The Crone in Winter

When all seems at its most still and quiet, you can find her, the old witch who waits for you to come to ask the question, to hear her soft voice amidst the hush of the world. When you feel you need advice, know you have this old, wise woman within you. You can move yourself into the winter of your life and go to her under the sentinel tree that guards the places where our past, present, and future selves can meet. You are the crone in winter — you know when to go to ground, be still, and listen. You know when to emerge, to be visible, to share, and to dance.

This is the time to be soft, and quiet, and slow, to listen in to your older, wiser self, to remember that those who really listen to the world often do not listen with their physical body alone. Their whole beings sense the changes in the energy of the natural world, of the energetic world, and all the places where they intermingle. It is a reminder, too, that just because it is cold outside of you at this time — it may be frosty or chilly, and you may wish only to be indoors — that the natural world welcomes you.

And when the world outside you, the human world, is not so warm and welcoming, be still. Listen, and you will soon know when to take action. Now, you need simply connect, and be, and know that wisdom will be your guide.

The wisdom of your experience. Your older self. The wise witch within. What a loving grandmother would advise you. A time to be still and sure. Contentment, even when others seem ill at ease. Drawing allies to you, with your stillness.

Avoiding what your inner wise old woman shares with you. Being busy and distracted. Fearing growing older. Resisting discomfort, although it can offer growth. Preferring excitement to connection and depth.