A woman's life can be divided into 3 phases: the Maiden; the Mother; the Crone.
During the time of the Maiden, the girl enters the transition from childhood into adulthood. She accepts the responsibilities of a functional adult in her community and embraces her sexuality. During most of human history and in most cultures, it is during this time that she seeks her mate.
During the time of the Mother, she makes her home and raises her children, if she has any. She refines her skills as an adult and a home maker. She continues to learn and to develop the aspect of her Self which is Nurturer and Protector of her family, her home, and her community. In this phase of her life, she is both Earthmother and Protectress. Those who she nurtures are not limited to her own children; to the young, or even to those in human form.
When the skills of the Mother are well-developed, the children are grown, and the woman has established her place in the community---and classically, when menopause is reached---the woman enters the time of the Crone. This is a time of wisdom and heightened creativity. A time when the woman looks both inward and out beyond herself in a way that she has not been able to do while she was focusing on her family, home, and making a place in her community.
It is a time to focus on her spirituality, in ways which were not normally possible when she had her family to raise, or before she had the perspective of years to broaden her vision.
In our culture, we tend to depreciate the value and importance of the Crone years; just as we tend to take for granted the importance of home making & raising children. To learn more about this transition, check out these sites:
I don't know very much about Cybele yet, myself. This aspect of my Self has been developing largely unconsciously as I have realized the approach of my Crone years. Until you face this Change yourself, I may seem to be over-reacting... But my reaction is, I suspect, very "normal."
Through Cybele's presence in the Forest, I hope to ease my transition into the Crone years; perhaps to ease the transition for someone else who may also be facing this Change.
At this point in my life, I feel the need to connect with other women as well as gaining the wisdom & skills that are associated with this time in a woman's life. I intend to move into my Crone years with energy, a sense of curiosity, and an optimistic attitude.
Human history is filled with human-kind's search for a connection with Something greater than her or his temporal existence. This search has inspired the development and creation of many things. Some of the greatest Art, Music, Architecture, Poetry & Prose, Rituals, and expressions of culture have come directly from the pursuit of Something greater than our individual, finite selves.
As we have searched, we have learned.... Through our apparent differences of expression, our connection with the Ultimate has opened doorways for us. Doorways that lead into realms of Beauty; of fearful Mystery; of overwhelming Love; and understanding of our connections with others, with this world, and with the Universe....
Explore some of our spiritual connections, through these sites:
