Such a beautiful affirmation of how we can act from our wisdom and our hearts, Stephanie! Thank you. I'm going to quote your poetic list of positive actions in my post for tomorrow. And thanks for including me in your circle of enchanted crones. I am honored to think of dancing with you and these other wise women in the beyond, whenever it is time. Love to you.
Love back and thanks for sharing the list-- and as far as dancing together goes, there's often a fire burning in my imagination, and it's surrounded by the crones I love who share the dancing. Meet me there. Biggest of hugs.
Stephanie, I love your writing. And the image of you with the butterfly…beautiful🦋 Thank you for encouraging us to stay awake. Knowing why I’m here on the planet right now is enlivening!
Lee, I struggle to find meaning in all this, yet somehow it unfolds, if only briefly. I do know that all this chaos has made me want to be a better human and not lose sight of the goodness around me. Let's stick together.
The butterfly picture was taken a couple of years ago when a photographer and I went into the woods to photograph some magic.
Like you, when I feel the despair creeping in (like the yellow breath of Cyclops) I must go into the forest or sit by the river, or at least take a walk and listen to the birds to come home to myself. You captured the magic in that photo.
One of the greatest gifts of writing on Substack is discovering other women like you with whom I feel a deep kinship. Big hug from Alabama!💞
Gorgeous and full of good wisdom in hard times. I loved this especially Stephanie:
"One of the ways I cope with the heaviness of these historic times is by cloaking them in the language of mythology and symbolism. Creative imagination buffers the suffering and reminds me that the human story is one of war—and of the eternal longing to return to the heart of wonder that we call home."
Really beautiful, Stephanie, and how synchronous. This week I presented a dream to my Jungian Small Dream Group which was very much like your creative image of the cauldron and the crones in a secluded place.
Your dream was a potent remembering, Frances. I find solace and joy by gathering with a circle of women here in the Deep South where we call ourselves the “witchy sisters”.
Frances, at times it feels like we are in touch with the energetic force that connects by our stories. I love the synchronicity of your presentation. Big hugs.
How do you do it week after week, my creative friend? Once again you inspire and uplift me, and I'm sure you do the same for all the others who read your sage words.
"Creative imagination buffers the suffering and reminds me that the human story is one of war—and of the eternal longing to return to the heart of wonder that we call home."
I love that. There has always been suffering and that struggle between good and evil. And yet, through it all, creativity has endured and even flourished. I find so much comfort in that.
"Enchantment lives on in the DNA of women." Taking that a step further, humanity's very survival depends on women. I don't mean because we are the bearers of children. But because women understand the depths of what is needed to survive. We've had to. Part of that survival involves linking arms with other women. Sharing our hard-earned wisdom. Leaning on one another during difficult times. Continuing traditions and the telling of stories. Looking back, and yes, lamenting, but also dreaming and imaginig a better future. We might go back to sleep for a little while, but we awaken with a renewed sense of urgency regarding what matters and what yet needs to be done.
I couldn't properly express the feelings your words brought forth, but maybe it boils down to that old cliche - together we are stronger. Especially as women.
Thank you for the beautiful essay, and for the kind mention. I'm so honored. I appreciate your words. I appreciate YOU, my friend. xo
What a thoughtful, crafted comment, Nancy. Thank you so much. It's amazing to me as well, that in spite of suffering and struggle, creativity endures and flourishes. I remember the art my dad brought back from WW II. He was stationed in Berlin at the end of the war. As a young soldier and photographer, he managed to make friends with local artists. He brought back a set of beautiful pastoral like pencil drawings that are so peaceful in their quality. After the war, they lived wrapped in a blanket under his bed, until he showed them to me when I was ten. I spent a lifetime trying to wrap my head around the idea that beauty could be created in such horrific times. I'm only now beginning to understand that the artists keep the goodness and civility in our society alive during the most unbearable times.
I am blessed to share the linking of arms with you; the standing together as a force for good. One of the great and unexpected gifts of Substack was finding a tribe here; a place and space where we all feel welcomed. Let's continue to dance in imagination's moonlight around a roaring flame -- dance the world back to sanity. I stand with you. Biggest of hugs my friend.
