As I inch closer to meeting my first child in October, I have been facing those feelings of a loss of personal identity so much more lately. You summed it up beautifully, in a way that released the guilt I was feeling while reminding me that I am always here and that life is always occurring in seasons. Really a beautiful post🤍
Oh Anna, how wonderful that you are about to welcome your first child. Motherhood will change you. As a mother of three grown children, including one with autism I can honestly say from my experience that I became more myself not less. Motherhood will activate parts of you you never knew existed. The purpose, passion, and meaning mothering brings expand the Soul. Just remember mothering is a season, it has its allotted time and then you you will gather back to yourself all the younger parts that took a back seat. But I will also say that once your children are old enough to walk, talk, wonder and play your own inner child will be delighted and that can be very sweet. I send you the very best wishes and prayers as you embark on the great journey of Motherhood.
I’ve never thought about this return of the Maiden in Virgo season - I’m so glad I found you online and could learn this today. It really enriched my understanding of the cycle and I’m sure more insights will follow as this information finds its place in my body and mind.
Welcome to Hedge Mystic Nika, I'm glad you're here and found something of value today. The seasonal cycle is truly an amazing wisdom tool with many layers to explore.
As always Jan, thank you for your wisdom. I am glad you shared how you are not succumbing to the "underworld" of the internet and are staying focused on your priorities - like Persephone, communing with all of nature - a much needed reminder for me as well. I find it very synchronistic that Virgo and Maiden as well as "empty nest" energies are arising this time of year exactly as I send my only son off to college for the start of his freshman year this weekend! I am in a deep transitional time of my life as my main caretaking responsibilities change considerably. What is next for me? I will listen to my Maiden as she arises once again to hear her voice beckon me back to the priority of nurturing and caring for her first, allowing all of her gifts and talents to shine forth and be seen and remembered by her!
Hi Denise, I am witnessing your transition and you son's milestone. This is new territory for both of you. Life unfolds and we rise to meet it. Also good to have companionship and community to support us as well.
To start, Jan, applause to you for not just recognizing the need to pull yourself from the vortex of technology where you can -- but for ACTING on it. Wise move.
The content of today's post is so timely, as I work through the emotions that are coming with this stage and try to sort out where to direct my energies. This comes out looking a lot like "WHO AM I??" which can be unsettling but also inspiring. My post (poem) this week was rooted in these very thoughts. Thank you for sharing some of what you've learned in your decade of exploration on this topic.
"Who am I?" is one of the most terrifying questions we can ask. But, when we begin to formulate an answer a true appreciation of all that we are begins to take hold. This is "The Work".
Thank you, dear Jan. I’m always glad to see a new email from you; always so rich with wisdom and encouragement. It’s heartening to remember that we carry all 3 archetypes within us, thru every stage. I am approaching 70 and just coming into myself creatively.
The late emergence of creativity is such a soul satisfying experience. By the crone years we've lived long enough to really have something to say, rather than casting about trying to concoct something edgy or new. The crone always keeps it real!
Jan, I really resonate with this unfolding from personal experience. After my kids left and retirement drew near (then happened), I experienced extraordinary travel opportunities, and pushed my late 50-60s body in ways I never dreamed possible (I’m a whitewater kayaker and actually kayaked the Grand Canyon at 64!). Now in my 70s, I’m learning the limits of my body and actually moving into Crone life. That “return to Maiden” makes sense!
Very glad for your choices to nurture your needs in the modern world. My father was a Virgo, my lover of 25.5 years is a Virgo about to turn 80. I chose never to become a Mother because I saw only too clearly how it stripped my mother and so many other women of their essential selves. This is a wonderful piece of wisdom I've never seen or contemplated before. So glad you chose to write about it today!
As I inch closer to meeting my first child in October, I have been facing those feelings of a loss of personal identity so much more lately. You summed it up beautifully, in a way that released the guilt I was feeling while reminding me that I am always here and that life is always occurring in seasons. Really a beautiful post🤍
Oh Anna, how wonderful that you are about to welcome your first child. Motherhood will change you. As a mother of three grown children, including one with autism I can honestly say from my experience that I became more myself not less. Motherhood will activate parts of you you never knew existed. The purpose, passion, and meaning mothering brings expand the Soul. Just remember mothering is a season, it has its allotted time and then you you will gather back to yourself all the younger parts that took a back seat. But I will also say that once your children are old enough to walk, talk, wonder and play your own inner child will be delighted and that can be very sweet. I send you the very best wishes and prayers as you embark on the great journey of Motherhood.
