Thank you so much for sharing this, Cathie! I love the idea of a letter to your younger self and definitely want to build that in to any future ceremonies I’m involved in. It’s also so powerful that there’s history and culture in these rituals. It’s sad we seem to have lost them, but truly exhilarating to work to revive them!!
I turned 60 in Feb and my friends did a ceremony for me, it's called 'Initiation Into The Elderhood'
It is a Zimbabwe ritual that one of my friends remembers her mother and aunts doing when she was a kid. It involves the community (friends/family) consenting to allow the person into the elderhood and give the person meaningful and symbolic gifts.
I had to write a letter to my younger self, thanking her for surviving the trauma and lessons learned, I have to say goodbye to her, as I will be entering a more sacred space but acknowledge how we got here.
In the morning at sunrise, I burn the letter and walk backwards back into my community where they welcome me with food and love.
It was an amazing experience and felt very meaningful.
I think these ceremonies, whatever form they take are important in giving acknowledgement of where we came from, how we got to here and a celebration of what is to come ✊🏽🔥😍
Oh wow Cathie, that sounds amazing! I absolutely love the symbolism of this ritual - what a powerful experience 😲 I especially love the idea of writing a letter to younger self 💚 Thanks so much for sharing mate! xxx
Wow, you've been busy inspiring crones! It's exciting empowering stuff- keep it up!
We definately need one for your next big birthday! 🥳 xxx
Inspirational!!! I want to find London Crones and meet up in real life!!!
Sounds like a plan!!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Cathie! I love the idea of a letter to your younger self and definitely want to build that in to any future ceremonies I’m involved in. It’s also so powerful that there’s history and culture in these rituals. It’s sad we seem to have lost them, but truly exhilarating to work to revive them!!
GreatArticle 😍
I turned 60 in Feb and my friends did a ceremony for me, it's called 'Initiation Into The Elderhood'
It is a Zimbabwe ritual that one of my friends remembers her mother and aunts doing when she was a kid. It involves the community (friends/family) consenting to allow the person into the elderhood and give the person meaningful and symbolic gifts.
I had to write a letter to my younger self, thanking her for surviving the trauma and lessons learned, I have to say goodbye to her, as I will be entering a more sacred space but acknowledge how we got here.
In the morning at sunrise, I burn the letter and walk backwards back into my community where they welcome me with food and love.
It was an amazing experience and felt very meaningful.
I think these ceremonies, whatever form they take are important in giving acknowledgement of where we came from, how we got to here and a celebration of what is to come ✊🏽🔥😍
Oh wow Cathie, that sounds amazing! I absolutely love the symbolism of this ritual - what a powerful experience 😲 I especially love the idea of writing a letter to younger self 💚 Thanks so much for sharing mate! xxx