Autumn dusk settles, and under the silver waning moon, a woman wraps a shawl around her shoulders. She feels a shift deep within – an inner fire stirring like embers, heralding a new season of life. This is menopause: not an ending, but a powerful transition. Just as summer gives way to autumn’s maturity, her body and spirit move into a phase rich with change and potential. In a small circle, an elder smiles and begins a tale: once upon a time, a heroine reached the far side of youth and discovered not loss, but transformation.
This reminds us that menopause is more than biological change; it’s a rite of passage, an initiation into a wise new chapter. Rather than a period to dread, it can be viewed as a threshold – the gateway to the Crone phase, where a woman stands in her hard-earned wisdom and embodied power. In this journey, we will explore the archetype of the Crone, the emotional landscape of menopause, and the diverse rituals and support systems that honor this profound life transition.
The Crone Archetype
In folklore of old, the Crone was often painted as the witch in the woods – “a disagreeable, sinister old woman with magical or supernatural associations”. Think of the hook-nosed hag of fairy tales, stirring a cauldron or cackling with an owl on her shoulder. Yet alongside these fearful images were always hints of her power: she was the village wise woman, the healer, the grandmother with secret knowledge. In myth and legend, the Crone appears in many guises. The Greek goddess Hecate, crowned by the crescent moon, guided Persephone in the underworld – a guardian of transitions. In Celtic lore, the Cailleach is the ancient grandmother of winter, ruling the land’s fate. Even Baba Yaga of Slavic tales, though fearsome, gifts wisdom to those brave enough to seek her. These archetypes whisper that beyond the stereotype of the “old hag” lies a deeper truth: the Crone is the keeper of mysteries, a “beacon of wisdom and transformation”.
Across cultures, women have reclaimed the Crone as a symbol of power and wisdom rather than diminishment. Feminist writers and spiritual movements since the 20th century have worked to reclaim this archetype, seeing in the Crone a potent role model for elder women. No longer a figure of pity or mockery, the Crone is honored as a “possessor of wisdom, giver of gifts, and healer” in her community. Instead of fading into the background, she stands in her truth—free of the need to please others, her identity redefined on her own terms. “The years teach much which the days never know,” wrote Emerson, capturing how experience accrues over time into the wealth of wisdom only age can bestow. The Crone archetype celebrates exactly that: the idea that a woman’s value grows with age, like a mighty oak tree or a mountain that has weathered seasons. With silver hair gleaming like a crown and eyes that have seen a lifetime of stories, the Crone invites us to view menopause not as a conclusion, but as an empowerment—a crowning of one’s inner queen.
Psychological and Emotional Changes
Every woman’s menopause journey is unique, but many share common psychological and emotional changes through this transition. At first, it can feel like a rollercoaster: hormones fluctuate, bringing sudden mood swings, irritability, or waves of sadness. It’s not uncommon to mourn the end of fertility or to feel uncertainty about one’s identity. After decades where roles like mother, partner, or career-woman might have defined her, a woman may ask herself, “Who am I now?” This soul-searching can be daunting, but within it lies the seed of self-discovery. Like a phoenix entering the flames, there is an opportunity to be reborn from the ashes with a clearer sense of self. “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly,” an old proverb goes. Menopause can feel this way – an ending that is also a beginning in disguise.
Psychologically, menopause often brings a mix of resilience and release. For some, the relief of no longer having monthly cycles or pregnancy concerns is liberating. Energy once spent on nurturing others may be redirected inward, fueling new creative pursuits or passions. Many women describe emerging on the other side of menopause feeling stronger and more authentic. There can be a newfound boldness – a willingness to speak one’s mind and set boundaries, fostered by the realization that life is too short to live for others’ expectations. As one woman humorously put it, “My give-a-damn broke around age 50, and it was the most freeing thing!” Along with humor, there may come a spiritual or contemplative streak: introspection deepens, priorities shift, and what truly matters in life comes into focus. This emotional recalibration is not always easy – it may involve grieving youth or confronting fears of aging – but it often leads to profound growth. Women tap into wells of inner strength they never knew they had. They learn to ride the heat of a hot flash like a mini vision quest, letting it burn away old anxieties. They befriend their changing bodies with compassion, perhaps through yoga, meditation, or journaling. In these ways, menopause becomes a journey of emotional alchemy, turning the raw experiences of change into the gold of wisdom and self-knowledge.
