Reframing menopause as a sacred rite of passage -- through ancient tradition and my own Croning Ceremony.
Having navigated menopause in what is now seen as an alternative way, I want to advocate for more compassion and understanding around women's health -- physically and emotionally. Perhaps a step back into traditions that honour a woman's worth is the real magic formula.
During the powerful moon energy of 9/9/2025, three of us ventured into the woods and created some magic. Together with costume designer Caroline and artist Kellie, we created what felt like my own ritual into Crone energy.
What is Crone energy?
In many ancient and pagan traditions, menopause was not seen as a decline but as a powerful rite of passage -- a woman's transition from Mother to Crone, a time of heightened wisdom, spiritual power and freedom.
The Triple Goddess -- Maiden, Mother and Crone -- represents the three stages of a woman's life, mirrored in the phases of the moon. The Crone, the post-menopausal phase, symbolises wisdom, deep intuition and the dark moon: a keeper of ancient knowledge and a bridge to the spiritual world.
Ancient beliefs and rituals
Some Celtic traditions spoke of 'wise blood' -- the belief that once a woman stopped bleeding she retained that power within her. The end of menstruation was seen as a release, freeing her energy for her own growth and her community. Many cultures marked the transition with a Croning Ceremony, honouring her past and publicly welcoming her wisdom.
Becoming
Today many of us are reclaiming these traditions through deeply personal rituals -- journaling and reflection, ceremonies with loved ones, and time in nature. My own Croning Ceremony embodied who I have become: a true expression of my soul.
Women are beautiful beings with a whole life to enjoy. It's time to change the rhetoric and instead live and love our lives. The secret is becoming -- become your authentic self, and love her.