The Crone in a woman is that part of her psyche that is not identified with any relationship nor confined by any bond. She infuses an intrinsic sense of self-worth, of autonomy, into the role of virgin and mother, and gives the woman strength to stand to her own creative experience. — Marion Woodman, Dancing in the Flames, Page 134
The archetypal Crone represents many valuable qualities. One in particular, leadership, is aptly symbolized by the Alpha mare. In herds of horses, the leader is almost always a mature mare. While the stallion is the physically strongest and most aggressive male who mates with the females and protects himself, his herd, and his territory by keeping intruders away, he is not the wisest, most trusted horse in the herd nor is he the dominant leader who makes the others feel safe and secure.
The Alpha mare commands respect, not because she is youngest, prettiest, most charming, physically strongest, or the stallion’s favorite, but because her age and vast experience have made her confident, mentally strong, and savvy in the ways of survival. The others follow her because she makes wise decisions. She socializes the younger horses, teaching them to be obedient. She leads the herd to food and water, and guides it to safety when threatened by predators. Of all the horses in the herd, the Alpha mare knows best how to preserve the species.
As a symbol, the Crone had to be suppressed by patriarchal religions because her power ‘overruled the will even of Heavenly Father Zeus.’ She controlled the cycles of life and death.She was the Mother of God, the Nurturer of God, and, as a Crone, the Slayer of God. While Christianity retained the feminine as Virgin and Mother, it eliminated her role as Crone.
Since she has not been present in the culture, she has not been readily accessible to the conscious awareness of modern women. Without her, even the dynamic symbols of Virgin and Mother are distorted.— Marion Woodman, Dancing in the Flames, Page 134
There was once a time when groups of people sat at the feet of Crones, respectfully seeking their guidance and benefitting from their wisdom. The Cheyenne tell a story about “The Old Woman of the Spring” who gave them the buffalo and horse and taught them to plant corn. In the tale “Grandmother Spider Steals the Sun,” Spider Woman brought the sun, fire, and art of pottery-making to the Cherokee. Old Salt Woman gave the Cochiti the magical blessing of salt, in the form of some of her own flesh, to make their food taste better.
The Brule Sioux say that when a grandmother prayed for a sacred herb to save the Comanche nation, a spirit told her where to find Grandfather Peyote and how to use it. She brought it back to her people and gave them the ceremony, and from that moment on, they learned to know themselves. The Tiwa tell of Apache Chief to whom Spider Old Woman gave special medicine and Gopher Old Woman gave secret knowledge that helped him retrieve his lost wife. Such stories speak to the reverence native peoples had for the elder women whose lengthy life experience and intimate relationship with nature sacralized their lives and improved their chances for survival.
As the Sky God replaced the Great Mother and Earth Goddesses as the primary source of spiritual guidance and meaning in patriarchal cultures, respect for Crone wisdom diminished in many parts of the world. At the individual level this is occasionally justified. Certainly, not every grandmother has feet at which one would necessarily want to sit! Generations of being separated from all that feels sacred to women has turned some older women into the very worst examples of feminine shadow. These are the wicked witches we hear about in fairy tales, and they should be avoided like poison lest they spread their toxicity to us.
But there are also some Alpha mares out there. We need to seek out these examples of the positive, empowered Crone, for they hold vital secrets that could help us maintain the delicate balance between societal preservation and annihilation.
This post is dedicated to poetess, Deborah Gregory. Look for her newest book, Cronology, at her site here.
Paper and E-book versions of The Bridge to Wholeness and Dream Theatres of the Soul are at Amazon. The Wilbur Award-winning Healing the Sacred Divide can be found at Amazon and Larson Publications.com. Jean’s new Nautilus Award-winning The Soul’s Twins, is at Amazon and Schiffer’s Red Feather Mind, Body, Spirit. Subscribe to her newsletter at www.jeanbenedictraffa.com.
8 Responses
Dear Jeanie,
I’m typing in tears! Thank you so much for dedicating this post to me! It’s been such a difficult year, which you’ll read all about in “Croneology: Poetic Reflections on the Crone” soon. A little update: I’ve finished my corrections and uploaded (fingers crossed!) my final version of the book. The final proof copy is due to arrive between Christmas and New Year.
Oh, I love what you’ve written about the Alpha Mare, aka the archetypal wise Crone, Herself and how she leads, guides, inspires and heals the herd. I enjoyed those Native American stories too. Recognising yourself, Elaine Mansfield and Susan Scott as three of my favourite Alpha Mares. Thank you so much for letting me ‘run’ with you these past twelve years!
