A crone witch is a term used to describe a type of witch who embodies wisdom, experience, and age. The word "crone" traditionally refers to an older woman, often with a stooped posture and gray hair. In the context of witchcraft, a crone witch represents the third phase of a woman's life, following the maiden and mother phases. The crone witch is typically portrayed as a powerful and knowledgeable figure, possessing deep wisdom and supernatural abilities. She is often associated with the elements of earth and wisdom, and is said to have a strong connection with nature and the spiritual realm. The crone witch is believed to have a deep understanding of the cycles of life and death, and is often sought out for her guidance and insights.
Jean Shinoda Bolen has written two books* explaining the connection between women today and the ancient goddesses. She explains that according to Jungian psychology “women are influenced by powerful inner forces, or archetypes, which can be personified by … goddesses.” These attributes live on today in the collective unconscious as an archetype. An archetype is a pattern of instinctual behavior that is contained in the collective unconscious – a part of the unconscious mind – that is not individual but universal, with contents and modes of behavior that are more or less the same in all cultures and in all individuals. The crone goddess represents the archetype of the older woman.
She explains that according to Jungian psychology women are influenced by powerful inner forces, or archetypes, which can be personified by goddesses. For women who do not give birth, there are many ways to learn and express the lessons of this stage nurturing others, taking responsibility for those in need, and mothering stepchildren, relatives children and animals.
The crone witch is believed to have a deep understanding of the cycles of life and death, and is often sought out for her guidance and insights. In many cultures, the crone witch is seen as a symbol of transformation and empowerment. She represents the ability to embrace aging and the wisdom that comes with it.
What Is A Crone?
It used to be, if you called a woman a witch, a hag or a crone, you were referring to her in a derogatory way.
Today, search the word “witch” on Instagram and hundreds of pages will come up. Being a witch has become quite trendy. The term has come out of the dark ages, then you would be burned at the stake for just being accused of being a witch, to today, where many females identify as one. The word “witch” has evolved and has taken it’s place in our modern lexicon as a lifestyle choice.
Hag is a word still in need of a make over. No amount of spin is going to sway a modern woman to use this particular term to describe herself in a positive way. Not yet at any rate.
But the word “crone” is evolving into a empowering term for an older woman. With one of the largest demographics in history – the baby boomers – all past 55 years of age now, there is a growing movement that embraces the archetypal power of the Crone.
So what is a Crone?
In the simplest of terms: A Crone is a post-menopausal woman. No longer able to bear children.
The traditional meaning: In ancient times, the Crone was an older woman who enjoyed a special, revered status. This elder woman was viewed as a fount of wisdom, law, healing skills, and moral leadership; her presence and leadership were treasured at every significant tribal ceremony and at each personal occasion from birth to death.*
The meaning of a Crone today: The modern Crone is a healthy, vibrant older woman who has the wisdom of a lifetime of adventures and experiences. She has done everything that society has expected of her and is now at a stage in life where she has gained enough confidence to step fully into her own power and finally imagine, create and fulfill her wildest desires. She is sovereign unto herself and her status in society is hers to decide.
*Traditional meaning taken from cronecouncil.org
Contemporary women can reconnect with sexual desire by acknowledging themselves as an expression of the Goddess. Part of this re-imaging is internalizing the three aspects of feminine nature. Becoming fully conscious of the three sexual expressions of the Goddess within allows us to choose to express any one or all three simultaneously.
The crone witch is often depicted as a healer and counselor, using her knowledge and experience to help others navigate life's challenges. While the term "crone witch" is most commonly associated with female figures, it can also be used to describe male witches who embody similar qualities of wisdom and age. In this context, the term "crone" is used more as an archetype or symbol of wisdom rather than a specific gender. In modern witchcraft and pagan traditions, the crone witch is often honored and celebrated, particularly during the autumn season and the festival of Samhain. During this time, the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be thinnest, making it an opportune time for the crone witch to share her insights and communicate with the divine. Overall, the crone witch is a powerful and respected figure in the world of witchcraft. She represents the culmination of knowledge, experience, and wisdom that comes with age, and serves as a guide and mentor to those seeking her guidance..
Reviews for "The Crone Witch: An Ancient Guide to Healing and Transformation"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars: "I was really looking forward to reading 'What is a Crone Witch,' but I found it to be quite disappointing. The characters were underdeveloped, and the plot felt rushed and scattered. Additionally, the writing style was confusing and hard to follow. I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story and unfortunately, it just didn't meet my expectations."
2. Mark - 2/5 stars: "I typically enjoy books about witches and magic, so I was excited to give 'What is a Crone Witch' a try. However, I found it to be quite unoriginal and predictable. The story lacked depth and the plot felt like a rehash of other similar books I've read before. The writing was average, and I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters. Overall, it just didn't leave a lasting impression on me as a reader."
3. Emily - 3/5 stars: "While 'What is a Crone Witch' had some interesting elements, I felt that the execution fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with moments of intense action followed by periods of slow, unnecessary details. The world-building was also minimal, leaving me with a lack of understanding and immersion in the story. Character motivations were unclear and the dialogue felt forced at times. Overall, it had potential but needed more refinement."
4. Mike - 2/5 stars: "The concept of 'What is a Crone Witch' intrigued me, but I found the execution to be lacking. The writing style was choppy and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the narrative. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development, and the plot felt rushed and unoriginal. The potential for a unique and engaging story was there, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations."
5. Jessica - 2/5 stars: "I wasn't impressed with 'What is a Crone Witch.' The story felt cliché and lacked a fresh perspective on witchcraft. The writing style was jarring, with abrupt shifts in tone and inconsistent pacing. The characters were forgettable, and I couldn't connect with their experiences. Overall, it just didn't capture my interest or stand out among other books in the genre."