Crones by Bea Tifton

 I always heard that through age comes wisdom. I concede that I do know more than I used to know about bad vs. good decisions. But I still do make inadvertent bad decisions. The older I get, the less I care about what other people say or think about me, but I do still care.  And if I get inside my own head about their opinions too much, I can drive myself crazy. I’m well away from being a crone, but why in our society do people think of this ancient woman, wearing black, back bent almost double, with gnarled, arthritic hands? Even the word “crone” can be used as a pejorative.  The etymology of the word is quite insulting, indeed. It originated in the 14^th century and basically meant “A disagreeable woman.” Hmmm. Disagreeable, or comfortable in her own skin, filled with knowledge, and independence?

The crone of cultural folklore is a great woman indeed. The crone was defined as a symbol of wisdom, a woman who has lived a life composed of love and hate, sorrow and joy, and has come through it all with a dignity and strength of spirit that only time and a life well lived can achieve.

 

Wow.  I hope that I can make it to crone someday. Crones were the matriarchs, the seers, the healers. 

So as you go through your life and you become a "woman of a certain age" ( whatever that means), celebrate being older and wiser.  After all, we crones must stick together. 

 Picture Credits

Crone: Katja from Pixabay

Crone: Stefan Keller from Pixabay

Woman with Crystal Ball: Brigitte Werner from Pixabay

Aged Cheerful Women in Elegant Outfits Together: Anna Shuets from Pexels

I'm filling in for Beth Trissel.