From the Tower She watches…

As the nights draw in here in the Northern Hemisphere, the nights become long and cold and the atmosphere can be quite eerie.

At Samhain, honouring the dead, loved ones and ancestors too, my introspective thoughts turned to those who have trod the earth before us and the imprints on the land they have left in their passing. I had recently been taken to my beloved Whitby by a friend for what was possibly the last time, privileged and humbled to stay within the grounds of Whitby Abbey.

So Love’s healing message from the Black Rose this month is this:

As darker nights loom near, let your lights appear.

I have a message to share with the collective from a recent message I received in my sleep time on my first night in Whitby. It may not resonate for everyone but for those whom it does, we are being prepared to “move to higher ground”, a higher perspective.

There is much chaos, fear, sadness and grief in the outside world at the moment and things seem dark, very dark. So what sustains you if you find yourself no longer able to relate to those around you, where you are no longer an energy match with your friends or family?

With the new Moon in Scorpio on the 1st November, did you face what was hidden in your own shadows or turn away? Can you still be a pillar of Light and strength in the midst of it all?

The first night of my stay in the grounds of Whitby Abbey I was awoken and given a number(s): 068, 023. In my sleepy state I asked if I could remember them when I awoke in the morning.

Next day I had remembered and started to wonder what the numbers meant. I got a sense maybe they were hymn or Psalm numbers, or maybe “angel numbers”, but as I was away I would have to wait to get home and research them.

For anyone that has been to the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey here in the UK, it is a very haunting, mystical place where earth, sky and sea meet, famous for its steep climb of the 199 steps from the town to the Abbey ruins. It was here that Bram Stoker wrote his iconic gothic horror novel “Dracula” in 1897.

Many a coffin has been carried up the steps for those that were wealthy in years gone by. They would have been laid to rest in the churchyard of St Mary’s, met at the top by Caedmon’s Cross with, the ruins of the Abbey looming beside it on the cliff.

Saint Hilda of Whitby

Caedmon was a simple layman that had a spiritual awakening. In a dream a man asked him to “sing about creation”. Although he protested, encouraged by St Hilda who pronounced it Divine, he began to sing in verse about “God the Creator”. His poem is called “Caedmon’s Hymn”.

Whitby is not just known for its steps, but of the Abbess Saint Hilda, a Mother figure, Oracle and spiritual guide of her time.

It was around 657, Hild as she was known, founded and established the monastery at Whitby. She learned the traditions of Celtic monasticism and was so revered even kings and princesses sought out her advice and counsel. She led one of the most important religious centres in Anglo-Saxon England and played a very important role in the Church.

Much of what is known about Saint Hilda was written by Bede, an 8th century historian. Hilda was born in 614 into a royal household and was the great niece of the Northumbrian king, Edwin. Bede wrote, “All who knew her, called her mother, because of her outstanding devotion and grace.”

Whilst there is nothing left of Hilda’s monastery above ground, in the 11th century a Benedictine Abbey was built on the same site. The ruins of that monastery are what are visible today.

The hauntingly beautiful, silent presence of the ruined Abbey which was damaged in World War One by a German fighter plane, has a lure and a pull that whispers to the depths of my Heart and soul. It is like an ancient wisdom permeates and lights up the land.

A place of Learning

Hilda was a strong female leader in her time. In Hilda’s day, her monastery was a centre for learning which housed both men and women.

It appears that in her life she played an important role in politics too. A meeting was called to resolve the date of Easter between Celtic and Roman Christians. This was called the Whitby Synod which was hosted at Whitby Abbey, Whitby then was known as Streanaehalch.

This took place in 664 when Hilda was abbess. With much upheaval, political change and warring kingdoms, Hilda was then converted to Christianity.

It appears Saint Hilda was a peacemaker of her time who was gifted with the qualities of wisdom, endurance, patience, love and compassion that enabled her to do her great work.

I am sharing Saint Hilda’s story here as I believe she emanated the Mother essence that many men and women of her time sought comfort from.

There are many beautiful stories written about Saint Hilda and she was an influential leading light of her time for the Anglo Saxon period. So what has this to do with 068, 023?

068, 023

Whilst in the Abbey ruins I was drawn to the two towers that flank the Rose window. There was something about them I could not quite put my finger on but I sensed when I looked up to the Rose window and towers I was being watched – and it was not by security cameras!

The Abbey’s silent grandeur whispers to anyone who has the ears to hear. Indelibly marked within the land and ancient ruins, I wondered what life was like for her.

On my return home, sure enough they were hymn and psalm numbers and had a story to tell.

A song of Faith and Hope

Look beyond the religious context of these hymns and psalms 068 and 023. Hymns can be traced back to many ancient cultures, including Egypt and Greece.

This hymn, like Caedmon’s, is a song. It is a song of faith and hope in Love. It indicates the ability of our connection to Source to provide comfort. Strength and power will be given to those for what is to come.

Hilda spoke with the power and authority of God, as did Caedmon in his song. Is her presence keeping watch in the tower, longing for others to be up there with her co-creating with the power of Mother/Father “God” to create the necessary changes for this world?

No matter how mundane or in what situation, all we need do is turn up our lamps and let our lights appear, adding our Love to the world in whatever way we can.

Our guides show up in the most amazing ways. As we enter the dark season we need to face the darkness within us and be aware of what triggers us. Invite ancient wisdom in and keep listening to the guidance of the Heart.

Hilda was a wise leader. I think Hilda’s message is asking, how are you showing up in your life as a wise leader? What have you to learn for the coming age and for what is to come?

As the 11:11 portal approaches, it is also Armistice Day. Pay attention. There is an opening. Have faith and have trust. Life can be different. Life will be different.

Created with Love, Grace and in Service,

May the Love Letters continue to Inspire, Comfort or Support you in times of need.

With Love,

Linda

If you have received something from this writing or know of anyone that could, please feel free to post a comment below or pass it on using the link above.