A Recipe for Crones and Creatrixes
Nourishment is Soul Deep
Many of the women in my orbit are Creatrixes and Crones. A Creatrix is a woman who makes things, drawing inspiration from the myth of the three Greek Fates: the spinner, the weaver, and the cutter. The weaver, known as the Creatrix, embodies the essence of creation. To me, the Creatrix is a woman in the prime of her life, not quite a Crone, but brimming with wisdom and the magic of possibility.
I’m delighted to find so many Crones and Creatrixes among my readers. You are my tribe: women to whom the earth whispers and the waters sing; women who walk in the enchanted realm, attuned to nature's mysteries. Many of you work with herbs, those potent little wonders of the natural world. I, too, love using fresh herbs in my cooking, not just for their flavor, but for their healing properties.
Basil, one of my favorite herbs, is no exception. It’s no surprise that I am drawn to it. In Western astrology, basil aligns with the planet Mars, thanks to its stimulating and warming nature. Mars governs energy, vitality, and action—qualities I relate to as an Aries. In some traditions, basil connects with Scorpio due to its protective qualities. Across cultures, basil is used for purification, protection, and the attraction of positive energy, all under Mars's dynamic influence.
For such a humble garden herb, basil has quite the esoteric résumé. Beyond its mystical associations, basil boasts a plethora of healing properties due to its rich phytochemical composition. It's anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and aids in digestion. It helps the body cope with stress and is beneficial for the heart and lungs.
So, to my beloved Creatrixes and Crones of the enchanted forest, today I share with you my recipe for Basil Pie. Years ago, my husband stumbled upon a recipe for Persian Herb Pie online. A traditional dish from the Iraqi region, it celebrates spring with cilantro, parsley, and dill. Over time, I experimented, allowing my love for basil to take over. I also introduced turkey sausage links to the mix, but feel free to omit them if you're vegetarian.
I’ve served this pie for Sunday brunch and paired it with butternut squash soup for dinner. It’s a unique, delightful dish—perfect for Creatrixes and Crones alike. Remember to infuse it with your spirit of generosity and love for all things green and growing.
Ingredients:
Basil – 4 cups, finely chopped
White Onion – 1 small, very finely chopped
Turkey Sausage Links – 6
Olive Oil – enough for sautéing
Turmeric – 1 heaping teaspoon
Fennel Seed – 1 heaping teaspoon
Baking Powder – 1 level tablespoon
Salt – a dash, or to taste
Eggs – 5, whipped
Instructions:
Create 4 cups of finely chopped basil (using a Cuisinart, if you wish) and set aside.
Finely chop the small white onion and sauté until thoroughly cooked. Set aside to cool.
In a skillet with a good-fitting lid (non-stick is best), heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Slice the turkey sausage links into rounds and arrange them at the bottom of the pan. Keep the pan on low flame.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled onions, basil, turmeric, fennel seed, baking powder, and salt.
Whip 5 eggs and pour them into the bowl. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Pour the mixture (it should be fairly thick) over the sausage in the skillet and smooth out the surface.
Cook on a low flame for about 15 minutes with the lid on. The pie is done when the top feels firm to the touch.
Place the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to ensure the top is fully cooked. Use a non-stick skillet to easily slide the Basil Pie onto a plate.
Slice like a pie and serve with a dollop of plain yogurt on each serving.
The Crone and Creatrix are figures of ancient power, mystery, and deep-rooted wisdom. Their essence embodies the spirit of the forest—its beauty, ferocity, and timelessness. So many of the women I read on Substack carry these qualities:
, , , , , and . Beyond this list there are many more, and it’s a blessing when we discover each other and learn from each other’s Creatrix and Crone stories.Thank you dear readers for visiting me today. May your day be filled with creativity, play, and walks in the woods . . .
Interesting comparison of Crone and Creatrix with a deep appreciation of both. I had to ponder on this for a minute, but since I'm about to turn 83 in October, I came to accept that I am both. I am finding that I am more of a Creatrix than I was in my "prime," that I am engaged in the creative process at a deeper level. Maybe that's why the three Fates are always pictured as Crones?
Thank you Mr. Ma. May your day be sweet.