In Praise of the Crone

Ms. Morrison introduces her work as a "Sassy Guide to Cronehood", which is why I probably picked up this book to begin with.I am in the process of walking the Path of the Crone, and I spend time scouring the shelves in book stores, looking over the material that deals with "The Maturing Woman". Most of the material is dry, scientific and does not seem to "grab" me. Ms. Morrison's subtitle "A Celebration of Feminine Maturity" on the front cover is more in line of what I am feeling at this time in my life. So, I picked it up, took it home, and found another good friend.Ms. Morrison is a Wiccan High Priestess of the Georgian Tradition. She is a teacher, and previous books she has offered are Magical Needlework, in 1998; Everyday Magic in 1998; and The Whimsical Tarot, also in 1998. I found the book to be very well written. Her approach is one of casual conversation, not learned preaching, so common in these types of books. She covers a wide range of material on the Changing Woman, from her encounters with "She-Who-Nags" (her personal Crone, and probably mine is one who trained under her), to Rituals of Spiritual Rebirthing, to an easy home remedy for those hot flashes or night sweats. For those who seek alternatives to what modern medicine is offering these days, this book offers some practical suggestions, natural alternatives, and a common sense approach to the common problems we have as we enter this Change in our lives.I do not encourage anyone along any path that is not right for them. I have done much reading and much research on this change in my life. There are so many different approaches to how to handle Menopause. Because of the times we live in, it is no longer a topic we hide in a closet, nor do woman fear the change as an end in their lives, but rejoice as a new beginning for them.I highly recommend you explore all options and make a life long plan for yourself based on your own individual needs. Each woman is different, and so are her needs, physically and emotionally. Problems at this time should always be handled by a Medical Professional. But for those who, like me, have done all the reading and research, and know what they want, this book is perfect for starting yourself along the Natural Path women have always taken towards being Crone, and celebrating that new part of your life.Dorothy has some wonderful material here, give this one a shot and see for yourself.

This wonderful book helps you realize the joy (yes, I do mean joy) of approaching cronehood. One of the rituals is designed to help you meet your personal crone, but mostly I felt that the book helped me find myself. Dorothy Morrison helps you realize that - no you're not going crazy, all those strange things that you're feeling are really happening - and they're happening to a lot of us. It made me feel good to know that I wasn't alone, that I was free to try and do all the things that I didn't when I was younger and felt I had all the time in the world ahead of me. I'm now going for dreams that I had since I was in high school, and because I now know my personal crone is with me, I know I have all the support I need. I actually got to meet the author and thank her in person. After you read this book, you'll want to do the same.

This book brought tears to my eyes while I was reading it. It's all about the Crone aspect of womynhood, and finally being there myself, I just loved this book. You don't need to be a Wiccan or Pagan to read this, and you'll definitely get something out of it. It's all about the celebration of the next stage of your life; the beginning, not the end! And women shouldn't be the only ones reading this. Men should too, just so they can understand what Cronehood is all about. Highly recommended!

Strolling about the local magick shop, I would have reached for this book on the shelf, thinking that it might be a thealogical discourse on the crone aspect of the Goddess. But, upon reading of the subject matter concerning menopause, I would have replaced it. Prior to reading Dorothy's book, my knowledge of the subject was quite limited to the physiological processes and effects that transpire during menopause, and anecdotes and jokes heard over the years. This has changed now. Men can read this book and finally grasp some understanding of the many facets that this natural process presents to a woman that which is not easy and certainly can be extremely difficult to endure. Also, with a few minor changes, many of the rituals/techniques can be adapted to either gender or any age. The cataclysms of life are not restricted to a female one-time event. Dorothy's spells and recipes are wonderful additions to any Witches cabinet. Younger women can read this book and thus be capable of offering constructive advice to their friends, family, and co-workers. In addition, their time will come too and there is no reason to delay knowledge gained. Instead of the crass and demeaning messages the media often serves up, this book presents the subject of living through menopause and coming out the stronger for it. Read this book before reading another women's magazine article, which just regurgitates the same information on 'the change'. Read this book and learn something new and useful. I received a clear impression from "In Praise of the Crone" that menopause need not be the end of something cherished and the beginning of something dreaded. But, rather, a transformative death and rebirth. Shun it, hide from it, deny it - and slide into oblivion forever mired in a pool of self-deprecation. Embrace it, gain strength from it, and increase your power by doing so. Enter into the third aspect of the Goddess prepared to master your own fears, and raise the scepter high above proclaiming your freedom and strength.

Wounderfull! One of the absolute best books on the subject that I have ever read! Although Llewellyn Worldwide (the publisher) isn't known for serious explorations, this is a refreshing change.This title discusses the Crone stage of Goddess and of womyn in a way that brings respect and dignity back to the later stages of life. Bravo!