Approaching Hagitude

Hagitude embodies the qualities of a hag, such as wisdom, experience, and fierce determination. Embracing Hagitude means fully adopting these attributes, often as one matures or gains life experience. Here are key aspects to consider when embracing Hagitude:

1. Embrace Wisdom

With age, wisdom becomes a powerful asset. It is crucial to:

• Reflect deeply on life experiences.

• Learn from both triumphs and setbacks.

• Share your knowledge with others.

2. Cultivate Fierceness

Fierceness can be expressed in various ways, such as:

• Standing up for yourself and others.

• Being unapologetic about your beliefs.

• Embracing your individuality and uniqueness.

Illustration of a Celtic hag adorned in traditional attire, framed by intricate knotwork designs, embodying wisdom and mystery.

3. Celebrate Aging

Aging should be celebrated, not dreaded. Consider the following:

• Appreciate the beauty in aging.

• Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

• Connect with others who share similar experiences.

4. Foster Community

Building a supportive community is essential. This can include:

• Forming friendships with those who value your journey.

• Participating in groups that align with your interests.

• Mentoring younger individuals.

5. Challenge Stereotypes

Challenge societal stereotypes about aging and hags by:

• Rejecting the notion that older individuals are irrelevant.

• Promoting positive representations of aging in media.

• Encouraging diverse narratives around women and aging.

Embracing Hagitude means celebrating life's journey with all its complexities, honoring wisdom and strength, and fostering connections with others. It's a powerful transition that leads to a richer, more fulfilling life.

I am re-engaging with this medium, website, and blog series as I embrace my own journey into Hagitude. This includes all five outlined topics and something more profound—who am I yet to become? Who do I want her to be? Which archetypal "old woman" do I identify with most? And, how will I spend the last decades of my life?

In response to these questions, I have officially decided to "retire." In my retirement, I am pursuing passion projects—endeavors that could be described as my "life's work" or my "soul's journey." These projects rely deeply on my unique gifts and wisdom, on what I can contribute to the world, to the universe, for the better. My positive vibration resonates in the universe, creating ripples and contributing to all that exists, perhaps nudging us slightly in a positive direction.

I will write about my retirement projects in future blogs. For now, I am celebrating my entry into Hagitude by retiring from the Western culture of constant "doing" and entering a phase where being and contributing take precedence.