Menopause Rituals Across Cultures
Throughout history, cultures around the world have recognized menopause as a significant life passage – often marking it with rituals, ceremonies, or special statuses. Far from being hushed up, this transition has been celebrated and supported in diverse ways. Let’s travel around the globe to see how different traditions honor the “wise woman” emerging at midlife:
- Jewish (Simchat Chochmah – Celebration of Wisdom): In some Jewish communities, women hold a Simchat Chochmah ceremony to rejoice in a woman’s passage into wisdom years. The term means “joy of wisdom.” This modern ritual was pioneered in 1986 by Savina Teubal, a Jewish scholar, on her 60th birthday. During a Simchat Chochmah, the community may gather to offer blessings, share stories of the woman’s life journey, and welcome her as an elder. It’s a heartfelt acknowledgment that with the cessation of monthly cycles comes an increase in insight and counsel to share. As one rabbi noted, this is like a second bat mitzvah – a spiritual coming-of-age for the elder phase of life.
- Chinese (“Second Spring”): In Chinese culture, menopause is poetically called the “Second Spring.” Rather than viewing it as winter or decline, Traditional Chinese Medicine frames it as a time of renewal. “In TCM, menopause is called the ‘Second Spring’ in a woman’s life. It represents the renewal of energy and opportunities,” affirm practitioners. There are herbal remedies, dietary practices, and exercises like qigong aimed at balancing energy during this transition. The term “Second Spring” itself offers a beautiful perspective: just as spring follows winter, bringing blossoms after the bare cold, a woman’s life can bloom again with new purpose and vitality post-menopause.
- Mayan: Among many Mayan communities in Central America, menopause is met with respect and even celebration. Mayan women are often regarded as entering the role of “wise women” of the tribe when their childbearing years end. They may participate in Divine Feminine Awakening Ceremonies to honor this sacred transition. During such rituals, there might be prayer, incense, herbal steam baths, and the sharing of wisdom from elder to younger women. Notably, researchers have found that Mayan women report far fewer menopausal symptoms like hot flashes – possibly due to diet, lifestyle, and the positive cultural attitude that views menopause as a natural, even empowering, life stage. In their culture, the end of menses means a woman’s life force is no longer spent in monthly cycles; it is retained, making her spiritually potent and respected in the community.
- African (Maasai and West African traditions): In parts of Africa, reaching menopause can elevate a woman’s social standing. For example, among the Maasai of East Africa, elder women, no longer bound by pregnancies or nursing, often gain a stronger voice in family decisions and community affairs. Some East African communities perform a quiet ritual when a woman has her last child or reaches menopause, symbolically recognizing her shift from mother to community elder. In West Africa, post-menopausal women are frequently revered; they become matriarchs entrusted with preserving cultural lore and guiding the younger generations. The so-called “menopausal matriarchs” of West African societies are admired for their leadership and knowledge. Freed from the taboos that may restrict younger women, they can participate in ceremonies and spiritual practices with a status equal to men, and sometimes even serve as tribal priests or counselors. In many African cultures, age is associated with increased authority, so a woman in her 50s or 60s may find she’s now accorded a respect that can far outweigh any attention she received for youthful beauty. Her wrinkles are like medals of honor, each line a story, each grey hair a testament to survival and insight.
