The Newsletter of the White Eagle LodgeEast Anglia Star Centre

Leadership Team: Jennie Blowers and Val CrabbIssue No. 14 – January 2019

Dear members and friends,Many blessings to you all as we embark on a new year and reflect on the opportunities and challenges we faced in 2018, all of which have helped us grow spiritually.

As Val mentioned in the last newsletter I have come ‘out of retirement’ and taken back the role of coordinator for the East Anglia Region. White Eagle obviously decided my work within the Lodge was not finished quite yet!

Since we relinquished our permanent premises in Ipswich in August 2016 we have faced several changes, but together we try to ‘Keep On Keeping On’ so that the work and teachings can continue to give upliftment and guidance to those seeking it.

At the beginning of the year we were faced with the fact that there would not be a regular Sunday Service each month at Kesgrave for the members and friends of the individual groups across East Anglia to meet up to share a time of ‘spiritual communion’ together.

It was for this reason that I decided I would play an active role again in the form of coordinator. This role is largely an administrative one and something I did alongside leading the Ipswich Lodge so it is not new to me. However, this time I will not be leading a regular group so the workload will be less. We still have 5 groups meeting across East Anglia - North Norfolk led by Val Crabb, Nevendon near Basildon led by Jean Brown, Braintree led by Ursula Easey, Beccles led by Mary Baxter, and Felixstowe led by Daphne Wells. Regrettably the group in Ipswich, led by Jean Hamer, has had to be suspended for the time being due to personal reasons. My sincere thanks to all these brothers for their dedication and time given over many years and to all who attend and support these groups. My thanks also to Val who has offered to continue producing our annual newsletter.

My intention is to organise at least 2 retreat days each year. One of these will be led by someone from the Mother Lodge and the other probably by myself with the support of the group leaders. I have already booked Simon Bentley to come to Kesgrave on Sunday 19th May ( further details in the newsletter) so please make a note of this date in your diary. We can only continue to arrange these events if they are supported by the members.

I attended the UK Centre Leaders Conference at New Lands in September and it was lovely to meet up with the other leaders and share ideas and hear proposals from the ministers and management of the Mother Lodge about the future work of the Lodge. Rosita, the Deputy Lodge Mother, attended this event so we were able to get to know her and likewise

Summer Retreat Day in EssexJean Brown, Leader of our Nevendon Group writes ...Having spent a few months preparing “Egremont”, our little bit of Paradise, to look her best, with the extreme heat alas many flowers didn’t survive. Sunday 8th July had finally arrived everything was ready. It was the hottest day of the year at that time and we had done all we could to make the Lodge comfortable.

Our lovely Anna Hayward, who was taking the retreat “Facets of the Diamond”, arrived first, followed by my own Nevendon Group. Then our White Eagle folk from the Ipswich and Norfolk Groups, coming by mini coach, made very good time. After a nice cuppa, we started. You all know Anna’s articles in Stella Polaris are so uplifting and informative, and so was our day. It

she could get to know us. Like all charities, much of the work is done by willing volunteers and it is important for the future development of the work that this situation continues.

I look forward to meeting some of you at the planned events in 2019. The Lodge website is updated regularly so you can always find out what is happening both at the Mother Lodge and in East Anglia and any of the other Star Centres around the UK. The electronic technological age in which we live gives us access to so much information … embrace it.

I will let White Eagle have the final word ….

My dear ones, enter the silence. Be still for a short time every day …. Whenever you can, withdraw from the crowd and seek contact with that divine life which you will recognise in yourself as a vibration or feeling of peace, of love, and of great light. You can carry that light in your heart as you go amid the crowds.

Jennie Blowers – East Anglia Coordinator

Seated centre: Jean Brown and Anna Hayward with others at the Essex Retreat at Nevendon

Retreat Days at New lands during 2018:

Brotherhood Retreat led by our Lodge Mother, Jenny Dent

On Saturday 9th June Val Crabb and Gill Marshall travelled by train from North Norfolk to Hampshire to attend this five day Retreat. Jenny gave the opportunity to study in detail the significance of the Brotherhood service and its many aspects. We were also able to attend the Temple anniversary service led by Jenny Dent and Jeremy Hayward, with stirring contributions from the Temple Choir; to receive healing by attending the Healing Service; enjoy many special times for meditation and on a sunny afternoon to walk the ‘Cross within the circle’ in the meadow. This was Gill’s first New Lands Retreat. We were pleased to meet our Deputy Mother, Rozita Hansen, and many others from Switzerland, the Nederlands, Germany and across the UK. Our accommodation was very comfortable and we enjoyed the lovely vegetarian meals, including the conversation with many new friends.

