These days, the witches are hardly old crones
with twisted noses. They've got fishnets and
you'd just want to jump in their cauldrons.

-- John Majdoch

Everything, everything, everything! I want to
know everything. I want the privilege of being
a crone.

-- Susan Powter

The croning ceremony honors a woman's passage into the third phase of life. Often celebrated at age 50, ceremonies range from spontaneous cronings at birthday parties to pre-planned ceremonial rites of passage. Some ceremonies are personal, others are shared, some are convened by an ongoing group for new crones, and others are large rituals at women's conferences and gatherings.

Being initiated into the ancient sisterhood of wise old women involves response-ability. We have an opportunity to personally reclaim the once-honored designation of crone, to take a special name, and to make commitments to ourselves, our communities, and the earth. Intention is primary and that is what we declare, our intention to be true to ourselves, to walk our talk, to become a link between the crones of the ancient and recent past and the women of the future.

At what age can I be croned? Although traditions vary, it's generally accepted that age 49 (one's 50th year) is the minimum. Many women wait to be croned until they're 56 or 60. In my experience, each decade, starting with the 5th, brings its own challenges and blessings, resulting in newly harvested wisdom.

Do I have to be post-menopausal? No. Today some women still bleed in their 60s and others experience menopause after an operation in their 30s. We honor this rite as a woman's (blood) mystery, but the timing depends more on age (see above) and personal readiness than biological factors.

Who does the actual croning? Again, traditions vary. Typically initiations are conducted by those already initiated. If initiated crones are not available, women who deeply appreciate and acknowledge what it means to be a crone can conduct/priestess the ceremony.

Who can participate? Croning Ceremonies often take place in women's circles, gatherings, and conferences. Private ceremonies can include crones only, women only, or women, children, and men. While those conducting the ceremony and performing the actual croning should be women, all participants can honor the new crone and engage in other aspects of the ceremony.

Can I be croned more than once? Can I be croned for the first time at 70 instead of 50? Claiming our wisdom is a constant process: One can never be croned too many times, and it's never too late. I've been croned in a personal ceremony, with circle sisters on a weekend retreat, and with new and previously initiated crones in gatherings of 100-300 women. Each ceremony is a unique celebration, an opportunity to reaffirm old commitments and make new ones.

Can I be croned in a group ceremony before I have my personal ceremony? Yes; there is no order in which to be croned. Participating in large group cronings will often spark ideas for a personal ceremony and vice versa.

Do I have to have a crone name? Many women take this opportunity to rename themselves or take a special name, but it is not a requirement.

Do I have to make commitments? Croning is a significant step, a recognition of wisdom gained through years lived. Although not required, I strongly encourage the new crone to act on her wisdom by making a three-fold commitment to healing--herself, her community (however she defines it), and the earth. This can be simple or elaborate, general or specific.

** Article abridged from www.croning.org ;Copyright © 2001-2002 Bayla Bower (unless otherwise noted). All rights reserved.

References:

Crone Chronicles, formerly a print magazine, continues online--stories, articles, letters: www.cronechronicles.com

Elderwoman: The Elderwoman concept is all about that "rapture of being alive" in an aging, female body: www.elderwoman.org.