Crone Program at Elderflower

What is a Crone?

Crones are women of wisdom, age and power. They embody all the wisdom gained through their experiences of the three phases of womanhood - Maiden, Mother and Crone.

Some of the qualities that characterize a Crone are that her bleeding has stopped for at least year and a day, she is either literally or figuratively grandmother, and she has experienced her second Saturn return, which always occurs between the ages of 56 and 60. She has often developed deeper awareness of her own mortality, either through her brush with death or through facilitating the passage of another. She is shifting from an external focus to a more introspective state. She experiences a sense of urgency to get on with the real business of her life, and she has begun to shed the old in order to pursue what has now emerged as her life purpose.

At Elderflower, any woman 56 years old (or older) who choses to claim her status as a Crone is invited to attend a pre-Croning workshop in preparation for declaring herself a Crone at the Croning Ritual.

Not every woman who is 56 or older declares herself a Crone. When to make thta declaration is every woman's personal choice.

Dark Crone Mysteries

Initiation into the Dark Crone Mysteries is probably the least understood aspect of a woman's spiritual journey. The Dark Crone is the Ultimate Teacher of the deepest wisdom. When we look at Her through our own life experiences, we are looking into the most profound inner work of our lives.

Every woman ultimately must face the night, the winter, the abyss, the end of cycles - in everyday life - to enter the Gateway of joy, self-healing, wisdom, and rebirth. In ancient times Elder Wise Women honored the Crone through secret initiations - similar to the annual Elderflower Croning.

Croning Ritual

The Croning Ritual is closed to everyone except Crones and Crone initiates. This ritual is a time for those of Croning age who identify with the Dark Goddess to publicly affirm their commitment to Her service. The Croning Ritual is an initiation, and marks a womn's transformation into Cronehood, into the beauty and expression of her inner Crone wisdom na dher deeper Crone understanding -within a community of other Crones.

Crone Coordinator

Every year the Crones choose their coordinator for the following year. The Crone coordinator works with the core committee woman in charge of programs to schedule the pre-Croning workshop, the Croning Ritual and any other Crone-only workshops that she will.

Crone Policies

•    The age for declaring oneself a Crone was changed from 50 to 56.
•    Any woman between the ages of 50 aand 55 (or older) who wants to explore the meaning of becoming a Crone is invited to attend the pre-Croning workshop and to sit at the Crones' table where she can intearct with the Crones at mealtime.

Crones at Meals

At Elderflower, Crones are honored by having a dedicated table at mealtime (others may join them there at by invitation). Crones may alaso claim a front plce in line at meals if they choose. If you are over 50, and interested in becoming a crone (many are not ready at that young age), you can leave a message on the Elderflower message phone (510) 848-1460, and we will put you in touch with this year's crone coordinator. Or you can check in at the Crone's table in the dining hall during a meal.

Declaring Oneself a Crone

If you aare 56 or older and are interested in becoming a Crone at Elderflower, you can leave a message on the Elderflower message phone (510) 848-1460, and we will put you in touch with this year's Crone Coordinaator. Or you can check in with the Crone Coordinator at the Crones' table in the dining hall during a meal

Historical perspectives

Read more about the decision made by the Crones at 2006 festival.

For an earlier perspective, you can still read Ravina's 2000 letter to the community about Crones.