Mother archetype shines through.
The Cultural Fear of the Crone
It is no secret that our culture does not like aging women. Youth and beauty are valued far more than age and wisdom. The word “crone” is associated with old, haggard women - think of the evil queen in Snow White when she transforms into the old woman. She is jealous of Snow White’s beauty and seeks to harm her. This is a pretty good analogy of how we are conditioned to think of any woman who has the audacity to age, disagree, or go against the cultural grain.
Contrast this cultural fear with the spiritual side of the Crone. Intuition, insight, truth-telling, boundaries and independence are areas that many women (raises hand) tap into as they get older. A woman who has walked through enough in life that they begin to see things clearly.
For example, I have dealt with general anxiety disorder my whole adult life. Previously I might have spriraled for days. But because I was willing to sit with my feelings, rather than distract myself with unhealthy coping like couch rotting while watching tiktoks, I was able to interrupt a familiar pattern. I like to think I paused and listened to my inner Crone - that voice that said “Hey there, unless you figure out a way to deal with this, you are going to spend the second half of your life just as consumed with useless worry as the first half. Why don’t you just chill for a minute…”
Growth doesn’t mean we stop struggling. it means we become better at seeing what’s happening, while it’s happening. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve worried incessantly over something that turned out to be nothing.
Ways to Honor the Crone Within
Listen to your experience and trust what you’ve learned from life.
Notice patterns and ask yourself “Have I been here before? What happened last time?”
Slow down instead of reacting. Take some deep breaths and remember that the Crone observes before acting.
Create space for reflection by journaling, walking or spending time in nature. This is an example of my absolute favorite style of journal that I’ve been using for years.
Share wisdom by mentoring, storytelling, writing, creating. I think creating art in some fashion is one of the best ways to connect with yourself, quiet your mind and stay in the present. And I think art is for everyone. If your looking for a creative outlet to get your started, this Goddess Coloring book is a fun and relaxing way to express yourself and learn more about the power of the divine feminine.
The Crone Era Isn’t the End of the Story
The Crone era is full of growth and opportunity. It coincides with perimenopause/menopause, which is referred to as a second spring in some cultures. While the Crone still makes mistakes (raises hand again), she is wise enough to admit it, learn from it, and hopefully not repeat it. The Crone doesn’t have life figured out. She just knows that most stroms eventually pass.
My meltdown wasn’t a failure. It wasn’t a red flag that I am emotionally broken. It was proof of growth. I noticed a pattern and changed course. maybe the Crone isn’t a woman who never falls apart. Maybe she’s the woman who knows how to put herself back together again. Or better yet, she knows how to build herself into something even better.
How does your inner Crone help you?
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Connecting With the Moon: A Spiritual Practice for Everyone
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Why Connect with the Moon?
The Moon has long been a symbol of mystery, intuition, and emotional depth. Across cultures, the Moon has been revered for its influence on the tides, its connection to the cycles of nature, and its ability to inspire introspection. Whether you’re looking to enhance your intuition, find balance, or simply take a moment to connect with something larger than yourself, the Moon offers a powerful source of energy and wisdom.
What is Drawing Down the Moon?
Drawing Down the Moon is a sacred ritual that has its roots in modern witchcraft and Wicca. It is a practice where the participant, traditionally a high priestess, invokes the energy of the Moon or the Goddess into themselves. This ritual is often performed during a full moon, a time when the lunar energy is at its peak. The purpose of this ritual is to connect deeply with divine feminine energy, seek guidance, or experience spiritual communion.
But you don’t have to identify as a witch to connect with the moon as part of your spiritual path. Nor do you need to rely on another person or group to engage in this practice. The Moon is accessible to anyone who feels a connection to the Moon or is seeking to harness the power of the lunar cycle for personal growth, meditation, or reflection.