Okay, I have to adopt this: "silver moonlocks." Beautiful and what I think is a perfect description of our silver. Happy belated 60th -- it's a great decade, reflective, with the rising of wisdom from the accumulated years. A calling to come home to a deeper part of ourselves. Shine on and thank you for being here. Biggest of hugs.
We have been conditioned to ignore the woman in the mirror, or worse, to judge and belittle her. It’s a lifelong healing journey, this learning to treasure her, this choosing to see her. I like to flirt with her, wink and blow kisses. Makes me smile. She’s lovely.
"Dear reader, each day find a way to escape the intensity for a little while, but Don’t go back to sleep, as Rumi warned. Stay awake and draw strength from the invisible and the quiet, from the enchanted crones who dare to dream deeply."
I do and I will! I love this post, and I love your picture! Thank you for your voice in rthe wilderness of our country. MANY of us are listening.
Dearest Marilea, your kind comment means so much to me. Thank you. It is a special connection that you and I have gotten to know each other through unending pages of writing and writing ideas. May we continue to dream deeply. Biggest of hugs.
Thank you so much, Stephanie, for sharing your poetic wisdom and butterfly beauty. The imagery of those enchanted crones dancing in the forest clearing is a powerful testament to resilience and hope. It inspires us all to look within, to discover the strength needed to vanquish our own Cyclops (and him who shall not be named!) to overcome the chaos and challenges we face. Your words resonate as a clarion call today, an invitation to transform our despair into determination and to embrace enchantment as a feeling deeply intertwined with creativity. Thank you, as well, for the practical advice that grounds this beautiful, stirring vision. Together, we rise! 💜
Yes, together we rise! And a big P.S. to you -- I am enjoying your book of poetry so much. Your work inspires me to keep trying, keep making poems. Thank you.
Oh, I'm delighted, Stephanie! Thank you so much for letting me know. Much further down the line, I would be honoured if you would consider writing a short review for 'Croneology', should you feel moved to do so, and posting it to my website 'Books' page to help others discover my work and dance with those enchanted Crones. 💜
I’ve been pondering a label for old wise women who are also powerful and bold. I’m not yet ready to embrace Crone as embodying those characteristics. But this article gives much to think about.
Christine, I know what you mean. For a number of years I rejected the term crone -- too much etymological baggage! What I've learned, however, is that a lot of women related to crone, as it held some archetypal value and there seems to have been this process of reclaiming the word so it means old wise woman. Many of the women who started this movement either had a Jungian bend, or were familiar with Old European fairy tales in which the crone often has powers and insights that younger women do not. I also like the word "creatrix," which means a woman who makes things -- but I've come to see creatrix as more of a midlife designation. I don't really think there's a right answer to any of it. One has to name and claim what's theirs with authenticity. These days, as I inch forward to my mid seventies, I like the word crone, just as I like being old. It's a privilege to have lived this long and I relish the boldness of wearing my age like a badge of honor. Sending you love, hugs and goodwill. ~stephanie
Well, I would say you are on fire. This piece has packed the appropriate punch in every sense of the word - your excellent words! Staying awake as we're certainly not in Fribbleland anymore, Toto. You've inspired me yet again and I found myself smiling as I read through the antidotes to the mayhem we're faced with: "Dance. Move the numbing poison of the cyclops’s breath out of your body." I shall!! Hoping the neighbors can handle it. xox
Jeanne Guy, you always make me smile, if not laugh! Yes, by all means, be careful of your neighbors when you get rid of the cyclops' breath! Just make sure you dance. We all need to dance and sing a little more these days. As always dear woman, you are in my heart. Hugs.
Stephanie, as usual, you present beautiful, poetic prose that is magnificent. Truly breathtaking. I love how you turn what we must deal with daily into myth. What's amazing is your ability to make a political statement is such gorgeous language. I never had thought of him as a cyclops, but the analogy fits. I love this entire piece and were glued onto your words, especially when you say, "This chaos, this upheaval, is a call to mine the depths of our psyche and reimagine, reclaim, and rejuvenate ourselves, our people, and our country." Wow! You are truly a word artist, with every word filled with meaning.
And thank you so much for the mention. I am truly honored, my friend!
Beth, thank you for reading and for always sharing your thoughts with me . . . along with your paintings. I'm so glad we walk this creative path together; it's definitely helping to keep us both sane to have a creative endeavor to engage us and remind us of our essence, during these historic times. Together we are stronger. Biggest of hugs my friend.
