As a result, crone groups are forming all over the country. Circulation of Kreilkamp's journal also testifies to the growing interest. Started six years ago with 100 copies sent to friends, The Crone Chronicles now has 10,000 subscribers. The magazine typically prints one crone ritual every issue, she adds. But nothing about the ceremony is prescribed.
Many women write their own, though books of crone rituals are now available.
And there is no preferred setting. The rituals can be done at home, in a church or outdoors. They can last 10 minutes or go on for days and include lavish feasting. Women often wear purple, the color associated with old age and wisdom. There is also no set time to hold a crone ceremony.