GoddessMystic.com > My Studies > Core Curriculum > Feminism > Crone Work

My spirituality asks me to embody my beliefs. The Cella program asks me how I incoporate my feminism in my life. One of the things I love about Goddess Religion is that it reveres the Crone -- the elder woman. Crones are especially important to me, for many reasons (which I may share later, when I have more time). I decided long ago to support in material ways a few crones as a way of walking my talk.

Two of my crones are Hertha and Z. Budapest. Hertha is an elder woman living in my community. I've been her friend and companion for 10 years, increasingly involved in her life. For many years I visited her weekly (she was becoming increasingly home-bound and now lives in a nursing home). For several years I served as her Representative Payee (a Social Security Administration position that assists elders having difficulty managing their benefits). I organized a large group of women to pack and store her belongings when she had to give up her apartment. I act as a liaison to her family of origin and friends from her earlier life. I am now her Medical Power of Attorney, at her wish and with the blessings of her family members, who live 800 miles or so away from her. I'm hoping to work with others to get information about Hertha, a long-time palmist and witch, either online or stored with the Lesbian Herstory Archives.

Another crone I've actively supported in many ways for the last four years is Z. Budapest, the "mother" of Dianic Wicca and feminist spirituality. Here's a recent piece of correspondence between us (regarding the Dianic University she is organizing -- an outgrowth of marketing conversations I had with her for about two years):

Z asked for feedback on her plans for the Dianic University. I said:

Z --

I think it's looking exciting. One thing you might want to address is
how it will work for women who've studied the craft for years versus
women who are just starting. This may be a non-issue, but I think it
would be good to think about and address in your course descriptions.

Other than that, I think you're not charging enough money -- not
because other programs are charging more (and they are), but because
it looks to me like you'll be spending more time corresponding with
and reviewing the work of each woman each month than $20 will cover.

BB,

Sage

She responded:

Good point.
Definiteley the personal attention is crucial in this work. I will mix and
match assigments according to the womens level of witchy education. Some
will have more reading to do then others. but the lifestyle changes will
apply to everybody equally. I see this study as mind/body/spirit triple road.
To charge more? I think about it. I am pretty fast creating these programs
individuals need, 3o years of expereince is coming in handy.
Also i see this as a folk movement, so when i have to many students i just
pull in more teachers for follow ups. the low price helps to stay on it.
This study has no end. Its an ongoing unfolding and support spirituality.
Thanks for the input. love zb

I pressed the issue of her fee:

I understand what you're saying, Z, but these other teachers are
going to need to be paid too. Of course, what you charge is entirely
up to you, but I'm concerned that the energy exchange will not be
equal...which is important.

Perhaps you could have a sliding scale if you're concerned about
ability to pay?

In any case, I'll butt out of this. I just know that most women never
charge what they're worth, and that very few women know how to do a
cost analysis to figure out how to determine a reasonable charge for
services.

BB,

Sage

She responded:

Sage darling!
I agree with you on this.
Dont forget in addition to the low fee there will be downloads. But i will
consult with somebody over this. before i am totally undercharging myslef.
Blessings and thanks for worrying over me. love zb