‘At Home in Both Worlds’ New Lands Retreatled by Anna Hayward

Ursula Easey, Leader of our Braintree Group provides this report. I had the privilege of being present and it was well supported and much enjoyed by all. Anna began with the, sometimes difficult, thoughts and fears of death and dying. With her skills of teaching and gentle humour we were beautifully lead through the way of coping on a spiritual and physical level to a peaceful acceptance of this experience. Anna shared with us White Eagle’s teachings which supported our efforts, shedding Light and Love over the whole process. Music, chanting and meditation played their part.

The same principles also covered the fearful emotions with which we are all so familiar, giving us ‘tools’ to work with at times of stress and worry. We were introduced to the linking of the physical nervous system and our spiritual selves; how the two impinge on each other We were given a beautiful view of life, lived with equanimity and the ultimate aim of our souls’ growth towards the Eternal Light of God.

was about each one of us being the DIAMOND - the roughness of it, polishing it, treasuring it, its beauty and radiance, its strength and that there are no two alike. Then the meditation followed. The stillness left me feeling so calm and peaceful (not that there is a lot of that living on a main Arterial road).I won’t ever forget the wonderful company, joy, laughter, relaxation, and so, so much more than words can express. Thank you to all who travelled to join us and for sharing such a special day.

We thank you Jean and your group formaking us feel so welcome. It was a wonderful opportunity for White Eagle members across East Anglia to come together. This Retreat, led by Anna, was inspiring and we so enjoyed exploring your beautiful garden and the sense of peace in your Sanctuary.

White Wings - 2 - East Anglia Newsletter 2019

North Norfolk Away DayOnce again, at the time of the Autumn Equinox, members of our North Norfolk Group had an Away Day, this time visiting the National Pilgrimage Site at Little Walsingham, near Fakenham, Norfolk.

We spent some time in the Visitors Centre when we watched the video about the history of the site. The story of the Walsingham Shrine begins in Saxon times. In 1061, the Lady of the Manor, Richeldis de Faverches, was taken in spirit to Nazareth, shown the house where the Annunciation took place and Mother Mary asked her to build a replica in Norfolk. She was promised that 'Whoever seeks my help there will not go away empty-handed.'

We visited the Holy House, where we were able to ‘send out the Light’ at 12 noon and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

After a nice lunch in the Refectory we made our way to the Slipper Chapel on the outskirts of the village, where we joined with others in offering our prayers.

We feel this day helped us to get to know each other better on what was a beautiful sunny day in such a special place.

Front row: Beatrice from Switzerland; Jenny Dent; and Rozita Hansen with others at the Brotherhood Retreat

Study Group in North Norfolk

During 2018 the North Norfolk Group have begun to hold Study Days on the first Saturday of each month (except Jan and Aug) which are open for members who attend services (just as many other groups do in East Anglia)

The aim is to provide a time of sharing and contemplation of White Eagle’s teachings in an open and friendly atmosphere. To date the Light Bringer book is being studied with time for the Prayer for Humanity and sending out the Light at 3.00pm; refreshment time and then a time for any questions. Discussion to date has also been around the The Seven Rays; the Cathars; Francis Bacon; and the journey of the soul.

White Eagle says:

‘Truth is like a shining jewel with many facets. The soul that has uncovered truth within itself does not say, ‘I have the only truth’. It says instead, ‘I see the truth through my facet but truth has many facets along which its rays travel. What is true to me may not seem so true to my brother’. Therefore we must walk our path of service with tolerance, ready to observe and appreciate the truth which shines through other facets. Don’t think that you or we contain all truth We are very limited in our understanding of truth. When you come back to the core, the central pivot of truth, it is love, tolerance, understanding and the recognition that others have their truth as well as we. So in our service tolerance and love shall be the keynotes.’

And … Do not try to be too precise in your comprehension of spiritual truth. You will never confine it in watertight compartments. You have to recognise that divine law is perfect, harmonious and all works together for good, but not as the human mind desires. This is like trying to separate grains of sand on the sea shore. You must take spiritual truth as a whole, and know that all works together harmoniously.’

Advent Retreat at New LandsLed by Jenny Dent Jennie Blowers tells us … What a beautiful experience these few days were on several levels. Firstly, I had the opportunity and privilege of arranging the flowers on the pedestals in the temple for this occasion. I chose to work with blue spruce foliage, white chrysanthemums and carnations and artificial silver leaves to represent the ‘birth ofthe light’. I traveled to New Lands a day early and while I was arranging the flowers on Friday afternoon the choir were rehearsing for the ‘Spiral’ ceremony being held the next day. An added bonus!

Late on Saturday afternoon we gathered in the temple for the Advent Spiral to begin. Once everyone had taken their seats in the circle, the lights went out and the choir started softly singing ‘Mary carried the Light’ while a young girl (representing Mary) walked slowly around the spiral of foliage laid out on the floor and lit the central candle. After this everyone, individually was invited to walk to the centre of the spiral, carrying a candle which they lit from the central candle and then placed it on the next vacant silver tray and they walked out of the spiral back to their seat. While all this was taking place the choir continued to sing many Advent/Christmas carols and songs, some of which have been arranged using White Eagle’s words, such as, ‘Under the Star’, ‘At Christmas Time’ and the ‘Advent Hymn’ which starts … ‘Light, light, the heavenly light, comes to earth once more’ More well known ones were ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Mary’s Boy Child’. The whole ceremony lasted about 1 ½ hours and to see the whole spiral illuminated at the end was a truly inspiring, peaceful and emotional experience which will stay in my memory for a long time.

