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| Photo by Jeremy Hayward – our first Snowdrops in New lands garden – the hope of Spring to come! |
I
thought it would be helpful to share with you White Eagle’s words of
encouragement in these dark January days (here in the Northern Hemisphere). It
is well known that after the Christmas and New Year festivities are over, there
follows a challenging time for many of us. The weather is often bad (as it has
been for so many) and Spring seems a long way off. For one reason or another,
we may be forced to turn within (or stay indoors!) and spend more time on inner
reflection, rather than being ‘out there doing’.
In her
speech on Christmas Day, the Queen began by talking about someone she knew who
had spent a year in a plaster cast recovering from an operation on his back.
She spoke about how challenging this time had been, but he realised that it had
ultimately been a blessing in disguise as it has forced him into a time of
reflection. She went on to say: ‘We
all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many
distractions it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.’
For
those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, January time is a period when
many of us may be forced for one reason or another to pause and take stock. For
those interested in astrology, this is in tune with the energy of Capricorn and
as you know it is traditionally the time of New Year resolutions. Have you made
any? Actually, I have not made mine yet—I am still reflecting and, I suppose,
inwardly consolidating the lessons of last year. The Queen went on to say: ‘Be it through contemplation, prayer, or
even keeping a diary, many have found the practice of quiet personal reflection
surprisingly rewarding, even discovering spiritual depth to their lives.’
So, as I
reflect and take stock—awaiting the inflow of new energy—and time for action
and formation of my new resolutions—I have been re-reading White Eagle’s words
in White Eagle on Festivals and
Celebrations about the New Year. After speaking about hope, he goes on to
say: ‘We cannot impress upon you too
strongly to think always in terms of progress, of happiness and of achievement,
and you will become healthy and happy.’ I feel that this is his personal
message to us all as we stand at the beginning of our New Year: ‘To
create positive good, try to always think positively. If you do this
habitually, you will clear the mists which gather round you, mists in your own
soul, mists in your mind. The light of Christ in you, expressing itself through
your positive thinking, can shine like a sun and dispel the mists.’
