Yup, I’m a “juicy-Crone” and proud of it!
I was introduced to that feisty phrase years ago when I first starting exploring feminist psychology and women’s spirituality. Jungian author and activist Jean Shinoda Bolen presented it in her book, “Crones Don’t Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women” and I’ve embraced it ever since, certainly way before I was one.
I’ve even participated in and facilitated “Croning circles” where we celebrate and honor women who are ready to declare themselves as Wise Women Elders. Then, there’s my beloved group of Spirit Shifters (pictured in the photo)… bodacious Crones all! We’ve been meeting monthly for 15 years and I’m the baby in the group at age 70. And most recently I’ve joined a wonderful community of extraordinary Crones ranging from age 55 t0 87, as I highlighted in last month’s Deb’s Picks… definitely check it out if you want to join us.
The problem is, if you’ve been “properly” indoctrinated, at the mention of Crone, you’re now picturing a stooped, wrinkled, haggard, crazy old woman. Through patriarchal mythology, the wisdom of the ancients – particularly women – has been dismissed, devalued and denigrated. But if we dig deeper into the well of herstory, we find instead powerful, positive images of wise old women that we can reclaim. That’s been one of my passions, especially as I enter these years.
Four Faces of the Divine Feminine
I’ve written and taught about the Four Faces of the Divine Feminine for 30 years now — the feminine archetypes of Maiden, Mother, Amazon Queen, and WiseWoman Crone… what I call the “FemTypes”. (You can get a brief overview of them HERE). While they represent different stages of life, we also carry the energy of each one within us always.
How often do you acknowledge and embrace your own deep inner wisdom, regardles of your age?
That said, I’ve definitely been actively and joyfully living my “Crone-dom” for a while… though full disclosure, I was more often calling myself a “baby Crone” cuz I wasn’t quite ready to declare myself a full fledged Crone. (You can probably blame that on the aforementioned patriarchal conditioning!)
There’s no universal moment when that happens; it’s different for everyone. Some say it’s at our 2nd Saturn return around the age of 59. Others say it’s when you have your last menstrual period. For me, I think it really kicked in when I became a grandmother 9 years ago.
Then it was powerfully affirmed in my sacred medicine journey a year ago when I was introduced to my Abuela Ancestors and have been working with them ever since. You can read more about that experience in my Deb’s Picks from last October when I wrote about honoring our ancestors in conjunction with the Taurus/Scorpio Full Moon.
Scorpio Full Moon wisdom
So here we are, six months later and the energy has “flipped” with the Scorpio/Taurus Full Moon (i.e. the Moon in Scorpio and Sun in Taurus) coming up on May 1st and I’m embracing another aspect of this deep, transformative Full Moon energy. Scorpio relates to Crones and Elders through its association with the final stages of life’s cycles, deep wisdom, and honoring our personal history (hence the focus on ancestors last Fall.)
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation, of death and rebirth… a powerful metaphor for the Crone archetype who, having survived many different emotional and literal “deaths” in her lifetime, is now focused on living her truth, sharing her wisdom, and guiding others through their own challenging life transitions.
And with the Sun moving through earthy Taurus from April 19th–May 20th, you can literally EMBODY all this transformative energy and use it to ground yourself, to be fully present in your body, and to create practical, tangible ways to nurture and soothe your whole being.
Hopefully, you’ll be inspired by this month’s Deb’s Picks to fully embrace your wisdom and dance with your inner Crone!
Then, be sure to join us for our Scorpio/Taurus Full Moon TeleMeditation this Friday, May 1st at Noon — click HERE for details on how to join us. Hope to “hear” you then!
(And after that, I’d love you to join me for my upcoming Taurus New Moon SisterCircle through the Wellness Universe on Mon., May 17th when we’ll be “Honoring our Bodies, Honoring the Earth”. Hope to see you then.)
SNAKES & MUSES: AN EVENING OF POETIC TRANSFORMATION w/poet Annie Finch + friends Thurs., April 30; 8:30 NYC FREE
My dear Crone-Sister and fabulous poetress is presenting her first Poetry Witchual theater performance since she moved back to NYC last year and I know it will be as magical as she is! She promises an evening “infused with the music and literary magic of Medusa and the Muses to carry you through another year of changing skin”. And it’s free! I’m bummed I can’t be there (I’ll be on a plance returning from Florida), but you definitely should be — just click HERE to reserve your spot.
CHAMPAGNE LADIES: EFFERVESCENT AT ANY AGE by Susan Meyer
And for a complelely different and equally terrific experience, you should definitely check out this wonderful book by another special Crone-sister of mine. Susan describes it as “a passion project that tells the tales of 38 amazing women between 68 and 95 who are enjoying vibrant, joy-filled lives.” I’m totally honored to be one of those women and in the company of all the other awesome Crones. You can also watch a great video HERE highlighting many of these women. Then, click on the book title above to get your copy and let me know what you think!
THREE TOMATOES RENEWAL SUMMIT Fri. May 15; 9:15 NYC
I’ve always loved the 3 T’s “NYC’s Insider Guide for Women who aren’t Kids”… they may not call themselves juicy Crones, but they totally are! Each week, they broadcast dozens of offers, tips, articles and exclusive giveaways. And then once a year they offer this powerful Summit that features a lineup of renowed speakers, terrific exhibitors, a catered lunch, high-touch networking and a wine reception. You can click on the link above to register for the Summit, and be sure to subscribe to their newsletter while you’re there. Hope to see you then!
THE GODDESS PROJECT: PHOTOGRAPHS OF OLDER WOMEN
I can’t remember how I stumbled on this exquisite project, but it really does reflect the Scorpio/ Taurus energy of EMBODYING our Cronehood. The photographer, Ruby Jean, created this portrait experience to celebrate the beauty, wisdom, and stories of women aged 70 and older. The photos are stunning and you’ll want to click at the “READ MORE…” link at the bottom of the home page to learn more about the 2026 Project.
SOHARMONIOUMS 20th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Fri., May 29th, 7:30 NYC & Virtual
Wow… hard to believe that my wonderful women’s choir has been around for 20 years… and I’ve been singing with them for 16! Our group truly represents all Faces of the Divine Feminine, from ages 20-85, and once again we’ll be presenting an eclectic repertoire of international works from classical and folk to contemporary music. This year, it’s a mix of our old favorites as well as some dynamic new pieces and I’m excited that we’ll be performing in the Kaufman Concert Hall at the iconic 92nd St. Y! You can get both in person and live-streaming tickets by clicking HERE.. and if you can come live, please do let me know so I can look for you!
I hope some of these offerings will pique your curiosity to explore your own inner wisdom and look for ways to celebrate the Crones in your life! I’d love to hear how you’re doing that, and as always, please do share any other events or resources that have resonated with you.
With juicy, WiseWoman blessings,
Deborah