In folklore the Crone is a wise woman, who’s knowledge expands outside of our realm and beyond. She symbolizes the Dark Goddess, the dark of the moon, the end of a cycle. She is the third aspect of the triple goddess, together with the Maiden and the Mother. She represents part of the circle of life, focusing on wisdom and the inevitable natural occurrence of death. This is also her time of the year. Because of her representation of decay and death she comes into her form during Autumn and Winter. Also she has associations with the New Moon. Her own child baring days are past; she is the wisdom keeper, seer and healer and midwife, whose knowledge is sought out to guide others during life's hardships and transitions. Unfortunately throughout the Middle Ages many women that embodied the Crone aspect, were killed during the church’s Inquisition. Fear of their wisdom and self esteemed power created many of these women to be wrongfully characterized as wicked hags. This was the creation of the mainstream cliche of the “Wicked Witch” who wore black rags, was evil and had a large nose. But really her knowledge, compassion and ability to heal helps guide others throughout transitions, hardships and difficult phases of life. Noteable Crones:

The Cailleach Hag of Beara, Black Annis, Hecate, The Morrigan, Baba Yaga, Grandmother Spider. 8.5x11 Print