For our most recent Full Moon, I had the delight of celebrating the radiant glow of the Beaver Moon on Vashon Island. I was graciously welcomed into a home that, years ago, was meticulously restored by a woman—a visionary with dreams etched in her heart, and the determination to bring them to life. Now in her 70s, a retired nurse, she divides her time between winters in her camper in Mexico and summers in the home she crafted with her own hands. This woman, who traversed the globe, leaving imprints and crafting memories, eventually discovered a place to root herself and manifest her dream.
Perched atop a hill with an unobstructed view of the Salish Sea, her home provided the perfect vantage point to bask in the luminous glow of the Full Moon. Her home and story served as the inspiration for this blog, a tribute to the wise women who have graced my life, becoming the catalysts for my aspirations and instilling in me the belief in my own capabilities.
Thank You!
In the tapestry of life, there are threads woven by the hands of wise women—beacons of strength, reservoirs of wisdom, and pillars of inspiration. As I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this moment, I am compelled to celebrate the profound impact these wise women have had on my life. Their resilience, wisdom, and nurturing spirits have helped shape me into the person I am today. In this ode, let us explore the power of the wise women and delve into the historical archetype of the crone—a symbol of wisdom and experience.
The Wise Woman's Influence:
Wise women possess a unique and formidable power. It transcends age, defies societal norms, and arises from a wellspring of life experiences.
These women, with their keen insights and nurturing souls, have been a guiding light through life's tumultuous seas. Their words, often layered with profound truths, have been soothing in moments of despair and confusion. The power of a wise woman lies not only in her ability to dispense advice but also in her capacity to listen without judgment, to share her own vulnerabilities, and to forge connections that transcend generations.
Why She Inspires Me:
The inspiration drawn from wise women is multifaceted. Their ability to weather storms with grace and resilience instills in me a profound sense of courage. Their unwavering commitment to authenticity teaches me the importance of staying true to my beliefs. In a world that often clamors for conformity, the wise woman stands as a testament to the strength found in embracing one's unique journey. Her wisdom is not just a collection of facts but a deep understanding of the human experience. When I am in the presence of these women, whether to seak advice, release my own fears and troubles, or to sit and listen, I leave feeling grounded and at ease. There is no competition or judgement, there is no hiding of one's truth, or worry of saying the wrong thing.
A wise woman has moved beyond societal judgements, she has settled into herself; her truest self. A place I am excited to settle into one day, a place I look forward to holding, a place I will be honored to hold.
The History of the Crone (Wise Women):
In many cultures, the archetype of the crone has been revered as the embodiment of wisdom and experience. The crone, often depicted as an older woman, transcends the limitations of age and symbolizes a life well-lived. Her eyes have seen more than mine, her ears have heard more, and her lips have spoken many more words. She takes up space that is reserved for her and her only, space she fills up without the fear of being seen as "too much" or "not enough."
In ancient traditions, she was the keeper of knowledge, a healer of natural medicine, a gaurdian of birth, a mentor through the intricacies of life, and a companion on the journey towards death.
The crone archetype challenges societal norms that equate aging with diminished value, asserting that true wisdom and power come with the passage of time. The wise women is the waning moon, she embodies all that has come before and represents a freedom that I am yet to achieve or even begin to grasp.
Despite society's attempts to diminish the influence of the crone by portraying her as disagreeable, ugly, old, bitter, and malicious, I find myself today filled with gratitude for every wise woman who has woven in and out of my life, each leaving behind a thread of wisdom.
In the rich tapestry of my life, wise women have adorned my journey, intricately woven into the fabric. Their influence, inspiration, and wisdom are precious gifts that I hold dearly.
In a world where I sometimes feel stifled, unheard, and misunderstood, it is their wisdom, their stories, and their support that empowers me and keeps me on my path.
For all the women reading this, I wish you the opportunity to sit, listen, and learn from numerous wise women as you journey through life. A wise woman need not share your blood; in my experience, the wise women who have touched my life have appeared as teachers, mentors, and colleagues.
Let us persist in honoring and gaining insights from the wise women who grace our lives, recognizing the profound beauty that accompanies the passage of time and the accumulation of wisdom.
Lisa Ostler
RN, BSN, NC-BC, FMN, RYT