- Native American: Indigenous peoples of the Americas traditionally hold elders in high esteem, and older women are often seen as wisdom-keepers. In various Native American tribes, a woman who has gone through menopause is no longer seen as having “moontime” (menstrual cycles) that tie her to certain ceremonial restrictions; instead she may be called upon to help in sacred ceremonies, having accumulated spiritual power. In some communities, grandmothers form councils that guide tribal decisions. Post-menopausal women are celebrated as “women of wisdom” in their communities. For instance, among the Lakota, elder women (kunši, or grandmothers) have important roles in teaching the young ones and in preserving traditions. Rather than being sidelined, they are considered critical to the tribe’s continuity. Storytelling is a key ritual as well – an older woman might mark her transition by telling her life story at a gathering, imparting lessons learned. This passing down of wisdom is itself a sacred act, honoring her journey and reinforcing her valued place in the community.
- Pagan and Wiccan: Contemporary Paganism and Wicca have embraced the Triple Goddess concept – Maiden, Mother, and Crone – which maps onto the stages of a woman’s life. Within these communities, it’s common to hold Croning ceremonies for women around menopause or a particular age (often 50 or after menopause). These rituals might be performed during a full or dark moon, symbolizing the transition to the moon’s wise phase. A croning ritual often involves the woman being ceremonially crowned or anointed as a Crone, while her sisters in the circle speak blessings or recollections of her journey. The ceremony can be deeply affirming: it says we see you, we honor you as an elder. In fact, among Pagan women, such croning rites affirm them in their process of aging. There may be candles, cauldrons, and chants – for example, invoking archetypes like Hecate or Cerridwen (the Celtic crone goddess stirring her cauldron of inspiration). Poems or invocations might be recited, such as: “Crone woman, old woman, keeper of the flame,/ Ancient wisdom is your claim…” – framing the entrant to Cronehood as one who carries the light of insight for her community. These modern Pagan rituals, though inspired by ancient concepts, are gaining popularity even beyond strictly Pagan circles, as many women crave a meaningful way to mark menopause.
- Hindu (Indian traditions): In Hindu philosophy, life is traditionally divided into stages or āshramas: student, householder, hermit/forest-dweller, and renunciate. The transition to the third stage, vanaprastha (forest-dweller or retiree), often coincides with late middle age – around when one becomes a grandparent or, for women, when menopause occurs. It is a time when duties to raising children are done and one turns more toward spiritual pursuits. While there isn’t a widespread specific Hindu ritual for menopause, culturally there is an understanding (especially in older generations) that a woman’s focus may shift at this stage. She might undertake pilgrimages, spend more time in prayer, or engage in satsang (spiritual gatherings). With the end of menstruation, women in orthodox Hindu settings also gain certain freedoms: for example, a post-menopausal woman may be allowed to participate in rituals and enter temples at times from which menstruating women are traditionally restricted. In a symbolic sense, she is now “purified” of monthly cycles and can pursue spirituality with fewer societal taboos. Some Indian communities informally honor an older woman’s new status by inviting her to lead a prayer or light the ceremonial fire at festivals – roles that younger women may not have been asked to do. Additionally, Hindu mythology offers archetypes of powerful older women; one example is the goddess Dhumavati, one of the ten Mahavidyas, depicted as a wise old woman who has seen the ups and downs of life and embodies the essence of transformation through loss and experience. Her presence in the pantheon subtly reminds devotees that the elder feminine is part of the divine spectrum. While not every Hindu woman has a “croning” celebration, the cultural fabric (and large joint families) often ensure that as she ages, she is respected as the matriarch – affectionately called Daadi, Nani, Ammachi, Ajji (grandmother) – whose blessings are sought at weddings and whose stories guide the young.
