Earthen Freebie and A Crone

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The past five days have been really emotion-filled, yet, cool!  I took the opportunity of the full moon, and performed a “croning” ceremony.  In tales of lore, a crone is an elder woman in the village, whose wisdom, experience and knowledge give her a place of respect and honor, rather than just being an old woman.  Though modernized and adapted to suit my beliefs, this rite of passage is the last one before death.
During a life time, we ladies go through several distinctive phases:  maiden, mother, crone. 

The triple moon is a Goddess symbol that represents the Maiden, Mother, and Crone as the waxing, full, and waning moon. It is also associated with feminine energy, mystery and psychic abilities. You often see this symbol on crowns or other head-pieces, particularly worn by High Priestesses.

The Maiden represents enchantment, inception, expansion, the female principle, the promise of new beginnings, youth, excitement, and a carefree erotic aura. The Maiden in Greek Mythology is Persephone – purity – and a representation of new beginnings. Other maiden goddesses include: Brigid, Nimue, among others.
The Mother represents ripeness, fertility, fulfillment, stability, and power. The Mother Goddess in Greek mythology is Demeter, representing wellspring of life, giving and compassionate. Other mother goddesses include: Aa, Ambika, Ceres, Astarte, Lakshmi.
 
The Crone represents wisdom, repose, and compassion. The Crone in Greek mythology is Hecate – wise, knowing, a culmination of a lifetime of experience. Crone goddesses include: Hel, Maman Brigitte, Oya, Sedna, Skuld, and others. ~ Crystalinks.com
This celebration of our womanhood isn’t solely for religious purposes.  Some of the “baby-boomers”, now coming to this age in their lives, are joining together to celebrate this rite with friends, food, wine, blessings and gifts. It is looked upon as a journey, in and of itself, culminating towards the final days of our lives.

Judi Singleton, on her website, Blessed Day,  writes of her journey into this part of her life.  Her site is based around growing old in today’s times.  It is quite an interesting read.  So, with the information from her site, as well as Crystalinks, About.com and some goodies and support, collected from friends around the world, I decided to go through this ritual.  (About.com has a very interesting article about croning in this day and age.)

My ceremony was very casual and private.  I lit candles and sage.  I found some words which pertained to me and my purpose, and used them for my rites.  I, basically, committed myself to sharing with and teaching younger women to live a fulfilling life, a life we can be proud of.  
I performed the ritual on my back deck.  The night was damp and misty, but, throughout, I felt the warmth from the spirits of those women who came before me.  It is believed, in some cultures, that Hallow’een, or All Saint’s Eve, is when the veil between this world and the ‘other side’, is thinnest.  The concept of masks and disguising one’s self was meant, originally, to keep angry spirits or demons away during this day of revelry and madness.  
I chose a name for the croning, one that I felt was significant.  “Lillitha”.  Lillitha, a spin-off of Lilith, Adam’s supposed first wife.   She wanted nothing to do with men being the stronger sex.  She was known to come to men in  their sleep and take the top position.  THAT part is not what I am about!  LOL  I like her feelings about women.  All my adult life, I have been an advocate for women’s rights.  I proudly taught my own two girls that independence and responsibility are important in becoming a true ‘lady’.  

With this ritual, I promised to honor the women folk who came before me.  I committed myself to ensuring future women learn what they need to survive.  As for the present, I stand in awe at how beautiful it is to be a woman, among so many wonderful beings.  I have truly been blessed.  I’ve had the opportunity to feel the way I do, without shame or reprisal.  My life has been touched by some women who have given their all into their families and homes.  That is only a wee part of being a woman.  It was, and still is, a big part of who I am.  But, home and family don’t define me.  I am woman first, then, the rest comes.

Okay, so, now, that you all think I’m a wierd-o, I have some thing to share with you.  I made this “Earth” kit for the October Color Challenge at Magickal Scraps.,   I hope someone can use it, for it is full of all kinds of messages and themes to promote conservation of our resources.

(Click onthe two images to go to MediaFire to download)
 
Thank you for your time and interest.  You all are what makes my day complete.

Hugs,

Su

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4 thoughts on “Earthen Freebie and A Crone”

  2. Hello Suruha!I was wondering how it went with your Croning ceremony, and now I know. It was a good thing for you to do. I didn;t see yet the kit in the forum and now taking a look at it here I must say you did a terrific job! As always, you rock lady!Have a beautiful day,HugsKyra

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  4. Hi Su,I really love your writings and read with interest about your 'croning' ceremony. Thanks for this Earth kit which I have bookmarked for downloading later this month. Sending warm hugs to you dear friend, Keryn x x

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