All that we are is a result of our thoughts. A Spiritual Paradigm reflections.

There are many chapters, many characters, and as I have been told a very colorful story indeed to my life.

However, today I choose to tell the chapter that covers my growth into the third stage of my life, becoming crone.

Someone once asked me if that was not insulting, to be called crone. I suppose it has been used that way. Others have claimed I practice “witch” craft. Neither have a real understanding to those terms.

“Becoming Crone” is a passage in our lives as women.  I believe we travel the three-fold path.  Maid, Mother, Crone. 

A maiden morning.

Maid

Those early years from birth to when we become mother.  Those years are not clearly defined.  Some become mothers at very young ages, some later in life.  Mother and Maiden can go-exist, as Crone and Mother may share the same path.

Our transition from Maiden happens slowly over time.  Hormonal changes cause our bodies to transform.  Breasts are formed, our menstrual cycle soon begins.  With those biological shifts come changes in our beliefs, mental attitudes, and ways of life.

Mother

Our choice to birth, more changes occur to our bodies during this time.  We shift into the power of motherhood.  Our lives change dramatically from when we were children, young maidens becoming woman.

Our beliefs shift again, we are on a learning journey in how to care for another human. We may or may not have a partner to travel this part of our journey with.  We may be fortunate enough to have a mother or grandmother there to offer guidance in all areas of motherhood.

Crone years, seeing the sunset on the horizon.

Crone

Our bodies have continued to shift throughout the years.  From youth to “old” age our lives have shifted, our bodies have continued to change.

At this stage of our lives, we have “matured” and become grandmothers.  Our latter years are now about passing on our wisdom, sharing our secrets of life, enjoying a physically dormant state, a new freedom that comes with the cessation of our menstrual cycles.

Changes Occurred

This is a very simple story of life.  Through the years I have lived so many changes.  Each stage I have sought out information, looked to others to provide that information and many times I was fortunate enough to receive. 

The deeper, more difficult questions were never asked.  Only in my journals.  There was no one to discuss so many of those aspects of growing up.  I was taught early in life I had to find my own answers.  Go research, read, dig deeply.

My body has changed in so many ways.  There are times I wish I knew then that which I know now.  But then I think, I would not be able to serve as I do now.

My maiden years I traveled that path alone.  Gratefully my school at one point had a very in-depth sexual education class.  I was able to find many answers there.  I faced a great deal of shaming; despite that I found the answers I sought and became a voice to be heard.

Into motherhood I ventured at an early age, grateful my maternal grandmother was available to guide me.  As was my ex-mother-in-law, may she rest in peace.  I discovered a new version of me at a young age, my first birth at age 16. 

Now I face my years as Crone.  Finding the blessings of being grandmother, aunt, even mother to some, a reward.  Again, I traverse this path alone.  Until I found resources to guide me.

Resource Choices

When I first had questions about moving into menopause, I asked my gynecologist.  He had not answered for me.  Providing me a pamphlet that was supposed to answer my questions.  I found the same issue as a young teen pregnant.

Resources for women were scarce, far to many medical professionals had no clue, both men and women.  Far too many women medical professionals behaved as their male counter parts.  For those pioneers who moved women focused medical practices ahead, I thank you.  However, there is still a huge gap.

Today we do face choices in how we learn about our ever-changing bodies.  With the internet there are millions of choices to select reading material from.  Medical sites, alternative sites, with both offering a vast resource.

Allopathic and “alternative: medicine offer a variety of choices in caring for our health and wellness.  The physical, mental, sexual, and emotional well being is important in our journey.

Choosing a path is personal.  It should be based upon information.  One needs to self-educate.  Considering all options.

Allopathic Choices

Allopathic is medicine is not the same as natural medicine also called alternative.  I find it interesting that it should be coined this way.  Since natural medicine was the way of healing, growing, and moving through our Three-Fold path as women.

Today allopathic is the way of life, it has been a convinced choice for women for centuries.  I am not mocking or denigrating this path.  It is a personal choice, one that does work.

However, understanding the full impact of those choices is important and far too often not investigated deeper.

Alternative Choices

Natural or alternative choices were the norm for generations since the beginning of time.  Humans learned how to cure, heal, and manage life paths with the resources of their environment.

Women taught young girls, grandmothers passed on to their daughters and granddaughters.  The concepts of wise women and village gatherings were a normal life occurrence.

Time marches on, industrialization, conquering and slavery changed so much of village life.  The bard, wise woman/man and village healers no longer exist.  Their titles have varied from culture to culture, the one constant was they had solutions, they provided healing paths.

Today’s Choices

We get to choose.  Freedom of choice.  No matter the mandates, the so-called rules set about, we still have that freedom.  No one can take that from us.

However, before you choose, consider the information.  Read, take the time to educate self.  No one is responsible for your choices but you.

The doctor most responsible for educating me, pushing me to learn about me was my gynecologist, with my third child.  He worked with me, told me that I knew my body better than he did and all he could do is make recommendations that were standard for all the women he cared for.  He was highly sought out and recommended because of his belief.  This is rare in many medical professionals.

Today we have the freedom to educate ourselves and make informed, constructive decisions about our health care.

A few considerations:

  1. Allopathic treatment
  2. Herbal remedies
  3. Homeopathic remedies
  4. Supplements
  5. A combination of any or all

Each one of these has categories to consider as well.

Medical practitioners vary as much as treatment choices.

  1. Allopathic
  2. Naturopath
  3. Chiropractic
  4. Acupuncturist
  5. Various energy practitioners
  6. Faith healers
  7. The list is endless

We have choices. And an overwhelming amount of information to consider.

My Choices

These are a few of my favorite resources.

I do not have an affiliation with these selections. However this first one I have relied on for the last 20 plus years to guide me through my Crone years.

New Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way Here is the website to get you started. Susun Weed is the author, she offers several books for healing and learning about our bodies and becoming wise women for our own path. Breast Health, and Down There, a guide to sexual health. You can find her books at the Wise Women Book Store.

Homeopathy is a diverse and expansive topic. Worth the read and self-education. I like homeopathy basically because it has no side effects, no contraindications and it works great. You can do more homework here at the Homeopathy Bookstore. These are all free books.

Herbal remedies come with contraindications, use restrictions and a need to educate self. Their forms include the herb itself, the essential oils, pills/capsules and teas. You can use fresh or dried plant matter to create your own combinations and remedies. There are many ways to use herbs. Again I refer back to Susun Weed’s resources. As well as Tami Kent, MSPT. I have a host of others, however, these have been primary in helping me navigate my last 30 plus years.

Lifestyle Coaching Available

As a coach, first for recovery from addictions/alcoholism, now as a lifestyle coach I have grown in my own path to understand that need to find mentors, trusted confidantes and others who can educate and provide guidance for the many nuances life has to offer.

Let’s get to know each other. You can find me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Telegram, and a few other places. Check out my Contact page to find out how to find me and let’s talk.

You are not on this journey alone. There are so many resources now, whether you decide to reach out to me or not.

Blessings on your journey, no matter where you are on your path.

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