- Siberian and Indigenous Siberian: In the far reaches of Siberia and Central Asia, indigenous groups have long had shamans and elders at the heart of their communities. Notably, a number of these cultures allowed women – especially post-menopausal women – to become shamans, serving as spiritual leaders and healers. Among some Siberian tribes, there was a belief that once a woman passed menopause, she carried the strength of both woman and man (having moved beyond childbearing, a role tied strongly to femininity). This made her especially potent as a shaman, since she was not bound by “women’s taboos” and could travel to the spirit world freely. An older Siberian woman, wrapped in furs against the tundra’s chill, might lead rituals to honor the ancestors or to bless the winter hunt. Her wisdom of years was seen as a bridge to the spirit realm. Even outside shamanism, in Siberian villages grandmothers often function as folk healers and custodians of oral history. A vivid image arises of a crone elder telling stories by the fireside in a yurt while icy winds howl outside – she is the culture-bearer, ensuring that knowledge survives the long winters of forgetfulness. While not as well-documented in popular literature, these practices highlight a common thread with other cultures: when the cycles of fertility cease, the cycles of wisdom-sharing intensify. The community gathers around the elder woman for guidance much as they would around a warm fire for light.
As we see from these diverse examples, menopause is far from a “one-size-fits-all” experience across the world. In many societies it is a communal event, honored openly through rituals or at least shifts in status. Whether through a formal ceremony or simply a newfound respect, the message is clear: a woman entering Cronehood is to be celebrated, not shunned. These cultural rituals and traditions invite us to rethink the narrative of menopause in our own lives. Instead of a silent suffering or invisible passage, it can be a time for ritual, reflection, and recognition. The wisdom of the Crone is a universal treasure, and cultures that celebrate it show us how powerful this stage of life can truly be.
Modern Approaches to Menopause Rituals
In today’s world, even as traditional rites may have faded in some places, women are actively creating new rituals and supportive communities to honor menopause. The modern menopause journey is no longer walked alone in silence; it’s shared, witnessed, and even joyfully commemorated in various innovative ways:
- Red Tent Gatherings: Inspired by the novel The Red Tent and ancient practices of women secluding together during menstruation, modern Red Tent circles have evolved to include women of all ages and life stages. These gatherings – often in a cozy space adorned with red fabrics, cushions, soft lighting and maybe a cauldron-shaped bowl of potpourri – provide a sacred space for women to share stories and support each other. While originally centered on menstruation and childbirth, many Red Tent groups explicitly welcome menopausal and post-menopausal women, recognizing the wisdom they contribute. Imagine a monthly gathering where younger women sit in rapt attention as an older woman speaks of her menopause journey – the challenges, the liberation, the unexpected hilarity of a hot flash at the worst possible moment – and everyone laughs and learns. Such intergenerational bonding heals the old taboo of not talking about “the change.” It’s not unusual for a Red Tent ceremony to honor a member who’s going through menopause by literally “calling in the Crone.” They might drum, chant, or light a candle for her, saying: Sister, we see you stepping into your power. These supportive spaces turn what could be a lonely struggle into a shared celebration of womanhood.
- Workshops and Retreats: Across the globe, workshops, retreats, and seminars have sprung up dedicated to the menopausal transition. They range from one-day storytelling workshops at local community centers to week-long retreats in scenic locations. For example, some women attend “Menopause retreats” in the mountains or by the sea, where they engage in activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, and ceremonial work to symbolically leave behind their younger self and welcome their Crone self. In these retreats, there may be a ritual at the end – perhaps writing down fears on paper and burning them in a bonfire under the full moon, symbolizing purification and renewal by fire. Workshops might incorporate art therapy (painting what menopause feels like as a landscape or weather) or drama (enacting the goddess archetypes of Maiden, Mother, Crone). The idea is to provide tools for women to process their emotions and see the menopausal journey as one of growth. Some Unitarian Universalist churches and feminist spiritual groups even offer formal Croning ceremonies where multiple women are honored together in a public event. Each woman may speak about what crossing this threshold means to her, and a facilitator might place a flower crown or a symbolic shawl on her shoulders, pronouncing her a wise woman of the community. Such events often brim with laughter and tears, as friends or daughters might also share tributes. By ritualizing the transition, these workshops and ceremonies validate that menopause is significant and worthy of reflection and respect.
