The Maiden, The Mother, and the Crone

by Dr. Margaret Aranda

This depiction of a woman through menstruation, maternity, and menopause is just pretty, I think.  Our pagan predecessors coined this term to describe a woman as she journeys through life's stages.

Thought I'd just share that I think the Crone has osteoporosis, as she has shrunken in size.  She has more central obesity in her abdomen, thick legs, and appears rather stiff and inflexible, compared to her younger counterparts.  Her hair is gray and wiry, shorter and perhaps thinner, too.  Her arms are not uplifted or outstretched, and she appears to need help, as the Maiden and the Mother seem to be facing her perhaps to make sure she doesn't get lost.  Look how strongly the Mother holds her hand.  They are intertwined, not loosely held.  They seem to be pulling her along, as if she is fragile and needs help.

I just think it is pretty, and symbolic.