Embracing Crone

An Interview with Theresa Babylon

So, Theresa, what sparked your interest in exploring the concept of the Crone and its representation?

Ah, the Crone! She's been whispering to me for ages. You know, I can't even recall the exact moment she snuck into my consciousness. It's like she's always been there, lingering in the background, waiting for the right moment to make her presence known. When my kids were young, I remember chatting with a friend about growing older, and I casually mentioned, "I've always thought I'd make a really great old lady." And from that moment on, the idea of the Crone just stuck with me.

Can you share a personal anecdote or experience that made you reflect on the wisdom of older women?

Hmm, well, I don't have one specific moment that stands out, but let me tell you, the Crone has been creeping into my life in the most unexpected ways. It's like she's been guiding me on this journey of self-discovery, nudging me to seek out the wisdom of older women. I've devoured books like "Hagitude" by

Dr Sharon Blackie

and "Crones Don't Whine" by Jean Shinoda Bolen, soaking up every nugget of wisdom they have to offer.

How do you personally connect with the idea of wisdom and experience being embodied in older women?

Older women are these incredible repositories of life experience and knowledge. They've seen it all, you know? They've weathered life's storms, navigated its twists and turns, and emerged on the other side with this deep sense of knowing. And as they enter this new chapter of their lives, they're forced to confront some big questions: Who am I now? What do I want for the rest of my life? It's a journey of self-discovery that I find incredibly inspiring. Often, as we approach this age, we come to the understanding of how important it is to get in touch with our energy.  Many of us have devoted decades to the growth and development of others. That's beautiful, and I would never change that for myself, but now I also need to tend to my own energy. I need to take time to heal, restore, and focus so that I can bring forward what comes next. Crone is asking…”and what else will you do?  Who else will you be?”

Have you encountered any stereotypes or misconceptions about aging or older women that you feel are important to address in your article?

Absolutely! Patriarchal narratives love to paint older women as hideous, malevolent creatures lurking in the shadows and plotting mischief. Or they're the invisible woman in the background, the quiet old lady who lived her life of duty and now isn't of much interest to anyone. It's total nonsense! The truth is that older women are powerful beyond measure, and that creates significant fear. They're wise, they're fierce, and they're not afraid to speak their truth. But society often overlooks their contributions, dismissing them as irrelevant or invisible. It's time to challenge those stereotypes.  Why does everyone fear older women?  Think about that question.  Crones can change the world.

What are some qualities or characteristics of older women in your life that you admire or find inspiring?

Oh, where do I even begin? I love everything about older women! Their sometimes gentle, nurturing nature, their profound wisdom, their refusal to conform to societal norms—it's all so incredibly inspiring to me. But what I admire most is their authenticity. They've reached a point in their lives where they're done with the pretense, done with trying to fit into some mold that society has created for them. They're unapologetically themselves, and that's something I aspire to be.

In what ways do you think society can better value and celebrate the wisdom of older women?

We need more diverse representations of older women in media and culture, plain and simple. We need to see them for who they truly are: powerful, wise, and utterly unapologetic. And we need to empower them to step into positions of leadership and influence, recognizing the invaluable contributions they have to offer. It's time to shatter the ageist stereotypes that hold them back and celebrate Cronehood's wisdom, power, and authenticity. I’m currently creating an affirmation card deck called Crone Power.  I hope these images of older women can help trigger a resonance within us, a claiming of sorts. I also have plans to bring together a community of women who feel connected to this expansion!

How do you see the concept of the Crone evolving or being redefined in modern times?

She's undergoing a renaissance! The Crone gives us a refreshing counterbalance in a world obsessed with youth and beauty.  Let’s not fear getting older. If we had more Crones running the show, things would be a lot different. The world could use a little more Crone energy, don't you think? A little less BS?

Can you think of any cultural or literary representations of older women that have resonated with you?

I'm a huge fan of Sharon Blackie's book "Hagitude." I’ve read it twice now and gifted it to a few people. It’s Blackie’s personal story of becoming Crone and holds lots of myths about Hag and older women that are just so fascinating. I love stories about Baba Yaga—she's like the ultimate Crone, living alone in her cottage in the woods that moves around on chicken legs. There's something so delightfully empowering about her, don't you think?  I know that in most of the stories, she’s up to all sorts of scary things.  But in my mind, it is representational. She represents the process of both justice and decay.  Death is a part of life, and it’s coming for all of us sooner or later. Crone stands in that truth and calls us to honor ourselves in this time.  I also feel a deep connection with the Cailleach, or Beira, of Scottish and Irish mythology. She is associated with winter and the formation of landscapes.

What do you hope readers will take away from your thoughts about the Crone and the importance of honoring older women?

I hope readers will walk away with a new awareness, a new lens perhaps. I want them to see the Crone not as some scary, malevolent figure but as a source of light guiding us forward. Most importantly, I want them to embrace the Crone within themselves—to celebrate their own wisdom, power, and authenticity, no matter their age or stage of life.

If women enter their Crone years or awaken in their Crone years, what can they do to embrace this time of life?

I love this question! This is my current journey.  I experienced surgical menopause about five years ago, and I am now 50 years old.  I’m just crossing the threshold to Crone.  Some gatekeeping folks out there will tell you that’s not old enough to be a Crone.  Hogwash.  I know it to be accurate and want to honor this next phase of life.  A considerable part of this journey is recognizing yourself.  Recognize means to “know again”.  Many women have forgotten themselves.  We’ve given our years to caring for others and put ourselves on the back burner.  I have no regrets, but I also want to remember myself now.  I use Quantum Human Design, archetype exploration, and transformation coaching to help women discover their strengths, shadows, and purpose during peri-menopause and beyond.  I’ve searched for help navigating the void of transitioning into the third act of life. Now, I help other women through the void, too.