The Mother was the one in the fullness of her creative powers, whether creating children, works of art, or other work out in the world.

The Crone was the wise old woman. 

Both women and men connected with the Triple Goddess. To women, the Goddess was a symbol of their innermost selves and the beneficient, nurturing, liberating power within.

The Crone, for example, showed them that all phases of life are sacred, that age is a blessing rather than a curse. To men, the Goddess represented their connection with their own hidden female selves. 

We are all made up of aspects of both sexes. This is our balance. 

When we accept what we know to be truly ourselves, which is often much more than the old role models for men and women allow, we become complete men and women.

If Michelle believes she is good at baseball, she will swing the bat more confidently and catch fly balls more easily.

And her extra effort will generally pay off.

At math, Steve thinks he's a whiz and it makes him proud. He studies so he'll continue to be a whiz. 

The image we have of ourselves is like the blueprint the contractor follows when building a house.

When we see ourselves sad or angry, our behavior and personality will match it. 

When we see ourselves withdrawn and afraid, we seem to avoid activities that involve others. 

How wonderful that we can change our behavior and thus ourselves by changing the picture we carry in our minds.