How to Connect With the Moon
Choose Your Moon Phase:
Each phase of the Moon carries different energies. The full moon is a time of culmination and clarity, perfect for releasing what no longer serves you. The new moon is a time for setting intentions and new beginnings. The waxing and waning phases are ideal for growth and introspection, respectively. Choose the phase that aligns with your current needs and goals.
Find a Quiet Space:
Choose a place where you can see the Moon, whether indoors or outdoors. If being outside isn’t an option, a spot where you can visualize the Moon’s light, such as near a window, will work. Make the space comfortable and conducive to meditation or contemplation.
Set Your Intention:
Before you begin, take a moment to set a clear intention. What do you hope to gain from this experience? Whether it’s clarity on a specific issue, emotional healing, or a deeper connection with your inner self, having a clear intention will guide your practice.
Center Yourself:
Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and center yourself. Focus on grounding your energy, feeling connected to the Earth beneath you and the sky above. Allow yourself to relax and be fully present in the moment.
Invoke the Moon’s Energy:
When you’re ready, gaze at the Moon (or visualize it if you’re indoors). Feel its light and energy filling you, starting from the top of your head and flowing down to your feet. You might imagine the Moon’s light as a soft, silvery glow that wraps around you like a blanket of calm and peace.
Meditate or Reflect:
Sit quietly and focus on your breathing. As you breathe in, imagine drawing in the Moon’s energy, filling yourself with its peaceful and intuitive power. As you breathe out, release any tension or negative thoughts. Allow yourself to simply be, noticing any thoughts, feelings, or insights that come to you.
Sit in Meditation:
Allow yourself to sit in this energy, meditating or reflecting on your intention. Notice any thoughts, feelings, or insights that arise. This is a time to listen to your inner voice and the wisdom of the Moon.
Express Gratitude:
When you feel ready to conclude your connection, take a moment to thank the Moon for its guidance and energy. This could be a simple “thank you” or a more elaborate expression of gratitude, whatever feels right to you.
Ground Yourself:
After connecting with the Moon, it’s important to ground yourself. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the Earth, anchoring you in the present moment. This helps you bring the insights and calm you’ve gained back into your everyday life.
Embracing Moon Energy in Everyday Life
Connecting with the Moon isn’t just a once-a-month ritual—it can be a part of your everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned spiritual practitioner or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of the night sky, you can tap into the Moon’s energy whenever you need it. This practice is about recognizing the Moon as a source of wisdom, intuition, and emotional balance that is available to everyone, regardless of their spiritual path.
The Moon’s cycles mirror our own emotional and spiritual cycles, offering a natural rhythm that we can tune into. By regularly connecting with the Moon, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself, your emotions, and your place in the natural world.
So, the next time you find yourself under the night sky, take a moment to connect with the Moon. Whether you’re setting intentions, seeking clarity, or simply enjoying its beauty, the Moon’s energy is a powerful ally in your journey toward inner peace and self-discovery.
Books About the Moon Lore & Magic
Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
The Witch's Moon: A Collection of Lunar Magick and Rituals
Maiden, Mother, Crone: The Myth & Reality of the Triple Goddess
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
Connecting With My Inner Maiden
This post may include affiliate links* and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Mabon House only features products that I believe in and use myself or that I believe my readers would enjoy. Thank you!
In the Triple Goddess tradition of the Maiden Mother Crone, the Maiden represents youth, vitality, and new beginnings. She is typically associated with Springtime, and its season of renewal and rebirth. But what does this archetype mean for women of all ages? How can we tap into our own Maiden spirit at any stage of life?
The Maiden and Springtime
The Maiden is often depicted as a young woman, full of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. She is associated with the element of air, which represents the mind and the intellect, as well as with the season of spring, when the world is bursting with new life and growth. For younger women, this may feel like a very normal part of life. The world is your oyster and full of possibilities.
As we age though, our inner Maiden may show up less and less. Life’s hardships and the realities of adulthood and motherhood can dim the Maiden’s light. But the thing is, our Inner Maiden is always with us. She is that voice in your head whispering “What if…what if you try…what if you take a risk…what if you do-the-thing-that-scares-you?” She is what makes us curious and brave. She is the intuitive nudge, the voice encouraging you to explore different ideas, places, relationships.
