Reclaiming the Power and Wisdom of the Crone | Sil Reynolds
“True elderhood comes with a responsibility to ground and guide the culture with wisdom and love.”
In this episode, Dana and I were thrilled to welcome Sil Reynolds, an extraordinary guide with a background as a Jungian Psychologist, Womens’ Coach and Nurse Practitioner. With over forty years of experience, Sil joins us to dive into the deep, evolving journey of womanhood. This episode is a beautiful tapestry, woven with the sacred threads of life's stages - from the fresh beginnings of the Maiden to the nurturing depths of the Mother to the profound wisdom of the Crone. Sil's insights, enriched by her decades longmentorship with Marion Woodman, a renowned Jungian psychologist, offer a unique perspective on the feminine and masculine energies within us all and how that plays out in our society.
Sil challenges us to rethink our societal norms and to embrace the unfolding beauty and depth of our later years. Her approach to the crone archetype is not just enlightening but deeply empowering, inviting us to acknowledge the strength and wisdom within. As Sil shares her profound insights, she encourages us, and every woman listening, to embrace the full spectrum of our experiences, to listen to our inner voices, and to boldly step into the wisdom that is innately ours. This conversation feels like being “eldered”… an experience I’ve had just a few times in my life. These are moments where it feels like everything changes and you receive something essential for the journey ahead. May this episode do the same for you!
Episode highlights
The classic psychological stages of womanhood - Maiden, Mother, Crone, as well as a fascinating exploration of Marion Woodman’s take on the evolution of these stages
Understanding the power of the “Pregnant Virgin” archetype and its significance for actually embodying the wisdom of the Crone
How the patriarchy is not about “men” but is rather a “system” that values masculine attributes over others to the harm of ALL humans
The importance of embracing both the feminine and masculine within
The role of intuition and dreams in personal growth
Our Guest - Sil reynolds
Sil Reynolds is a renowned figure in psychology, holding expertise as a nurse practitioner, author, and coach. With a career spanning over four decades, she has dedicated herself to understanding and teaching the intricacies of female psychology, particularly the journey through different life stages. Sil's mentorship with Marion Woodman has significantly shaped her approach, especially in exploring the concepts of maiden, mother, and crone in a woman's life.
“The crone stage is not just about age; it’s about the wisdom gained from life’s encounters with death and transformation.”
Resources
Sils's website - www.silreynolds.com
Books and audio materials by Marion Woodman, including “The Owl Was a Bakers Daughter”, “Addiction to Perfection”, 'The Crown of Age' and 'Sitting by the Well'.
'Dancing in the Flames', a documentary about Marion Woodman.
Carol Gilligan's research and book, 'In a Different Voice'.
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