Croning

By Judith Bakkensen

I watch from the circle as four beautifully-dressed elders seat themselves on the thrones in the center of the women's circle.  Garlands of flowers adorn each throne.  The women in the circle are here for the once-a-year croning ceremony.  So many women are here to honor their transition to wise woman.  We will sing and dance the greeting dance.  Our voices will be full and beautiful.  I will probably be so full of emotion, I will tear up again as in previous years.

The women who have passed through this ceremony are initiating the new crones. They are wearing beautiful ceremonial dresses too.   

I am very excited as I will be a crone next year.  Will I be a wise woman in one short year?  Am I as wise as the crones I see today?  I feel tingles of excitement as the ceremony begins.  Yes, I will be ready.  My cape is designed.  I have been studying the works of other wise women.  I have been gaining confidence and trust in myself for these many years.

I am ready to give my opinion when I am asked.  I am ready to put my health in all the areas of my life first.  I am ready to be a viable and visible member of my community.  I am ready to mentor the maids and mothers in my community.  I am ready.

I relax into the rhythms of the ceremony.  I can patiently wait for my turn on the throne.  Great Spirit, thank you for my life today; thank you for croning ceremonies; thank you for circles of women.