- Online Communities and Support Networks: In the digital age, sisterhood has gone online. There’s a blossoming of online communities, forums, and social media groups devoted to menopause support. From Facebook groups like “Menopause Chicks” or “The Silver Circle” to discussion boards on health websites, women are finding it easier than ever to connect and commiserate. In these virtual “red tents,” women swap remedies for night sweats, celebrate milestones (one might post, “It’s been 12 months – I’m officially post-menopausal, hello Cronehood!” followed by confetti and congratulations), and share articles or book recommendations. The tone is often refreshingly candid and empowering. Memes and humor are common too – a popular one shows an image of an owl (symbol of wisdom) wearing reading glasses, captioned: “Menopause: the owl emerges, seeing through the darkness.” Alongside the camaraderie, expert-led webinars and online summits have become a resourceful trend. There are menopause coaches and counselors offering group sessions via Zoom, where women from different countries form a circle on screen, light a candle at their homes simultaneously, and perform guided visualizations or affirmations together. Even hashtags like #MenopauseMatters or #CroneChronicles have allowed women to voice their experiences publicly, contributing to a growing movement to normalize and honor this life stage. The internet, in effect, has become a global hearth around which menopausal women gather.
- “Queenagers” and Reframing the Narrative: A delightful modern twist in language is the term “Queenager”, blending “queen” with “teenager,” to denote women roughly 50 and above who approach this time with vibrancy and style. It’s a cheeky way of saying midlife and beyond can be just as dynamic as youth – you’re a Queen now, not “just old.” Some communities host “Queenager” ceremonies or parties, which, while light-hearted, serve a similar purpose to a croning: to toast a woman’s new chapter in life. Likewise, organizations like Crones Counsel (founded in the 1990s) hold annual gatherings where women who identify as crones (generally 50+ or post-menopausal) come together to share stories, conduct rituals, and mentor younger women. These modern movements often incorporate feminist perspectives, explicitly pushing back against ageism and sexism. What was once a slur – “crone” – is now worn as a badge of honor. Attendees at a Crones Counsel gathering, for instance, might wear purple (a color long associated with feminist aging, thanks to the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph: “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple…”). They may dance, drum, or create collective art that depicts the triple goddess or the life cycle of a woman. By reclaiming language and creating new traditions, modern women are saying: we will not go quietly into our elder years; we will shine and redefine what it means to be an older woman.
From red tents to Facebook groups, these modern approaches all share a common thread: community and conscious intention. Rather than letting menopause happen to them, women are actively marking the occasion – finding meaning in it, drawing strength from sisterhood, and educating themselves and others. In doing so, they transform a potentially isolating experience into a source of connection and empowerment. Menopause in the modern age is becoming not just a medical event, but a cultural one – complete with its own emerging rituals and rites of passage. The result is a growing collective wisdom, as women support each other to embrace the change with open hearts, perhaps even excitement, knowing that on the other side lies a freer, wiser self.
Menopause as Personal Growth
Menopause has often been described as a rebirth or a second puberty – but one where the person emerging is armed with decades of life lessons. It’s a time of personal growth that can be as profound as adolescence, only now the growth is largely internal, in the realms of mind and spirit. As the hormonal storms clear and a new equilibrium is found, many women report feeling an unexpected sense of clarity. The priorities of earlier years get reshuffled; what remains (and newly appears) tends to align with one’s true self. In essence, menopause can catalyze a woman’s journey to authenticity and deeper wisdom.
One key aspect of this personal growth is spiritual or philosophical development. Freed from the demands of young children or the hormonal drives of fertility, women often turn their gaze inward. Some describe a heightened connection to the spiritual, be it through formal religion, nature, or personal meditation. It’s no coincidence that in many spiritual traditions, elders – and especially women elders – are seen as closer to the divine. A woman in her crone years might take up practices like mindfulness meditation or prayer with renewed vigor, finding that she now has the patience and insight to explore her inner world. The symbol of the waning moon becomes a guide: as the moon shrinks to a crescent and then goes dark (much as a woman’s menses wane and cease), it prepares for a new cycle. In that darkness, there is mystery and renewal. Many women find themselves drawn to learning during this time – they might study subjects they’ve always been curious about (from genealogy to astrology to a new language), or even formally go back to school. It’s a common sight these days to see women in their 50s or 60s earning degrees or certifications, embarking on second careers that align with passion rather than necessity.
