The next topic of the Priestess Path is the Triple Aspects of the Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone. But it's not just about which goddesses fit each aspect, or which are associated with all three as a triple goddess in their own right - it's also about our own relationships with the aspects.
As with everything, there is always a balance - there is both "light" and "shadow" aspects of each. For example, the Maiden can be youthful and innocent but she can also be naive and easily manipulated; the Mother can be nurturing and caring but she could also be manipulative and distant; the Crone can be full of wisdom and an elder within her community but she can also be full of bad advice and hated within the community.
This informational meeting was all about discovering these aspects within ourselves and what they mean for us individually. One of the exercises we did was to write down some key words that we individually associate with each aspect.
So here's what I wrote down for each one:
Maiden - youth, innocence, start of life, naive, being nurtured, learning, being taught
I associates the goddess Diana with this particular aspect and will be exploring this further.
Mother - nurturing, caring, life-giver, teacher, protector, comfort, confidante, shelter, giver of sustenance, birthing new life, mature
I associates the Norse goddess, Freya, with this aspect and it should be an interesting journey to explore this further.
Crone - hag, wise woman, healer, returning to source, giving nourishment to all, elder, wisdom, hermit, free
I associated Hecate with this aspect and I look forward to exploring this idea as I continue this journey.
For a second exercise, we wrote letters to our own personal inner aspects. I was pleasantly surprised by what I wrote, especially to my Maiden aspect. As a child, I went through some traumatic experiences and the letter I wrote was partly regarding that. It was almost like I was forgiving my maiden self for thinking that I was at fault for what happened. I also told that part of me that I was loved, carefree and full of possibilities with all futures being open.
For my own Mother aspect, I touched on the fact that I don't have children but that I also have a lot of love to give. I love all those who are younger than me and I would protect them if I could. The letter also stated that the future is still full of possibilities, that there is still hope.
For my Crone aspect, I wrote that this side of me should pass on the wisdom I've collected, to teach as I was taught. To be as carefree as the Maiden because I've earned my freedom. I also acknowledged reconnecting with the Divine All-That-Is.
These letters were very personal which is why I haven't shared everything I wrote in each of them. I may revisit these letters in the future and add other messages to them, but for now, I'll use them as reminders of what I want to achieve as well as reminders of how far I've already come in my life.
This is a short post today but I have some exciting posts to share with you over the next week or so.
Peace and love to you all!!
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