Crone

I am at the start of what some pagans and many wiccans call the Crone stage. It typically means you are between 50-55, some say older, but the accepted age starts at 50. So many people think that life ends once you are past your 40's but that isn't the case for many people today. I have very much been looking forward to this phase in life when you are less uncertain, know yourself, your path, your deities in ways you could not at 20 or 30 or 40. There is a calm and a confidence that comes with age. The things you have in youth may wane somewhat but the benefit of age is wisdom and understanding.

There are three stages of woman that tie in with the Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone. We see these aspects in our Triple Goddess and embrace her throughout our lives as she shines light on us through each challenge, each test, each victory and even during our failures.

The Maiden phase is just as it sounds. It is the dewy youth of new beginnings and first loves, of awakenings and new knowledge.

The Mother phase is when we embrace our blessed powers of creation as we birth our children and draw closer to our families. This phase is one of nurturing and maturing.

Then we come to The Crone phase. This is when we teach others, share what we have learned and help our communities to grow stronger, more sure, as our age brings insight and wisdom.

These are very brief descriptives of the three phases, but they are enough to give you an idea of what they are. More than being pagan or wiccan, I think they teach modern women to embrace the changes and phases within their lives, empowering them to be strong and intelligent brave people.

When I was called on to teach quite some years ago, I bucked against it. But the pleading and cajoling pushed me to attempt it, even as I knew my temprament was not suited to teaching.

Those early students complained and bitched that I was not what they wanted, even as they devoured my energy, time and patience. It did not take long until I dismissed them, as each time the pushiest of the lot were also the least willing to study, work or learn. Some went so far as to beg for a cheat sheet. It angered them that there was no short cut. There never is.

They did not want to put forth an ounce of effort, but attempted to eat away at my time, wanting to gain access to rites, rituals, spells and information that was far too advanced for them. Never mind that they tried to get their hands on my personal, very private Book of Shadows. That is not the behavior of a true student, nor is that the kind of relationship that should exist between teacher-student.

Those experiences taught me well. I learned to hand pick my students, choosing only the ones who truly seek our ways and want to learn. Those who pursue or push or make demands are denied. I refuse to waste my time again.

I test potential students thoroughly, for both our sakes, and tell them this will be the case up front. Those who do not want to be tested leave, those who wish to learn remain. As I do not charge, I feel it is only fair that my time not be dwindled away by someone wanting to play at being a pagan or wiccan. This is a way of life, it is not a game. If you want to play then find yourself an MMORPG.

Over the years I have worked with many deities and many spirits, so much so that I am never without the support a coven grants, even during times my physical coven is not available. I have also worked with other magic users online to heal and strengthen others. These are things I was not so at ease with in the earlier days. Back then I often felt alone or inadequate as I groped my way along this path. Time, and age have brought ease and understanding, the knowledge that all I must do is call on my deities and ask their help. No more fears, no more uncertainties, no more feeling alone or inadequate.

Now, as I enter the Crone phase, I take my time to put some of my personal experiences in to a book that will hopefully help young would-be-pagans on their path. This is one way that I can inform and teach, shedding some light on the mysteries and half truths that abound out there. It is my desire to answer those probing questions as well as taking away the fear of the unknown.

I will be updating soon, with info on how to find my book. Its release date is very near.

Until Next Time,
Jade