Menopause can also foster creative blossoming. There’s a theory that as the reproductive energy of the body is no longer needed for making children, it is transmuted into creative energy for art, leadership, and vision. Indeed, we see many women producing incredible works in their post-menopausal years – from literature and art to entrepreneurship and activism. J.K. Rowling famously conceived the idea of Harry Potter as she was nearing menopause. Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at age 40 and designed some of her best works after 50. These are just high-profile examples; on a personal level, it might be as simple as a woman finally allowing herself to take that painting class, start a community garden, or write her memoir. The confidence that often comes with age – a sense of I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself – can be incredibly liberating creatively. Additionally, some women report an increased ability to focus on long-term projects once they’re past the ebb and flow of monthly cycles. It’s as if an inner steadiness emerges, a calm center from which new ideas can spring forth with purpose.
Emotionally, menopause teaches self-reliance and self-compassion – two pillars of personal growth. Coping with symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, or the infamous “brain fog” can be challenging, but in doing so women often develop robust self-care routines. They learn to listen to their bodies more intently: maybe establishing a calming evening ritual with herbal tea and a good book to counteract sleep problems, or practicing breathing exercises to weather a panic wave. This kind of self-tending is a growth in self-love. After many years of tending others, the script flips – now it’s crucial to tend to oneself. Through trial and error, many come to honor their own needs in a way they never did before. For instance, a woman might realize she’s a natural teacher and find joy in mentoring younger colleagues, deriving fulfillment from sharing what she knows. Another might discover a love of travel and finally have the courage to go on adventures solo or with friends, expanding her horizons literally and metaphorically.
Importantly, menopause can be a time of redefined identity. Society often labels women by their roles – daughter, wife, mother, etc. When menopause hits, some of those labels no longer fit comfortably. But this creates space to ask: What is my identity, independent of those roles? The answer can be the beginning of a powerful new chapter. Some women embrace being the matriarch or wise elder, not just for their family but in their community or workplace. Others might consciously shed old identities; for example, if one’s identity was heavily tied to being a youthful “people-pleaser,” she might intentionally cultivate a new identity as an outspoken advocate (for herself, for others, for a cause). In this way, menopause acts as a midlife initiation or rite of passage psychologically – sending one on a quest to find her truest self and her unique voice. It’s telling that the root of the word “menopause” comes from Greek “mens,” meaning month, and “pausis,” meaning cessation. But many women will joke that while the monthly cycle pauses, life itself does not pause – it reinvents. The pause can be an opportunity to reset and emerge as the person you were perhaps always meant to be, armed with the experience to finally live life on your own terms.
Community and Societal Support
No journey is undertaken alone, and the menopause journey is no exception. The role of community and societal support in this phase of life is immense. When society acknowledges and supports menopausal women, it can transform an individual experience into a shared celebration or at least a normalized transition. Conversely, when society stigmatizes or ignores it, women may feel isolated or undervalued. Fortunately, around the world we’re seeing more conversations and support structures emerging to help women in their Crone era thrive with confidence and vitality.
Social Support & Family: Within families and friend groups, support can make a world of difference. Open communication is key – imagine a family where a woman can freely announce, “I’m having a tough hot-flash day, I need the room a bit cooler,” and everyone respects that without jokes or eye-rolls. Education of spouses and children can foster empathy: many husbands/partners now read up on menopause to understand what their wives are experiencing, and adult children come to appreciate their mothers’ journeys more deeply. In some communities, there’s a tradition of the younger women organizing a small gathering for a woman (their mother, aunt, or friend) who’s completed menopause – similar to a surprise party, but focused on honoring her. They might give gifts symbolizing her new status, like a shawl (representing comfort and wisdom) or an owl figurine (for wisdom). Even without formal events, just having a close friend to vent to or laugh with about the absurd moments (“I put my keys in the fridge during a brain fog!”) can lighten the emotional load. Multi-generational support is a beautiful thing: younger women can learn coping tips and life wisdom from the elders, while the elders feel seen and valued. The “auntie” network – a concept in many cultures where women support each other across generations – is especially powerful here. An auntie or older mentor can reassure a perimenopausal woman that she’s not “going crazy,” that this too shall pass, and that there’s a strong, wise woman waiting on the other side. Such solidarity reminds everyone that menopause is a natural lifecycle event, not a personal failing or something to hide.