So timely an essay! Thank you. Your words draw me down into a quiet well of 'knowing how.' I wanted to attend the "Hands Off" rally in my city, but after some thought about having to walk a distance from where I could park the car, standing for several hours at the rally, walking back and the possibility of being jostled, I decided it wasn't something I should take on as I enter my 10th month of recovery from a back injury. Yet, the desire to participate was so strong. I sat for a while in meditation and the answer came............I made a big sign and stuck it in the lawn out front. It's still there and it pleases me every time I look at it. I learned from this that I still have choices and that is beautiful democratic thing!!
Jan, I so relate to your story. I too wanted to march, and the driving, the parking, the standing, the jostling -- this is not my path to activism at this stage of life, but we can take small steps, each of us -- just as you did with your sign! Sending you so much love and goodwill. Thanks for sharing this story. Big hugs.
Wrecked by world’s woes, wars?
We wild woke women weep, weave
wisdom, wonder, warmth.
Weaving and warm alliteration, Marisol. Thank you.
The prose in your post is poetic. You also showcase a form of activism that we don’t often see represented.
Thank you Christina. I think each of us has to find our own way into what our activism looks like. I appreciate you. Big hugs.
Such a beautiful affirmation of how we can act from our wisdom and our hearts, Stephanie! Thank you. I'm going to quote your poetic list of positive actions in my post for tomorrow. And thanks for including me in your circle of enchanted crones. I am honored to think of dancing with you and these other wise women in the beyond, whenever it is time. Love to you.
Love back and thanks for sharing the list-- and as far as dancing together goes, there's often a fire burning in my imagination, and it's surrounded by the crones I love who share the dancing. Meet me there. Biggest of hugs.
Thank you for the reminder to LIVE! (And that photo of your is just pure fabulousness!) Love, Jody x
LIVE and LOVE. Thank you, Jody. The photo -- that was a fun day in the woods with a fellow crone. I especially liked wearing the black wings!
Stephanie, I love your writing. And the image of you with the butterfly…beautiful🦋 Thank you for encouraging us to stay awake. Knowing why I’m here on the planet right now is enlivening!
Lee, I struggle to find meaning in all this, yet somehow it unfolds, if only briefly. I do know that all this chaos has made me want to be a better human and not lose sight of the goodness around me. Let's stick together.
The butterfly picture was taken a couple of years ago when a photographer and I went into the woods to photograph some magic.
Like you, when I feel the despair creeping in (like the yellow breath of Cyclops) I must go into the forest or sit by the river, or at least take a walk and listen to the birds to come home to myself. You captured the magic in that photo.
One of the greatest gifts of writing on Substack is discovering other women like you with whom I feel a deep kinship. Big hug from Alabama!💞
I use those self-care strategies too -- the forest, the water, walking and listening to the sweet whispers of nature.
Yes, let's stick together:)
Gorgeous and full of good wisdom in hard times. I loved this especially Stephanie:
"One of the ways I cope with the heaviness of these historic times is by cloaking them in the language of mythology and symbolism. Creative imagination buffers the suffering and reminds me that the human story is one of war—and of the eternal longing to return to the heart of wonder that we call home."
Thank you, Stephanie. I appreciate your goodwill. Biggest of hugs.
Really beautiful, Stephanie, and how synchronous. This week I presented a dream to my Jungian Small Dream Group which was very much like your creative image of the cauldron and the crones in a secluded place.
Thank you.
Your dream was a potent remembering, Frances. I find solace and joy by gathering with a circle of women here in the Deep South where we call ourselves the “witchy sisters”.
Lee, gotta love the title of "witchy sisters." Thank you for that.
Frances, at times it feels like we are in touch with the energetic force that connects by our stories. I love the synchronicity of your presentation. Big hugs.
Hi Stephanie,
How do you do it week after week, my creative friend? Once again you inspire and uplift me, and I'm sure you do the same for all the others who read your sage words.
"Creative imagination buffers the suffering and reminds me that the human story is one of war—and of the eternal longing to return to the heart of wonder that we call home."
I love that. There has always been suffering and that struggle between good and evil. And yet, through it all, creativity has endured and even flourished. I find so much comfort in that.