Giving Your Inner Maiden Space
As we get older, it can be easy to fall into familiar patterns and routines. This was certainly the case with me for many years. I felt like I was stuck on autopilot, set in my own ways and resistant to change. And as an introvert, it doesn’t take much for me to just opt out, rather than going out and seeing people, visiting places or trying new experiences. As we’ve begun the return to pre pandemic levels of socialization and I’ve ventured back out into the world through my day job, I realized just how isolated I’d become and how, for the past few years (probably longer, if I’m being honest) the main focus of my attention has been on problem solving and mitigating risks. By allowing my Inner Maiden to have space, I was able to slowly open myself up once again and embrace the unknown and explore new experiences.
I often notice that my Inner Maiden pipes up at the most random times. I am a creative person by nature. I’ve always been able to keep myself occupied by writing and storytelling. I love to research topics and then write about them in my own fashion. I also tend to hyperfixate on ideas once they pop into my head. This is both a blessing and a curse. As much as I love a deep dive into a topic or idea, it almost always leaves me feeling really anxious. I feel like I have to get super organized before I can write (this is a thinly disguised excuse for a new notebook or binder); I need to know more about a topic before I can create a printable or a blog post; I have to create an absolute masterpiece or I’m a failure. For a really long time this all-or-nothing thinking kept me from following through on ideas and dreams. I’d start a project and then talk myself out of it, because, if it isn’t going to change the world or make me a million dollars, what is even the point? No, it’s better I just focus on sensible endeavors like my day job and leave the creative fun up to people who have more time, more money, more resources, more-whatever.
But then…my Inner Maiden - often I think of her as my Muse - will show up and remind me that the only thing standing between me and my ideal creative life is my current way of thinking. She points out all the other creative women I look up to and reminds me that they have once stood in the same place as me.
The Maiden & MIddle Age
Even though we associate the Maiden Archetype with youth, I find my Inner Maiden shows up a lot more now that I am in Middle-Aged. I think there are many reasons for this. When I was a kid, I was responsible for looking after my little brother - my mom worked nights and it was often just me and my brother hanging out during the daytime, while she slept. And I was 19 when I had my first child, so I was a mother figure from a pretty early age and then an actual mother right at the start of my adulthood. There wasn’t much room for adventure or curiosity when you are responsible for a tiny human. So many of the key qualities of the Maiden, including her sense of adventure and curiosity were not really part of my own experience when I was younger.
I’d say that my Inner Maiden has showed up more in the past 12 months than the past 12 years combined. Now that I am on the edge of an empty nest, I finally have the time to do things just for myself. I can afford to indulge my curiosities and adventures. Like many women in midlife and beyond, this spirit of adventure has proven to be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.
A Reminder to Have Fun
Another important quality of the Maiden is her sense of playfulness and joy. She finds pleasure in simple things, and is able to approach life with a sense of lightness and ease. Again, I am not sure if this is the case for every woman in midlife, but I find myself thinking about all the things I used to do as a kid that made me happy. Things like roller skating, buying cool clothes, or just laying in the grass talking with my best friend. While I haven’t worked up the courage to try roller skating (I need to get some elbow and knee pads, stat) I have spent more time with the people who bring me joy, just talking and laughing and reminiscing. I’ve also begun changing up my personal style to reflect clothes I enjoy versus clothing that makes me look thinner or more professional.
The Maiden archetype is not just relevant to young women - it is a powerful symbol that can inspire and guide women of all ages. As we get older, we may feel burdened by responsibilities and obligations. We may feel like we have lost touch with the simple pleasures of life. By tapping into our Maiden spirit, we can embrace adventure, joy, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, and continue to grow and evolve throughout our lives. So embrace your inner Maiden, and allow her energy to infuse your life with a sense of vitality and possibility.
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