For each of you have illuminated my path numerous and numinous times! I’ve enjoyed sitting at your feet often and have learnt so much from following in the footsteps of such positive, empowered Crones. Stepping onto my own croning path has not been easy but here on the other side of my first lesson (they’ll be many I’m sure!) I wouldn’t turn back for the world.
Love and light,
Deborah
Dear Deborah,
I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult year. And yet, here you are about to give birth to a new creation! As you well know, a major lesson of cronehood is how to turn every obstacle into an opportunity. You’ve certainly had your share of lessons, and responded every time by creating something new that the world has never seen before. That is not only wise, but healthy and healing. With your gift of sharing what you’ve learned in beautiful poetry, the world will be a better place because of the courage you’ve shown and the wisdom you’ve gained. I’m really looking forward to your newest book and am particularly thrilled by the topic. It’s just what we need; perfect for our time.
I’ve loved running with the Alpha Mares here too. And you’ve been a most welcome addition to the herd. You’ve brought so much compassion and wisdom and we’ve all learned from you.
With much love, I wish you and Lin a joyful Christmas and a robust, renewing New Year! Jeanie
Thank you so much Jeanie for your heartfelt, compassionate response! I finish work tomorrow and cannot wait for time to rest, reflect and renew here at the gate of the year. Wishing you and your loved ones, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Creative New Year! xx
Dear Jeanie,
Thank you for the telling and re-telling of these essential stories. I’ve only known Alpha Mares well in human form and I’m glad you had a horse you loved (not a mare, I know). I’ve spent a year trying to find my strength and creative path, so I’m doubly excited by what Deborah has accomplished. I hope I’ll be able to pick up where I left off, but my body hasn’t been willing since November 2023. Meniere’s Disease took the wind out of my sails. Still, I’m grateful to be surrounded by beauty and nature, by community, and by my son who lives locally. I’m enjoying reading ‘Sea Glass’ by Gilda Frantz and also reading Marion Woodman.
My sons and one son’s partner will be here for Solstice, just in time for Canadian weather to arrive with night time lows of 10 degrees F. The persistent cold is so unusual and, of course, it comes with a biting wind. I’m trying to accept the limitations imposed by body and weather. We never know what will emerge from these periods of imposed quiet and solitude.
Love and Solstice Blessings,
Elaine
Yes, these stories need to be retold, at least a few times in every generation. Who will pass on this wisdom if we older women don’t share it? Speaking of wisdom and wise crones, I recently finished Sea Glass. Frantz was definitely a wonderful example! Thanks to Deborah for recommending it.
Horses are a lot like dogs. Extraordinary creatures who, if well-treated and well-loved, can be loyal, loving companions that warm your heart, and, in the case of dogs, hearth.
I’m so glad to know your sons and one’s partner will be with you for Solstice. Between them and Disco they’ll surely bring plenty of nourishing warmth to you and your home during this cold season. 10 degrees F? Brrrr. It’s predicted to be between 56 and 73 degrees F here on Christmas Day. For Floridians, 56 degrees is cold! We’re desperately needful of, and profoundly grateful for cool weather.
Love and Solstice blessings to you and your family,
Jeanie
There is only one partner now, but my NC son has a serious 3 year relationship with a woman I love. I’ll enjoy being with them and my local son will be with us, too. Disco is a wonderful and loyal friend. I’m grateful for her companionship and affection. The Artemis in me loves a hound and Disco is an SPCA mutt which works just fine. She’s lived with me for 5 years and I’ve never heard her growl. Amazing! She loves other dogs and humans–and she loves me.
Plenty for a holiday celebration! 🙂
If men understood, the rough, wrinkled, or withered skin shows the wisdom of a long life.
Oh my goodness! It is the most heavenly and profound message I have ever read. Thank you, Jeanie, my highly recommended teacher. I bow to you, all-wise Crone feminine, for expanding my inner knowledge.
PS: I must think of the old traditional Persian celebration, Shabe Yalda (the Yalda Night), which takes place on the longest night of the year. On this night, the whole family gathers under a warm, long blanket and listens to their grandmother, who cracks nuts throughout the lengthy night and tells stories and fairy tales.
I wish you and yours a leisurely and peaceful season, and I am very proud to belong to such an excellent female community. 🥰🙏😘💖🌹