Healthcare and Professional Support: The medical community’s approach to menopause has improved significantly, though there’s still room to grow. Many healthcare providers now emphasize a holistic approach – treating not just symptoms, but also providing counseling on lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health. Menopause specialists or dedicated menopause clinics have cropped up in some areas, offering tailored support (hormone therapy if appropriate, alternative therapies, bone health monitoring, etc.). When doctors and nurses validate a woman’s experience – for example, acknowledging that brain fog and mood swings are real and not just “in her head” – it can be incredibly validating. Support groups organized by hospitals or community health centers are also valuable, where women can sit in a circle and share under the guidance of a counselor or educator. It’s heartening to see that even workplaces are beginning to recognize menopause as a wellness issue: some companies have HR policies for flexible work hours or comfortable uniform options for menopausal women, and a few forward-thinking employers have set up “menopause support groups” at work or an informal “menopause mentor” system. The broader societal attitude is slowly shifting as well, aided by public figures speaking out about their menopause experiences. When celebrities or leaders openly discuss it, it chips away at the taboo and sends the message that it’s okay to seek support and talk about it.
Cultural and Religious Support: As we explored earlier, certain religious or cultural communities have built-in ways to honor older women. Tapping into those can provide a strong safety net. For instance, some churches have women’s groups or Bible studies for seniors where fellowship eases the emotional strain of aging and menopause. In synagogues, there might be a special mention or blessing for elders on a women’s Shabbat. In Hindu families, a post-menopausal woman often finds a special reverence – younger members might start touching her feet in respect more often (a traditional Indian sign of respect to elders), implicitly acknowledging her new status. Community centers or nonprofits sometimes host “wise women” circles, which function like a secular ritual space for older women to gather, craft, sing, or simply talk. These all reinforce a sense of belonging. On a societal level, respecting elders has tangible health effects: research has noted that in cultures where age is revered and older women are considered the wise pillars of society, women tend to report fewer severe menopausal symptoms. The mind-body connection likely plays a role here – if a woman internalizes the belief that she’s becoming wiser and more respected, the stress and negativity around menopause may lessen, thereby easing her physical experience. It’s a powerful reminder that attitude and environment matter.
Changing the Narrative in Society: We are in the midst of a cultural shift regarding menopause. Media coverage, books, and even comedy shows (think of stand-up comedians joking about hot flashes in a way that normalizes them) contribute to a more supportive societal environment. Feminist perspectives are especially pushing this change: they argue that for too long, women’s aging has been viewed through a misogynistic lens (e.g., the derogatory term “old wives’ tale” belittling grandmother knowledge, or older actresses being undervalued in Hollywood). By reclaiming a positive narrative – asserting that an older woman is in fact at the height of her powers – society can benefit from the contributions of these women rather than sidelining them. In practical terms, this can mean leadership opportunities: for example, some communities are electing more older women to public office or leadership roles, leveraging their experience. In workplaces, mentorship programs pair older female employees with younger ones so knowledge is transferred and the elder feels appreciated. These are all forms of societal support that cost nothing except intention and respect, yet yield so much value. When a society embraces its crones, it taps into a wellspring of wisdom and stability. Think of the mountain in symbolic imagery: it stands firm and steady, having weathered storms. The Crone in society is that mountain – providing perspective and counsel. It serves all of us to uplift her.
