From Crone to Crown: Crafting Yarrow Crowns

In Gaelic lore, the winter goddess Cailleach is seen as a shapeshifter and a crone who shapes mountains and rivers, rules the dark half of the year, and hands the land back to Brigid in spring. I like to imagine her spinning the first snowflakes, twisting fibers of cloud and moonlight. These images may seem fanciful, but they invite us to see our own work as part of a larger tapestry.

Cailleach isn’t always stern. In some stories, she drinks from a magic well at the end of winter, drops her staff under a holly bush, and transforms from a toothless hag into a maiden. The cycle turns; the crone becomes the bride. To embody that transformation, we can make crowns and garlands from wool and herbs to honor both the lessons of winter and the promises of spring.

Yarrow is a great plant ally for this. Its stems are strong yet flexible, and it carries the energy of protection and healing.

Simple Craft Spell:

Yarrow Crown / Bracelet

• 8 Fresh or dried yarrow stems

• Wool yarn or ribbon.

• Optional: small charms, beads, or feathers, etc.

Soak dried yarrow stems in warm water for a few minutes to make them pliable. If using fresh ones, they should already bend easily.

Take three stems and braid them loosely. As you braid, think of the three aspects of the goddess, maiden, mother, and crone, or for healing or divination, reflect on the past, present, and future.

When you reach the end, add three more stems and continue braiding until it fits around your head or wrist. Tie the ends together with wool yarn.

Use the remaining two stems to connect the crown/bracelet nicely and to make it more supported.

Wrap the braided yarrow with the wool, speaking a blessing.

Cailleach, weave winter’s wisdom into spring’s song.

Attach small charms or feathers and similar items as you wrap the wool.

Wear your crown or bracelet during meditation, ritual, or whenever you need to reconnect with the cycles of the year.

If these little glimpses light your imagination, imagine what an experience in the upcoming in-person class could feel like.

This weekend, on Oct 18^th, we will follow the threads of Cailleach’s story strings, craft oils and bundles, and connect with the energy of her wisdom. To join us, call the Pathways store or message them on Facebook at FB Pathways to check if there are open spots for this class.

See you soon, where Fairy Tales meet Fiber Threads