The Healing Power of Crone Art Therapy Guelph
In ancient times, the term “Crone” was one of reverence, signifying wisdom and respect. Derived from “crown,” it symbolized the honor given to older women valued for their experience and knowledge. The term “hag” originates from “hagia,” as in Hagia Sophia, meaning divine wisdom. However, patriarchy corrupted these words to imply malevolence, aiming to suppress older women’s power and voice, thus reinforcing male dominance. Despite these efforts, many cultures continue to honor their wise women, recognizing their invaluable contributions and insights. The Crone Art Therapy Guelph group is an amazing experience to recover and embrace our divine connection with the crone wise mother archetype.Â
Issues Confronting Mature Women
In modern society, older women encounter many difficulties. They are often overlooked and disrespected, as societal norms tend to prioritize youthful appearance – a standard not equally applied to men. The transition through life stages such as children leaving home and retirement brings significant changes and challenges. Many older women feel invisible in a society that places a superficial value on not looking one’s age, neglecting the true substance and depth of women’s lives. This societal pressure can lead to a decline in both physical and mental health, often affecting self-esteem.
Loneliness can become a pervasive issue as connections change and long-held relationships may drift apart. Health problems can exacerbate isolation, impacting travel and social interactions. Mature women face mental health challenges similar to those encountered by people of all ages, including stress, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and the need to process negative life events. The Crone Art Therapy Guelph Group aims to address these issues, providing a supportive community where their experiences and wisdom are acknowledged and celebrated.
Jung and the Crone Archetype
Renowned psychologist Carl Jung introduced the concept of archetypes, which are universal symbols and themes found in the collective unconscious. These archetypes reside within each of us and often appear in our dreams. One such archetype is the Crone or the Wise Mother, which exists in both men and women. Jung believed that this archetype embodies qualities such as wisdom, guidance, and nurturing, and can be seen in nature, like the moon and bodies of water.
The Crone archetype is characterized by wisdom, confidence, decisiveness, and bravery. Historically, women who displayed these traits were often persecuted, such as those accused of witchcraft for their strong opinions. These women are no longer the meek, maidenly type; they are powerful and do not tolerate foolishness. The Crone Art Therapy Guelph Group delves into these archetypes, aiding participants in connecting with their inner Wise Mother by reflecting on their life experiences, the divine feminine, and through their creative expression.
An Overview of Art Therapy’s Benefits
Art therapy is a potent form of psychotherapy that leverages the creative process to facilitate emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. It enables individuals to articulate their experiences and emotions, offering solace from stress and paving the way for healing and self-discovery. Artistic skill is not a prerequisite for benefiting from art therapy; anyone can reap its advantages by simply participating in creative activities.
Through engaging in activities such as painting, drawing, collage, or sculpting, individuals can manifest their internal thoughts and feelings, which might be challenging to express verbally. The Crone Art Therapy Guelph offers an environment that is both safe and nurturing for older women to partake in art therapy, fostering self-discovery, empowerment, and community bonding. As participants build artistic skills, they also develop resilience and a renewed sense of purpose, embracing their identities as wise women.
Details of the Crone Art Therapy Guelph Group
WHO: This Crone Art Therapy Guelph online group is composed of six mature women who are menopausal and beyond. Each participant is screened to ensure the group suits their needs. Most wise women who join are spiritual and seek a positive, supportive environment to be creative and explore the divine feminine.
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE GROUP? The first gathering online begins with introductions, where each participant shares their journey. Each week, we start with a check-in from the previous week, then immerse ourselves in a profound video exploring the sacred Crone archetype. This venerable symbol of wisdom and transformation guides our exploration of the sacred feminine within.
The art therapist then unveils the weekly art exercise, setting the stage for a 40-minute creative exploration. Each participant engages in creating their artwork, expressing their experiences, feelings, and divine feminine wisdom. Following this, we gather in a circle of sharing, where each person reveals the meaning behind their art.
The art therapist’s insightful questions and the group’s enriching discussions foster a deeper connection to our inner Wise Mother and the collective feminine spirit. The art is not judged on its aesthetics but valued for its free expression, so no artistic skill is required.
WHAT’S NEEDED? You will need a computer with speakers and audio enabled, a stable internet connection, and the Zoom app installed. Ensure you have a private workspace equipped with art supplies such as pencils, paints, pastels, collage materials, air-dry clay, or markers. Participants can choose which supplies they prefer to work with.
WHEN: This group runs four weeks in a row. Dates vary, please click here to learn more.
DETAILS OF THE FOUR WEEKS OF THE CRONE ART THERAPY GUELPH GROUP:
During the first week, participants will embark on a sacred journey, learning about the crone archetype. They will tap in to the profound, divine collective feminine wisdom and express it through art therapy.
During the second week, participants are invited to delve deeper into their life experiences and values that have shaped their unique, soulful selves. This week provides an empowering opportunity to use art-making as a means to celebrate and honor the wisdom that forms the foundation of their identity.
During Week Three, learn how to embrace your personal power and authenticity, celebrating the unique wisdom of your inner wise mother through vibrant and expressive art-making.
In Week Four, Reflect on how to cultivate a life that fully embodies the wisdom and strength of your inner wise mother. Through the power of art, you can unlock personal insights and inspiration, empowering you to live a life that is true to your deepest values and celebrates your unique feminine spirit, |
What are the Next Steps to Join
- Fill in the contact information below.
- Set up a zoom chat to see if the group is a good fit for your needs.
- Once you have determine the group is a good fit, the art therapist will send consent forms.
- Complete the consent forms and secure your reservation by making the payment.
