Watercolor illustrations of the Praying Mantis as symbolism in my art holds meaning in a refreshing way. It is meant to be humorous, provocative, and honest. I have practiced the Crone’s Crowning ritual for years now. It is seeing death on the same terms as transformation. One and the same, yet the idea of transformation is easier to deal with than death.
I have been working on this project for some time and waited until the summer solstice to complete. This ritual is part of the native American medicine wheel of nature.
It is helpful in times of change, pain, and grieving. All about transformation and death, yes, we are all going through a type of world initiation, making this small offering to help others seems a creative opportunity to share from the inside out. Where the feminine and nature come tighter together to heal.
It is almost as if humanity is collectively going through a civil war between the ego and the psyche, science and religion, common sense, and emotionalism.
As I watch big black bumble bees take nectar from the praying mantis tree of purple and green… I can see that nature is consistent and dependable.
I look out the computer room window, my cave. and wonder and talk with the crones from the four directions.
East Crone
Crones of The East
those that sing
the songs of the transforming
The songs of the dying
And songs of the universe.
South Crone
Crones of The South
those that stir the caldron
Of change
That set the feast
For the transforming
And dying.
West Crone
Crones of The West
those that open the door
To the transforming
And the dying
And shed the tears of letting go.
North Crone
Crones of The North
those who wait in the realm of the transforming
The realm of the dying.
Silently helping with smiling faces.
Inspired by Susun S. Weed
Book: Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way
Alternative Approaches for Women 30 – 90