In essence, community and societal support act as the scaffolding around a woman undergoing the remodeling of menopause. With strong scaffolding, she can rebuild and flourish with confidence. Such support might be intimate (a hug and understanding nod from a friend) or broad (a culture that says “we value women of all ages”). Both are vital. When women are supported through this natural transition, they can truly embrace their cronehood with the confidence and vitality that is their birthright – emerging not diminished, but magnified.
Conclusion
The Crone stands tall at the crossroads of life – a culmination of years, experiences, joys, and sorrows, all distilled into wisdom. Menopause is the threshold she crosses to fully inhabit this powerful identity. Having walked with her through stories, archetypes, cultural rituals, and personal growth, we arrive at a simple but profound truth: Cronehood is something to be embraced with pride, courage, and vitality. It is a time a woman claims the title of Wise Woman, not given by any external authority, but earned through lived experience and inner transformation.
Imagine the Crone as a majestic figure on a mountaintop at twilight. Her silver hair catches the last golden rays of the sun, shimmering like a crown. An owl soars overhead in the purple sky, a companion symbolizing her keen vision in the dark and the wisdom that guides her. She gazes at the valleys she has traversed – childhood, the bloom of youth, the duties of motherhood, the struggles and triumphs of midlife – and she does not lament their ending. She smiles, eyes shining, because she carries all those chapters within her, and now she steps into a new dawn of selfhood. Her autumn season is resplendent, painted with the rich hues of insight, freedom, and authenticity. As the poet Robert Browning wrote, “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” For the Crone, the best indeed can be right now – this very stage of life where she knows who she is and finally speaks with her full voice.
To all women standing on the cusp of this transition or already walking their Crone path: you are more powerful than you realize. The world may not always recognize it, but you carry a medicine the world needs – the medicine of wisdom, patience, and perspective. Think of the fire that has forged you: the countless challenges navigated, the sacrifices made, the love given and received, the lessons learned. That fire has tempered you into steel even as it has made you warm like embers. You have earned the right to prioritize yourself, to explore whatever calls to your spirit, to mentor others, or to chart an entirely new course. Whether you choose to mark your menopause with a grand ritual under the moon or a quiet personal meditation, know that it is a milestone worthy of honor. Light a candle and acknowledge your journey – perhaps whisper a prayer of thanks for your body and soul that carry you forward. You might even create your own little ceremony: write a letter to your younger self and burn it (safely) to symbolize releasing the past, or gather some girlfriends for a night of sharing and laughter in celebration of your “second spring.” Do it your way – because if menopause teaches one core lesson, it’s that this is your life and you must live it authentically.
As a society, we too benefit from embracing the Crone. When we uplift our elder women, we all rise – families become stronger, workplaces wiser, communities richer in compassion. The feminist reclaiming of the Crone archetype is carving out space for older women to be visible, audible, and respected. Grandmothers are publishing memoirs, executives are leading companies beyond retirement age, activists are marching well into their 70s. Age can be an asset, not a liability. Let us continue to dispel the old myth that a woman’s value diminishes after menopause. On the contrary, a woman fully in her Crone power is a force of nature – like a great river that may flow more quietly now but runs deeper and can carve canyons.
In closing, a blessing for every woman stepping into her Cronehood:
May you wear your years like a velvet robe, comforted by your own strength. May your wisdom light your path like the gentle glow of the waning moon. May you speak your truth with the fearless cry of an owl at midnight. May you find joy in your freedom, dancing like flames in a sacred fire. May your community honor you, and may you honor yourself.
As an ancient Sanskrit prayer beautifully wishes: “पश्येम शरदः शतम्” – “May we see a hundred autumns.” May you live long, and live well, reveling in the extraordinary woman you have become. Embrace your crone years with confidence and vitality, for they are not an epilogue, but a powerful new chapter in the great epic of your life. The journey continues – and the wise, empowered Crone has so much more to offer and enjoy. Blessed be this transformation, and welcome to the age of wisdom.