Anique’s Blog · August 2003

To be a Crone: my Croning Declaration

I Anique Radiant Heart embrace my Crone Journey with deep joy and humility.

I declare that I understand and accept the responsibility which comes

with this honour and promise to live my life through authenticity, that I may best serve my community.

I understand that I may now claim my wisdom and draw strength from the knowledge that I am a woman unto myself, answerable to no one other than myself and the Goddess.

I promise to myself that I will live my life with dignity and simplicity, in a grounded way, keeping my vision deep, whilst enjoying and expressing as much delight as I can.

I promise to myself that I will respect all around me, all creature beings and all my relations in the same way that I enjoy being respected. I also promise to respect myself.

I promise to myself that now I am living close to the Mother - the Earth - I will be Earth Centred and Earth Conscious, taking care to nurture Her as well as taking from Her, enjoying the peace and quiet to the fullest.

I promise to observe and learn from her, deepening my acceptance of change, as I relax into the natural rhythms of nature, whilst walking lightly on her body.

I promise to exercise heart listening in every moment, extending compassion to all and most of all to myself.

I promise to live my life with non-attachment, focusing on passionately expressing my creativity and being radically alive.

I promise to live my life in balance, knowing that there is enough for all, and to create a comfortable environment not only in my home but also in my Soul.

I promise to contribute to my community, using my wisdom and energy as the Goddess guides me.

I promise to continue in my sacred practices which keep me connected to great mystery and all that is.

In moving forward on this wondrous journey, I offer gratitude for all that has already been manifest in my life.

I thank all the women who have been my mentors, teachers, friends and lovers. I have learned so much from you, and I have grown from our connection. I have been blessed by your love and friendship.

I offer gratitude to the Goddess for the gift of my life partner Debbie, without whom my life would not be as bright. Debbie, my love and respect for you grows daily, and I look forward to our long life together. I love you and thank you for all your love, which you demonstrate to me so consistently, your honesty, humour, unflagging loyalty, support and wisdom.

I thank my sons for their deep spirits and incredible intelligence. The beauty of our loving connection is beyond compare. Dearest Ben and Marc, you are always here with me in spirit.

I thank my father Albert, may the Goddess bless his soul, who always played wonderful music and was an artist born into the wrong time and wrong place. Thank you dad for your gift of creativity.

I thank my mother Aimee, who has always been there when I needed her. She was the first to nurture my singing career, at times when it was very difficult for her. Thank you mum, for going to work all those years ago to support us, instead of following your own dream of being a writer. I thank you for my ability to express myself so well in word and speech.

I thank all those who have challenged me over the years and taught me strength in adversity, and have pushed me to learn how to stand strong without aggression or violence.

And I thank the Great Mother, the Great Goddess, the Munificent Divine, who chose to make Herself known to me over 20 years ago. Who has gifted me with the most stunning voice and the ability to use it well. I thank Her for choosing me to do Her work and leading me to Her daughters. I am filled with gratitude Mother, and before my sisters, young and old, I re-dedicate my life to You. Use me well, work me hard - yet gently, for I am ready, with a full and joyful heart.

Blessed be.

Anique Radiant Heart