"Enchantment lives on in the DNA of women." Taking that a step further, humanity's very survival depends on women. I don't mean because we are the bearers of children. But because women understand the depths of what is needed to survive. We've had to. Part of that survival involves linking arms with other women. Sharing our hard-earned wisdom. Leaning on one another during difficult times. Continuing traditions and the telling of stories. Looking back, and yes, lamenting, but also dreaming and imaginig a better future. We might go back to sleep for a little while, but we awaken with a renewed sense of urgency regarding what matters and what yet needs to be done.
I couldn't properly express the feelings your words brought forth, but maybe it boils down to that old cliche - together we are stronger. Especially as women.
Thank you for the beautiful essay, and for the kind mention. I'm so honored. I appreciate your words. I appreciate YOU, my friend. xo
Oh, and I, too, love the photo. xo
.
What a thoughtful, crafted comment, Nancy. Thank you so much. It's amazing to me as well, that in spite of suffering and struggle, creativity endures and flourishes. I remember the art my dad brought back from WW II. He was stationed in Berlin at the end of the war. As a young soldier and photographer, he managed to make friends with local artists. He brought back a set of beautiful pastoral like pencil drawings that are so peaceful in their quality. After the war, they lived wrapped in a blanket under his bed, until he showed them to me when I was ten. I spent a lifetime trying to wrap my head around the idea that beauty could be created in such horrific times. I'm only now beginning to understand that the artists keep the goodness and civility in our society alive during the most unbearable times.
I am blessed to share the linking of arms with you; the standing together as a force for good. One of the great and unexpected gifts of Substack was finding a tribe here; a place and space where we all feel welcomed. Let's continue to dance in imagination's moonlight around a roaring flame -- dance the world back to sanity. I stand with you. Biggest of hugs my friend.
Lovely and powerful! I just turned 60 and am embracing my crone… and letting her silver moonlocks shine!
Okay, I have to adopt this: "silver moonlocks." Beautiful and what I think is a perfect description of our silver. Happy belated 60th -- it's a great decade, reflective, with the rising of wisdom from the accumulated years. A calling to come home to a deeper part of ourselves. Shine on and thank you for being here. Biggest of hugs.
Thank you, goddessis. I am a feminist mystic poet and will weave that into a poemlet for my tribe at Mystic Musings. 🙏🌀💜Debuting right here:
Who is that in the mirror?
She paused, still half expecting the raven-haired sultry Maiden who had zero clue how traffic-stopping gorgeous she was…
She gazed, still half expecting the smooth-skinned, ever-so-competent Mother who so loved to dance, overgiver, life bringer
She smiled, fully greeting the calm, courageous, outraged, outrageous Crone, she of flowy silver moonlocks, rider of Dragons, scribe and seer
She winked
And all three muses laughed: a giggle a chuckle a cackle
And blew her back
A kiss.
©️ Sage Taylor Kingsley
Beautiful. Thank you so much for this. A good question to ponder, daily -- "who is that in the mirror?"
We have been conditioned to ignore the woman in the mirror, or worse, to judge and belittle her. It’s a lifelong healing journey, this learning to treasure her, this choosing to see her. I like to flirt with her, wink and blow kisses. Makes me smile. She’s lovely.
What an uplifting response. Thank you for this. Big hugs.
"Dear reader, each day find a way to escape the intensity for a little while, but Don’t go back to sleep, as Rumi warned. Stay awake and draw strength from the invisible and the quiet, from the enchanted crones who dare to dream deeply."
I do and I will! I love this post, and I love your picture! Thank you for your voice in rthe wilderness of our country. MANY of us are listening.
Dearest Marilea, your kind comment means so much to me. Thank you. It is a special connection that you and I have gotten to know each other through unending pages of writing and writing ideas. May we continue to dream deeply. Biggest of hugs.
Live fully and live well. I love this rich embodied piece. I can dance to this.
Thank you so much for the sweet mention. 💜
May we continue to dance together dear, Prajna. Biggest of hugs to you and your girls this day.
