The Season of The Crone - Finding Peace Within
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This time of year is one of my favorites. Even as a child I enjoyed daylight savings and the shorter days. Even then, I felt like I had permission from Mother Nature to slow down and cozy up inside. As an adult, it seems as though life never slows down. Or rather capitalism never slows down. I still try my hardest to follow nature’s lead and slow down as much as possible as we move closer to the long winter months.
I think that November, with its crisp air and quiet beauty, is a season deeply connected to the wisdom of the Crone, the third aspect of the Triple Goddess. This sacred archetype represents the wisdom of age, the mystery of endings, and the beauty in letting go. Through the phases of the moon and seasons of the year, the Triple Goddess—Maiden, Mother, and Crone—guides us to reflect, grow, and embrace each stage of life.
The Triple Goddess and the Phases of the Moon
The Triple Goddess is an ancient symbol of feminine energy, representing the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Each phase reflects a distinct time in a woman’s life and offers a framework for self-growth and spiritual connection. Mirroring the moon’s cycle, these archetypes help us explore our own journey and recognize that life, like the moon, moves in natural cycles of beginning, growth, and release. Read more about connecting with the moon.
The Maiden (New Moon to Waxing Moon): Youth, new beginnings, curiosity, and discovery.
The Mother (Full Moon): Abundance, creativity, nurturing, and fulfillment.
The Crone (Waning Moon to New Moon): Wisdom, transformation, endings, and preparation for renewal.
The Seasonal Reflection of the Triple Goddess
Each season offers a unique opportunity to connect with these archetypes:
Spring to Summer: The Maiden – This is a season of growth and new possibilities, like the young shoots that emerge in the spring.
Summer to Autumn: The Mother – A time of abundance and harvest, mirroring the fullness of life and creation.
Late Autumn to Winter: The Crone – The final stage, a time of rest, reflection, and quiet wisdom. As the days grow shorter and colder, we enter the season of the Crone, a time to turn inward and prepare for new beginnings.
You may also enjoy this book: Maiden, Mother, Crone: The Myth & Reality of the Triple Goddess
November: A Natural Time to Embrace the Crone’s Energy
November, with its bare trees and shorter days, aligns perfectly with the wisdom of the Crone. Nature mirrors the Crone’s lessons as plants release their seeds, animals prepare for winter, and everything slows down. We can feel this cycle within ourselves—a time to rest, reflect, and prepare for a new season.
The Crone’s energy invites us to:
Reflect on the past year, honoring what we’ve achieved and learned.
Let go of old habits, relationships, or expectations that no longer serve us.
Embrace a deeper wisdom, one that recognizes the beauty in endings and transformation.
Embracing the Crone in Your Own Life
How can we connect with the Crone’s energy in practical ways? Here are a few ideas to make the most of November’s quiet wisdom.
1. Practice Introspection
November invites us to go inward, to spend time in quiet reflection. Consider journaling or meditating to connect with your inner self and release thoughts that no longer serve you. Set aside a quiet space where you can be alone with your thoughts.
These beautiful journals are part of my own daily reflection.
2. Release and Let Go
Just as the trees release their leaves, the Crone teaches us to let go. This can mean releasing old habits, beliefs, or even people who no longer fit in your life. Ask yourself: what can I let go of to make space for new growth?
3. Nurture Yourself with Simple Self-Care
Embracing the Crone is also about acknowledging the need for warmth, rest, and grounding activities. Take a gentle walk outdoors and notice the beauty in November’s quiet landscape. Enjoy a warm drink, create something with your hands, or just take time to relax.
The Crone’s Wisdom: Recognizing the Cycles of Life
The wisdom of the Crone isn’t just about age or experience; it’s a reminder that all of life moves in cycles. Nature, the moon, and even our own lives have times of growth and times of release. Embracing this truth can bring a sense of peace and patience, even during tough times.
The Crone’s energy encourages us to stop resisting life’s natural ebb and flow, allowing us to release expectations—whether from others or from ourselves. If something is not going as planned, this season offers a chance to let go of frustration and make peace with where you are right now.