Thank you for such a beautiful response to my comment🥹 I will cherish and reflect on them🤍☺️
Greetings from the season of the Crone.
Hi Carrie, the season is about to turn that's for sure. What wonders will the Crone reveal this year I wonder?
Thank you for this, Jan! This gave me such clarity on the maiden, mother, crone cycle in general, and the Virgin in particular. 💖
Hi Jenna, Thanks for taking the time to read today's essay and comment. There's so much to explore on this topic, glad you gained some clarity.
I’ve never thought about this return of the Maiden in Virgo season - I’m so glad I found you online and could learn this today. It really enriched my understanding of the cycle and I’m sure more insights will follow as this information finds its place in my body and mind.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Jan!
Welcome to Hedge Mystic Nika, I'm glad you're here and found something of value today. The seasonal cycle is truly an amazing wisdom tool with many layers to explore.
Thank you so much Jan! I am in need of companionship and community and am thankful to connect with like-minded souls here.
As always Jan, thank you for your wisdom. I am glad you shared how you are not succumbing to the "underworld" of the internet and are staying focused on your priorities - like Persephone, communing with all of nature - a much needed reminder for me as well. I find it very synchronistic that Virgo and Maiden as well as "empty nest" energies are arising this time of year exactly as I send my only son off to college for the start of his freshman year this weekend! I am in a deep transitional time of my life as my main caretaking responsibilities change considerably. What is next for me? I will listen to my Maiden as she arises once again to hear her voice beckon me back to the priority of nurturing and caring for her first, allowing all of her gifts and talents to shine forth and be seen and remembered by her!
Hi Denise, I am witnessing your transition and you son's milestone. This is new territory for both of you. Life unfolds and we rise to meet it. Also good to have companionship and community to support us as well.
To start, Jan, applause to you for not just recognizing the need to pull yourself from the vortex of technology where you can -- but for ACTING on it. Wise move.
The content of today's post is so timely, as I work through the emotions that are coming with this stage and try to sort out where to direct my energies. This comes out looking a lot like "WHO AM I??" which can be unsettling but also inspiring. My post (poem) this week was rooted in these very thoughts. Thank you for sharing some of what you've learned in your decade of exploration on this topic.
"Who am I?" is one of the most terrifying questions we can ask. But, when we begin to formulate an answer a true appreciation of all that we are begins to take hold. This is "The Work".
Thank you, dear Jan. I’m always glad to see a new email from you; always so rich with wisdom and encouragement. It’s heartening to remember that we carry all 3 archetypes within us, thru every stage. I am approaching 70 and just coming into myself creatively.
The late emergence of creativity is such a soul satisfying experience. By the crone years we've lived long enough to really have something to say, rather than casting about trying to concoct something edgy or new. The crone always keeps it real!
This is so true, Jan! Thank you for the encouragement! I’m in such a happy place with my creativity!
Jan, I really resonate with this unfolding from personal experience. After my kids left and retirement drew near (then happened), I experienced extraordinary travel opportunities, and pushed my late 50-60s body in ways I never dreamed possible (I’m a whitewater kayaker and actually kayaked the Grand Canyon at 64!). Now in my 70s, I’m learning the limits of my body and actually moving into Crone life. That “return to Maiden” makes sense!
This is an extraordinary story of the re-emergence of the Maiden. Whitewater kayaking the Grand Canyon at 64 sounds awesome.
Very glad for your choices to nurture your needs in the modern world. My father was a Virgo, my lover of 25.5 years is a Virgo about to turn 80. I chose never to become a Mother because I saw only too clearly how it stripped my mother and so many other women of their essential selves. This is a wonderful piece of wisdom I've never seen or contemplated before. So glad you chose to write about it today!
This is a perfect example of the generational wounding that daughter's sometimes see in their mothers. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Birthday Diana! May this trip around the sun find you even more firmly seated on the throne of your life.