Jean Shinoda Bolen is a Jungian analyst and Professor of Psychiatry, who has written extensively about the joy, energy and potential for growth in older woman. Her writing and presentations helped me enormously. (www.jeanbolen.com)
My personal journey into understanding Cronehood began where most things begin for me, with the written word. Although I had just retired, I metaphorically retreated with my books into my childhood corner of the neighbour’s orchard; I needed to work out what was going on for me. As a young girl resources were limited, but nonetheless my vicarious experiences with fictional characters helped me to understand who I was, or perhaps more importantly who I wanted to be.
As an adult I have a small library of books of my own to turn to, and of course a vast array of information on the internet. Words, both spoken and written have helped me find my way. The solitary orchard of discovery from my childhood was replaced by a much larger forest of travel, meeting people and my enduring love of wild places.
Jean Bolen’s book ‘Crones don’t whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women’, really resonated with me. Through my explorations of head and heart I came to understand that being a crone could be an aspirational state. Rather than feeling like a beige waiting room before the Big Exit, I wanted my cronehood to be meaningful, marvellous…juicy. In fact, I wanted to be a Juicy Crone.
I wanted to use the moniker ‘Juicy Crone’ for my website and upcoming book and to wear it proudly. I emailed Jean to ask her permission. This was her reply:
Hi Jan
“Juicy Crone” was a subtitle I came up with to counteract the usual adjective that preceded Crones ... such as “dried up and old". I didn’t trademark it or do any such thing and wouldn’t have—what you are doing with it warms my heart. I did want the word “Crone” to once again become an expression of honor and respect.
Please take the name and run with it!
With love, hope, perseverance, trust and gratitude!
Jean Bolen
Thank you, Jean, for your generosity of spirit. I am so grateful for your permission and endorsement.