Finding Strength in Letting Go
The Crone also reminds us that endings are not failures; they are simply part of the cycle of life. By learning to let go, we open ourselves to receive whatever may come next. As you reflect on this season, ask yourself: What do I want in my life right now? What do I need to let go of to make space for it?
The Crone’s season of endings offers an opportunity for transformation. Embrace this time to connect with your own inner wisdom, aligning with nature’s rhythm and finding strength in its cycles.
Hagitude: Imagining the Second Half of Life
Walking in November’s Quiet Beauty
Take a moment to step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and take in the quiet beauty of November. Notice how the trees stand bare, preparing for winter’s rest, and let that remind you of the Crone’s message. Let go of what is no longer needed, make space for quiet wisdom, and embrace this season as an invitation to grow.
How will you embrace the season of the crone in your own life?
Recommended Reading
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A History of Christmas Trees and Their Ancient Roots
This post may include affiliate links* and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Mabon House only features products that I use myself or that I believe my readers would enjoy. Thank you!
One of my first freelance writing gigs almost 20 years ago was a series called The History of Christmas for a now defunct website. I wrote 10 or so different articles about various Christmas traditions from around the world. It remains to this day one of my favorite writing projects. So, for this post I thought I would write about the history of Christmas trees, since the use of evergreens for winter celebrations goes back to ancient times and carries across many different cultures.
Ancient Celebrations & Evergreens
Ancient Celts, Norse, and Germanic people each incorporated evergreen plants into their winter celebrations with unique symbolic meanings. The Celts believed evergreen plants like holly and ivy, with the ability to stay green during winter, represented life's continuity in the darkness. Norse celebrations of Yule included evergreen trees, particularly fir trees, to symbolize the perseverance of life through winter. Germanic tribes utilized evergreen branches and trees for decoration, viewing them as protective symbols against malevolent spirits during the harsh winter months. Across these cultures, evergreens held significance as symbols of protection, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life. Adorning these plants with candles, fruits, and symbolic ornaments added festive elements to rituals and festivities, laying the foundation for the eventual evolution of modern Christmas tree traditions.
Germanic Beginnings
The 16th-century Germans are often credited with popularizing the Christmas tree as we know it today. Bringing entire evergreen trees into their homes, they adorned them with candles, fruits, and nuts, symbolizing hope for the coming spring. One story credits the Reformation leader Martin Luther, for bringing the first Christmas tree home. There is little historical evidence that this actually happened. It was likely a story to help further absorb ancient customs into Christianity.
English and American Customs
The Christmas tree tradition crossed borders, reaching England through Queen Charlotte's influence in the 18th century. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the Christmas tree gained widespread popularity in England and the United States. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's illustration with a Christmas tree in the Illustrated London News in 1848 further fueled the tradition's acceptance.
Early American puritans actually banned Christmas in some parts of what is now New England. The Mid Atlantic States, which were settled by many Catholics and members of the Church of England carried on with many of the same Yuletide festivities that included feasting and decorating with evergreens. What we would consider a traditional Christmas tree in the United States is credited to German immigrants in the 19th century, with the first recorded tree appearing in the 1830s. The 1850s saw widespread acceptance, and Godey's Lady's Book played a pivotal role in popularizing the tradition with a depiction of the British royal family celebrating around a Christmas tree.
Neopagans and Christmas Tree
Within neopaganism, the adoption of Christmas trees varies. For some, the evergreen tree symbolizes nature, renewal, and the enduring spirit of life. Neopagans often incorporate unique decorations that hold spiritual significance, aligning with their individual beliefs and practices. Some neopagans celebrate with a Yule Tree or Celebration Tree as part of their Winter Solstice celebrations.
The history of Christmas trees is a tale of cultural fusion and adaptation, with roots reaching deep into the past. As this beloved tradition continues to evolve, neopagans contribute their unique perspectives, adding layers of meaning and symbolism to winter solstice celebrations. The Evergreen Tree, whether it is called a Christmas tree, Yule Tree or something else all together, remains a symbol of hope, connection, and the enduring spirit of the season.