There then followed, for those of us booked onto the Retreat, a further 3 days of exploring White Eagle’s teachings around the theme of Advent focusing on the symbolism of the gifts of the 3 Wise Men and the influence they have in our lives today. Some deeply inspiring meditations, led by Jenny Dent, focusing on Joy and Love and the coming birth of the Christ Child, the LIGHT.

A truly memorable few days to find peace, joy and love away from the materialistic aspect of Christmas.

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Meditation and Brotherhood Day at Kesgrave on Sunday 9th September 2018, led by Jennie Blowers

This Retreat Day was open to members across East Anglia in the morning and a Brotherhood Service was held in the afternoon for initiated brothers.

The theme was on Meditation and linked with Anna’s Facets of the Diamond retreat earlier in the year. This was followed by a longer, deeper meditation on the ‘diamond in the heart of the lotus’. Included in the Prayer for Humanity was a healing list for Patients and a healing attunement for our planet earth.

The day was well attended and although different in content to our usual services, seems to have been appreciated by all those attending. It is hoped to arrange something similar in September 2019.

Around the Groups

We would encourage members to visit the White Eagle website regularly for details of groups and activities in East Anglia and countrywide.www.whiteagle.org. In addition our Leaders report:

Ipswich Group – suspended until further notice..Nevenden Group in Essex is run by Jean Brown and a Study Group is held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7.50 pm, with a Meditation Group held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 11.00 am

Braintree Group is run by Ursula Easey and regular meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, beginning at 10.30 am.

Beccles group is run by Mary Baxter with a Service held on the 1st Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm – 4pm and a Meditation Group on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 1.30 pm – 4pm (except August and January).

North Norfolk group is run by Val Crabb and holds services in North Walsham on the 3rd Sunday of the month (except August and January), 2.45 for 3.00pm, with an opportunity for discussion over tea and biscuits until 4.30pm. A Study Group is held on first Saturday of each month.

If you are thinking of starting a group of maybe a few people in your own home or hiring premises, email weeastangliaregion@gmail.com, for any help or advice.

White Eagle Books can be purchased through our groups and many have a free lending library of White Eagle books, a constant source of inspiration.

FUTURE EVENT

A Retreat Day in Suffolkat the Millennium Jubilee Hall,

Millennium Way, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 2ENwith

Simon Bentley is to be held on

Sunday 19th May 2019 10 for 10.30 am–4.00pm

‘A spiritual look at a challenging world’How can we cope more maturely and effectively

with the restless and uncertain world we now seem to inhabit? This retreat day aims to address that challenge

and is open to all, whether or not they are familiar with White Eagle’s teaching.

Advanced booking essential. please see enclosed flyer.

Support for Members of The White Eagle Lodge …

If you are unable to get to a group event or attend a retreat day there are other ways to keep in touch:

Jenny’s Star Notes blogDo check out Jenny’s blog at http://starnoteswhiteeagle.blogspot.co.uk

‘Monday Thought’ emailYou can sign up to receive an inspirational White Eagle thought for the week in your mailbox each Monday morning.Email: anna@whiteagle.org to be put on the list.

‘The Quiet Mind’ phoneline0844 209 8319Sometimes it is helpful to listen to words of comfort and support. You can ring the Quiet Mind phoneline 24 hours a day to hear two or three White Eagle sayings shared by a friendly voice from New Lands.Calls on this line are charged at 5p per minute and the recordings, which are changed regularly, last two to three minutes.

The White Eagle Lodge websiteAs a member of the Lodge you have access to the Member’s Section of the White Eagle website

www.whiteagle.org

Just send your email address to anna@whiteagle.org and then you will be sent your login details.

White Eagle’s teachings are also on Facebook and Twitter.

If you would like to know more about any of the articles in this Newsletter, please contact weeastangliaregion@gmail.com

The White Eagle Lodge is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1156336; charitable company limited by guarantee no. 08645252

New Brothers in East Anglia in 2018

Three members in our region chose to dedicate themselves to the Brotherhood work during 2018:

In February, Margaret Hayter, who attends the Nevendon Group led by Jean Brown, became an Inner Brother.

In May, Linda Culleton, a member of the Braintree Group led by Ursula Easey, became a Star Brother.

In June, Gillian Marshall who attends the North Norfolk Group led by Val Crabb, became an Inner Brother.

We thank you all for taking this step and dedicating yourselves to the brotherhood work, which we hope will be rewarding and inspirational for you.