The Witch Elder or Crone
A Witch's Journey
By Carrie-Anne Grove, Elder Witch,
The Luna Coven.
In 2016, I became an Elder Witch, one of most important days in the life of a Witch. It marks the turning of a Witch or Wiccan into an Elder or Crone as they sometimes leave their role of High Priest or High Priestess behind to focus often on training new witches and compiliing their Grimoires.
Becoming an Elder is a source of pride and a symbol of a life dedicated to the Craft and thier Coven (if they run one like I did). The ceremony is a truly magical and emotional day that is often spent with thier loved ones and Coven Members. My Croning was done at our Covenstead. the ceremony was headed by my Husband and Coven High Priest John (now deceased). The day was made extra special as it was attended by the three most beloved and special Coven members, Ian, Kirsty and their young Son Matthew for whom the ceremony was his first time for taking an active part in Coven ceremonies.
The tattoo in the picture is based upon a pendant sometimes worn by Witch Elders. It features five brooms representing the five elements. The broom or besom is a sacred object to Witches and Wiccans alike. A silver pendant of the same design was gifted to me at the ceremony along with a crystal ball and other gifts that are often given at such ceremonies. The crystall now has pride of place on my Altar.
And so, now in my fifties and an Elder I can sit back, work on my Grimoires and teach others the Craft so that they can also follow the Craft of the Wise and even form their own Covens. Since the Croning I have also worked hard to become a Fourth and Fifth Degree Witch which is seldom attained as the path is not often sought or understood.
But how did I get here?
A Witch's journey is unique to them with many paths to achieve wisdom and learn the Craft. Mine is but one path. You must choose your own. It is yours to make your own path.
I was born of Witch and Romany European bloodlines on my Father's side. His Mother was a cunning woman and so was her Mother. This makes me a Blood Witch. I was brought up to fully explore my own identity and path, part Pagan, part Christian. This stood me in good stead for adult life as a Pagan Witch. I learned from my Father the laws of nature and to respect it. From my Grandmother I enherited psychic capabilities.
Throughtout my younger adult years I became a sponge for esoteric and witchcraft studies. I also studied and practiced Budhism and explored the history of the world, its ancient history and practices.
I became an Initiate of the Craft in my twenties. I studied long and hard and found my path, my abilities grew along with my wisdom. I was given my first Tarot deck (the Rider Waite) by a gypsy and they are still my go-to deck. I trust them and they trust me to use them wisely.
As I grew in confidence and wisdom I new I wanted to run a Coven, to attain my degrees. By my 30s I had formed The Luna Coven with my Partner at the time and I became a First Degree Witch.
By my 40s, I had established the Coven and remoulded it with my Husband John who I trained from being a complete novice to a 3rd Degree High Priest. We also became a Noble and Lady of Danelandia.We also became members of The Satanic Temple.
We were Handfasted (married) in the grounds of Avebury Circle by a High Priestess ( Previously of The New Forest Coven) Nimah and Druid Gary.Nimah joined Jill then as my two Witch Mothers. There guidance and influence exists within me still to this day.
A Witch's life, for Witches like myself, is a dedication to the Craft and the Occult.I have helped, advised and made well many. My journey has been one of self-discovery and empowerment whilst also serving my loved ones, the Coven and those who need my help or guidance. It is this selfless devotion and dedication that creates an Elder. Not money, not power, not ego.
So, if you are a new Witch just starting out or our heading into your Coven days and the Degrees please consider my words. Please gain respect and love not power or financial gain. This is not the path to a good Elder. Take what you need for your life : no more, no less. Give back and learn to sacrifice,
What Makes an Elder Witch?
- Age and experience
- Routines and rituals that you’ve created
- Create and perform all of your spells
- Dreamwork and hedge riding become second nature
- Easy ability to create astral servitors in large quantities
- Have had many encounters with spirits and a deep connection with them
- Vast knowledge and collection of herbs
- Perform multiple spells in one sitting
- Vast knowledge and collection of gemstones
- You use curses and hexes sparingly (As needed)
- You can bring a spell to life just by thinking about it
- You have a vast knowledge of the nature spirits
- You’ve learned to keep your mouth shut
- Have had many spiritual awakenings and rebirths
- No longer doubt your magical abilities
- Vast knowledge and collection of animal familiars and animal witchcraft
- Can easily perform divination (tarot, bones, etc.)
- Have a deep knowledge of graveyard magic, even if you don’t practice it
- Planetary magic is interwoven into your practice
- You understand how spells work and performing them is easy, peasy for you!
- The student becomes the teacher!
Brightest Blessings to you all.
