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  • Susan Stoderl

From #CronesRock to #GirlPower

Updated: Jul 27, 2022


An older woman mentoring a young girl
#CronesRock to #GirlPower

The myth of the Three-Part Goddess has many sources and traditions, many associated with the phases of the moons or changing of seasons. I love this tradition because it is non-ageist in honoring each of the different phases of a woman’s life. From child to maiden, to mother, to crone, each must feel secure in and own their own time.


Contrary to some opinions, the word “crone” actually comes from the word “crown.” She is the carrier of knowledge and held in high regard, for she is the guardian of the culture’s ways, traditions, and teachings. In misogynistic portrayals, the crone is often called a hag, an old ugly woman with no worth. Though she possessed traditional medicinal knowledge and midwifing skills, men in power had them executed as witches. Sort of sounding familiar, isn’t it? The Supreme Court recently cited one of those men from the 17th century as a basis for their recent decision on women’s rights.


One theme in my middle-grade Sophia of the Bright Red Sneakers children’s series is to show girls and boys downtrodden by their circumstances, keeping up the fight to realize their dreams, even though others may try to shut them down. I was one of them, and although I am far from famous or affluent, I am now beginning my third career as a self-publishing indie author at seventy. We crones are here to help boys and girls grow into what they dream—have their voices heard regardless of color or gender.


A long time ago, when I was leading guided meditations and composing, I recorded a guided meditation that honored the Three-Part Goddess tradition. If you are interested, you can listen to it on YouTube here.



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