I was talking to a good friend this morning and she was saying how much she has enjoyed my 'Crone Zone' posts over the year BUT she confessed she was allergic to the word 'crone' and I know a few people may also be uncomfortable with it. So, I'm making it my mission for the rest of this year, and possibly next, to try and change your associations with the word .... I don't want it to put you off this Contented Crone and her posts! On the other hand, I know some of you love bringing a lightness of being to Crone Zone and don't need any persuasion!
The word crone often conjures images of a bent, wrinkled, cantankerous old woman cloaked in shadow—someone to be feared, pitied or mocked.
This perception, though widespread, is a distortion of the word's original meaning. Let’s journey through the history of this term, explore how it was twisted over the centuries, and celebrate its revival as a symbol of wisdom and empowerment in modern life.
The crone is more than a relic of ancient mythologies; she is a timeless figure of transformation and strength. Make this the time that you embrace your 'inner crone', or a beloved crone in your family circle. Do so with a lightness of being that brings a smile to your lips.
The Origins of 'Crone'
Researching the word I've come across various explanations of it's origin. For example that it derives from the Middle English carne, which traces back to the Old Northern French term carogne, meaning "old ewe." It also has an association with 'crown', or 'wisdom through the head'. This interpretation fascinates me as in some ancient cultures the top of the head is associated with direct access to the 'wisdom above'.
Over time, it evolved to signify an elder woman. Far from being derogatory, in its earliest use, the crone was revered as a figure of wisdom and experience, embodying the archetypal “wise woman” who guided her community.
In Celtic traditions, the Crone was associated with goddesses like Cerridwen and the Cailleach, who symbolized death, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life.
The Crone was a spiritual leader, a healer, and a keeper of ancient knowledge, guiding her people with a blend of intuition and hard-won wisdom.
How the Crone Became Villainized
The shift in the crone’s image can be traced to the patriarchal systems of the Middle Ages.
The wise women—often healers, midwives, or herbalists—were seen as threats to institutional power. During the witch trials of the 15th to 18th centuries, these women were frequently labelled as witches, their wisdom reframed as dangerous sorcery.
The depiction of crones as evil, malevolent hags became deeply embedded in Western culture. Fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Snow White presented older women as villains who sought to harm the innocent. This narrative reinforced ageism and misogyny, encouraging fear and disdain for elder women instead of respect.
A Return to the Authentic Crone
In recent decades, there is a growing interest in reclaiming lost spiritual traditions that seems to have sparked a revival of the crone archetype.
Women are embracing the crone as a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and empowerment.
No longer hidden or diminished, elder women are stepping into roles as mentors, leaders, and cultural influencers.
The modern crone embodies:
Wisdom: She draws from a lifetime of experiences and offers guidance without judgment.
Self-acceptance: She embraces her natural aging process, challenging beauty standards that equate youth with worth.
Leadership: Whether in activism, art, or family life, the crone uses her voice to inspire change.
Honouring the Crone in Daily Life
We can all do any of these three things in our own way ....
Celebrate Elder Women: Seek out the wisdom of older women in your circle. Listen to their voices. The Crone is associated with the Yin cycle of life, a time when we go inward in contemplation. So Contented Crones may not scream their 'wisdom' from the rooftops, you may have to seek them out and ask questions ..... but it will be worth it!
Connect with Nature: The crone is deeply tied to the earth and its cycles. Spend time outdoors, and honour the transitions in your own life.
Reject Ageism: Challenge stereotypes about aging and reframe it as a time of growth and enlightenment. Allow youth to do, and enjoy, their own thing; we don't have to join those trends, we set our own unique way of being and celebrate the freedom that comes with Cronehood to be able to be our true authentic selves, allow others to do the same and find the joyful moments in the simplicity of each day.
Yes, we have to get used to the wrinkles and inevitable 'sag' of our physical body.
Yes, we have to look after that physical body with more care to retain health, mobility and independence.
Yes, we have to learn how to deal with loss: of loved ones, of career, of youth, of so much 'that was'
Yes we can learn to find the hidden freedoms and treasures in this 'time of the wise woman'.
Yes, we can become truly, authentically EMPOWERED.
As I navigate my way through this time, I share thoughts, tips and techniques that support me and that I hope will interest you if you are a woman of any age but especially if you are apprehensively approaching cronehood, are a cronette or a fully blown crone.
You are not alone!
Love from this Contented Crone who while yes, a bit wrinkled around the edges, is definitely not bent or cantankerous!
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