Christmas 2011

Dear family and friends of White Eagle:

      This year, now coming to an end, has been full of challenges, on personal, community and world wide levels, as we are all aware, but we can take heart and gain comfort and strength when we read these words of White Eagle from The Quiet Mind.

      ‘Never fear your journey ahead, for as God has watched over you all your life and, in spite of your fears, has brought you through all the trials and sorrows of your life, so God will take you through the darkest vale, into the light.’

      We are very grateful to Zane for her excellent astrology articles. Her December contribution “Awakening Your Dreams for 2012 leapt off the page at me!  Zane invites us to join her in a ‘focus of intent’ for 2012; I am going to accept her invitation; how about you?

      Now the magical season of Christmas is with us once again.  We are lifted up into this special warming energy of love which seems to begin earlier each year!  There is always the opportunity to help others in many practical ways at home and abroad, which brings the world much closer to our hearts, and we are very happy to be able to help in whatever  way we can.  We in the northern hemisphere always think of frosty, cold and snowy days, but perhaps you will feel a little of the warmth of the sun when you read of the Australian Christmas!

       As many of you know, our beloved grandmother, Ylana Hayward, passed into the light on September 7^th, having happily celebrated her 95^th birthday a short time before. It was my joy and privilege to attend the service at New Lands to celebrate Ylana’s long and very meaningful life, and I would like to share my experience with you.

      Sunday, November 13^th dawned mild and sunny, a perfect autumn day.  The service was to begin at 4.30pm, but people were arriving about 2.30pm, including two buses bringing people from the London Lodge and a welcoming cup of tea was waiting in the members’ room.  It was thought that about 300 people would be attending so a marquee was erected, opening from the members’ room. 

      Photographs of Ylana’s life, beginning in childhood with school photos, playing cricket, at which she excelled, girl guides, holding her infant sons, Colum and Jeremy, in a family group, adorned one wall.

      The Temple was beautifully decorated with sprays of autumn leaves gathered from the grounds.  Two magnificent arrangements of golden roses (Ylana’s favourite) purchased by Colum at Covent Garden very early on Saturday morning, were on either side of the altar, and flowers from the Scilly Isles in front of the altar, all artistically arranged by Jeremy; it all took my breath away.

       The atmosphere in the Temple was full of warmth, love, and yes, JOY!

       Colum and Jeremy conducted the service which we shall remember and cherish all our lives.  Both gave us insights into their mother’s life, which at times was far from easy, which is why White Eagle gave Ylana the name Brother Christian from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.

      In 1972 The Quiet Mind was published.  It was Ylana’s task to bring it all together, and she was concerned as to how to do it.  She woke early one morning with the whole book in her head; everything fell in to place.!

      Ylana worked from the heart, standing firm when needed; always upholding the integrity of the Lodge.  I’m sure all who knew her could tell of some personal loving support or direction they received and have cause to thank her; I number among them.

      The hymns we sang were some of Ylana’s favourites and we nearly lifted the Temple roof off with the singing of "All People that on Earth do Dwell"  and "For all the Saints who from their labours rest."

       This most wonderful service ended with the Vesper Hymn:

As Christmas approaches let us listen for the angels’ song and join as one in the Star to celebrate the birth of the infant Jesus, remembering that we are together with all our loved ones in spirit at this most wonderful time of the year.

LET THE LIGHT SHINE!

Much love, Pat.