‘Hope Springs Eternal in the Human Heart!’

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.’