Thank you so much, Stephanie, for sharing your poetic wisdom and butterfly beauty. The imagery of those enchanted crones dancing in the forest clearing is a powerful testament to resilience and hope. It inspires us all to look within, to discover the strength needed to vanquish our own Cyclops (and him who shall not be named!) to overcome the chaos and challenges we face. Your words resonate as a clarion call today, an invitation to transform our despair into determination and to embrace enchantment as a feeling deeply intertwined with creativity. Thank you, as well, for the practical advice that grounds this beautiful, stirring vision. Together, we rise! 💜
Yes, together we rise! And a big P.S. to you -- I am enjoying your book of poetry so much. Your work inspires me to keep trying, keep making poems. Thank you.
Oh, I'm delighted, Stephanie! Thank you so much for letting me know. Much further down the line, I would be honoured if you would consider writing a short review for 'Croneology', should you feel moved to do so, and posting it to my website 'Books' page to help others discover my work and dance with those enchanted Crones. 💜
Absolutely! It would be my honor.
A thousand blessings, and then a thousand more! Together, we rise! 💜💜💜
Amen, sister!
I’ve been pondering a label for old wise women who are also powerful and bold. I’m not yet ready to embrace Crone as embodying those characteristics. But this article gives much to think about.
Christine, I know what you mean. For a number of years I rejected the term crone -- too much etymological baggage! What I've learned, however, is that a lot of women related to crone, as it held some archetypal value and there seems to have been this process of reclaiming the word so it means old wise woman. Many of the women who started this movement either had a Jungian bend, or were familiar with Old European fairy tales in which the crone often has powers and insights that younger women do not. I also like the word "creatrix," which means a woman who makes things -- but I've come to see creatrix as more of a midlife designation. I don't really think there's a right answer to any of it. One has to name and claim what's theirs with authenticity. These days, as I inch forward to my mid seventies, I like the word crone, just as I like being old. It's a privilege to have lived this long and I relish the boldness of wearing my age like a badge of honor. Sending you love, hugs and goodwill. ~stephanie
Thanks Stephanie. I’m intrigued to get more views. Boldness and badge of honor speak to me.
A worthy exploration . . .
Well, I would say you are on fire. This piece has packed the appropriate punch in every sense of the word - your excellent words! Staying awake as we're certainly not in Fribbleland anymore, Toto. You've inspired me yet again and I found myself smiling as I read through the antidotes to the mayhem we're faced with: "Dance. Move the numbing poison of the cyclops’s breath out of your body." I shall!! Hoping the neighbors can handle it. xox
Jeanne Guy, you always make me smile, if not laugh! Yes, by all means, be careful of your neighbors when you get rid of the cyclops' breath! Just make sure you dance. We all need to dance and sing a little more these days. As always dear woman, you are in my heart. Hugs.
Stephanie, as usual, you present beautiful, poetic prose that is magnificent. Truly breathtaking. I love how you turn what we must deal with daily into myth. What's amazing is your ability to make a political statement is such gorgeous language. I never had thought of him as a cyclops, but the analogy fits. I love this entire piece and were glued onto your words, especially when you say, "This chaos, this upheaval, is a call to mine the depths of our psyche and reimagine, reclaim, and rejuvenate ourselves, our people, and our country." Wow! You are truly a word artist, with every word filled with meaning.
And thank you so much for the mention. I am truly honored, my friend!
Beth, thank you for reading and for always sharing your thoughts with me . . . along with your paintings. I'm so glad we walk this creative path together; it's definitely helping to keep us both sane to have a creative endeavor to engage us and remind us of our essence, during these historic times. Together we are stronger. Biggest of hugs my friend.
So timely an essay! Thank you. Your words draw me down into a quiet well of 'knowing how.' I wanted to attend the "Hands Off" rally in my city, but after some thought about having to walk a distance from where I could park the car, standing for several hours at the rally, walking back and the possibility of being jostled, I decided it wasn't something I should take on as I enter my 10th month of recovery from a back injury. Yet, the desire to participate was so strong. I sat for a while in meditation and the answer came............I made a big sign and stuck it in the lawn out front. It's still there and it pleases me every time I look at it. I learned from this that I still have choices and that is beautiful democratic thing!!
Jan, I so relate to your story. I too wanted to march, and the driving, the parking, the standing, the jostling -- this is not my path to activism at this stage of life, but we can take small steps, each of us -- just as you did with your sign! Sending you so much love and goodwill. Thanks for sharing this story. Big hugs.