Who is Wisewoman?

When it comes to the journey of the soul, archetypes are vital way-markers. Holding the original and ancient forms or patterns of life, they are universally recognised by us all. They conjure up an image, an idea and an energy that take us to the profound truth that lives deep in our psyche. As we navigate our way through these dark and fast-changing times, archetypes shine light to help us remember who we truly are. Working with them can be transformational. 

The Wisewoman archetype is older than the hills that she created! Every ancient culture around the world has its own version of a Wisewoman archetype in the form of deities or folkloric figures that have stood the test of time. This says a lot  about her importance on the continuum of life – that the “old woman” has since forever played an important role in ensuring the continuation of our lives. 

 Through her myths and stories, the Wisewoman weaves important themes that serve as signposts along the inner journey of life:

*The feminine power of creation

*The interconnectedness of Nature and our place in it

*The importance of ancestral connection and wisdom

*The cycle of life, death and rebirth

*The importance of initiation and rites of passage

*The power of menopause and the second half of life

*The role of protection, sovereignty, leadership and responsibility

*The importance of story-telling

*The vital role of Grandmother and the Elder

Why is Wisewoman Important?  

In more recent times Wisewoman had been demonised and belittled; turned into a malevolent old hag, an ugly thing we should avoid or fear.  But truth be told, hers is a power that flies in the face of patriarchal structures and attitudes, and through her eradication we have done untold damage to the very fabric of life. Without "Elders" and the wisdom of life experience, we find ourselves hurtling towards extinction on the runaway train of misguided progress.

The post-menopausal chapter of our lives is powerful one! The conditioning that women are of no value beyond child-bearing capabilities is simply not true. Research shows that menopausal women have important roles to play in the wellbeing of the community, and I know from my own menopause experience that I have never felt better, clearer or more confident, with so much still to give. 

Wisewoman took me  on a deep exploration into the promise and potential of the “second half” of life. Working with Wisewoman archetypes from around the world I journeyed through some intense self-reflection and emotion. Each Wisewoman offered different stones to unturn that would help me learn something important about myself...it wasn’t all pretty but it did bring some profound healing and growth.

What Does Wisewoman Offer Us?

As I explored, I listened for guidance on how the Wisewoman archetypes wanted to be expressed through the healing arts.

Firstly, through images which challenged me to paint portraits for the first time ever! Then through pieces of spoken word, and then through experiential installations and journal prompts. All of these made up “The Wisewoman Experience” featured at The Witches’ Revival 2024 weekend.

And now the work continues here. My intention is to offer useful resources for others heeding the Wisewoman call and journeying through the realm of the Wisewoman Archetypes. The more of us the merrier! She’s our creative energy, the wisdom of lived experience, our increasing intuitive abilities, our deepening understanding of how life works, our connection to the land, our strength and resilience for navigating life’s challenges, our increased love, compassion and empathy….and so much more!

This work is about changing the narrative about aging and post-menopausal life; so we don’t dread and deny it and actually look forward to embracing it when the time comes. Working with the Wisewoman archetypes is really changing me from the inside out and my hope is that they may do the same for you too.

An Cailleach

I am An Cailleach
The veiled hag of winter,
Ancestor of Ancestors,
Creatrix of the land
On which you stand.
Take my hand
And journey back
Through the sands of time.

Baba Yaga

I am Baba Yaga,
Trickster and hag
Old bag of sticks and bones,
A mix of feared and revered,
At home in the weird.
Deep in the forest I dwell
Where the trees foretell 
Of lost and lonely travellers.
I smell you a mile off.

The Morrigan

I am the Morrigan,
Warrior Queen of this green 
And hallowed land.
I take my stand.
Raven Queen of the unseen
And liminal realms.
I take the helm.