References and Recommended Reading*
The Battle for Christmas by Stephen Nissenbaum
The Book of Holidays Around the World by Alice van Straalen
History of Christmas Trees from History Channel
How the Vikings gave us Christmas from History Channel
Keeping Christmas: Yuletide Traditions in Norway and the New Land by Kathleen Stokker
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year by Judy Ann Nock
**In the process of creating this blog post, I utilized ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT provided assistance in generating content and refining ideas.
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6 Ways to Celebrate Yule as an Introvert
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As we approach the Winter Solstice, Yule and Christmas, I thought I’d share some easy celebration ideas for introverts. Because even though I love this time of year, as I get older I am also kind of over it. It’s no secret that the holidays can feel really lonely for many people, while others (like me) just feel general overwhelm by everything we are supposed to be doing. So here are six ways I celebrate the season that bring me joy, without the added helping of stress and burnout.
Refresh My Space
I feel like this is my go-to advice for any time of the year. But I stand by it. Cleaning your space and giving it a mini-makeover can help signal positive changes and a shift in energy. If you are like me and the thought of doing a deep clean right now is totally overwhelming, focus on tidying up the space you will be in the most during the holiday season. For me this is my kitchen and my living room. I gave each room a decent clean i.e: I vacuumed, did a quick declutter and cleaned out the refrigerator. That’s it. No baseboards were cleaned, no floors were mopped, no windows were washed. Then I set out some holiday decorations on a few shelves, strung some lights and put up our Christmas tree. I didn’t worry about any other parts of the house. Some years I do go all out and decorate the whole house, but if I am not feeling it, I don’t force myself. Keeping it super simple allows me to enjoy the process without it feeling like a chore.
2. Journal on Reflections and Hopes
Journaling is another go-to advice that works any time of the year. Yule and the Winter Solstice signal the turn of the Wheel of the Year toward springtime and is a good time to both reflect and look forward. I like to make myself a cup of hot black tea and get cozy in my favorite chair and just write whatever comes to mind. Sometimes I will start with a theme, like what I want to do or be in the coming year. But I always keep it loose. To make this feel extra special, I use these pretty journals all year long.
3. Create Gifts for Loved Ones
I am not really an arts and crafts kind of person, but I do enjoy making small batches of gifts during the holidays. I always try to keep my gift ideas simple to make. In the past I’ve made homemade soaps, candles, candies, air-dry clay ornaments and jarred baking mixes. I will set aside an afternoon and work on gifts while re-watching a favorite holiday movie (this year it is The Family Stone). If making gifts feels like too much, consider mailing out a handwritten letter in a holiday card to your closest friends and family. I love getting notes from my friends and family and enjoy displaying the cards during the holiday season.
4. Get Outside
Another simple way I celebrate Yule is to take a walk in nature. The winter woods next to my house are quiet and beautiful this time of year. If you don’t have access to groomed winter trails, just walking through a downtown area or city park decorated for the holiday season can be a nice break in the day. Cold fresh air always makes me feel better.
5. Enjoy Some Seasonal Treats
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the food, especially the treats you really only have during this time of year. I keep a small container of eggnog and chocolate candies on hand, for a festive treat after dinner during the work week. I also keep a stash of ribbon candy in my kitchen. Literally no one else eats this but me. It reminds of my grandparents house, which is one of my favorite memories.
6. Give Yourself Something You Would Have Loved as a Child
This is something I’ve only recently started doing, in part because I finally have the budget to treat myself. As someone who grew up with a lot of trauma, I tend to ignore my own needs and put others first. So this year I am going to give myself specific gifts that are just for fun and enjoyment and allow me to explore a new side to my creativity. What would your inner child enjoy this year?
The holiday season can be a bit of mixed bag for many people. The pressure to do.all.the.things can really dampen the holiday spirit. So, whether you are celebrating solo or with others, I hope that you have a wonderful Yule and are able to take some time for yourself.
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