So I was this years old (32) when I found out what the word "Crone" means.

And I mean the spiritual meaning, not the Google definition (which in case you were wondering said this):

Crone: noun

an ugly old woman.

Yeah... that isn't what I'm talking about here.

You see, while Crone does mean a mature woman, society likes to make sure all women in their old age feel disempowered by giving them definitions that mean old and ugly.

That somehow, an aged woman = an unwanted, unappreciated individual in society.

As though we are done with our utility once we hit menopause or grow gray hair.

Shit, it hits even earlier for some.

I'm here to argue this point for all us women who are growing older or are old(ish) and feeling this fear.

We are NOT this definition. And TBH, we originally weren't.

Sorry fellas, I'm not coming for YOU but I am coming for the patriarchal idea that created this horrendous definition of older women.

The patriarchal idea of a Crone being a bad thing very likely came about because she is no longer an "attractive maiden" and has finished her time as as mother, and therefore has no further "use".

On the contrary, spiritually, the archetype of a Crone Woman has always been powerful.

For most of history, a woman in her older age was the holder of consciousness and brought light to the unconscious.

She was wisdom, walking.

Spiritually, a Crone Woman has lived a life and guides others using her intuition and her ability to transform.

She has a deep connection with nature, the universe, and her mortality.

She has lived life, birthed life in many forms, and experienced it all.

This is a woman who should be venerated, celebrated, and appreciated for all she brings.

The Crone woman has learned who she is, can trust her intuition and lives life authentically, to her own liking.

Becoming Crone is a privilege. It means, "you made it."

Woman to woman, I must say, that if getting older has been scary, you are not afraid of who you're becoming.

You're afraid of the definition society will give you as you get older.

But this does not have to be the case.

You can redefine what it means to get older.

The whole cycle of "Maiden, Mother, and Crone" are all patriarchal malarkey as well.

In ancient times, many societies looked up to the Crone, the one with all the answers and the ability to heal.

The one with heightened awareness into human nature and how to navigate it.

These beautiful older women had emotional depth and intention.

And Women can still make magic in the world, no matter if they fit the convention of beauty, have kids or not, marry or not, etc. You get the picture.

And they always HAVE been able to.

Crone women are the culmination of what power a woman finally has after a life time of learning her craft or brand of magic.

It is taking all your experiences, good and bad, and using them to give back to society.

And for those of us who have not yet had an example of what a Crone woman is in our lives, that just means it is upon US to cultivate that bada*s Crone self for others.

I am proud to be growing older into this Crone Woman.

And if we are all growing older no matter what, let's make a point to stay intentional with it.

Let's aim for the ideal of becoming Spiritually Crone. Deal?