Words are always evolving.
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
