Tomorrow is a special day as the planet celebrates her total balance in light with the advent of the Vernal Equinox, a day welcomed by many in the northern hemisphere as the harbinger of warmth, sunshine and rebirth. This year, unusually, the icy fingers of winter grip my world and that of many others still, reminding us to take nothing for granted particularly where nature is concerned. Surprise is the keyword in these unpredictable times.

Even in the deepest winter darkness, all weather is good because everything created by the forces of nature must be right.

Like you, perhaps, I have been separated from the world forcibly this weekend, because of snowstorms that have isolated my home in a way I have never known before.

The 7^th Ray is about magic, about order, about ceremony and organisation, and about ritual – all descriptions that have different connotations depending on your viewpoint. Essentially, however, it is about rhythm.

My preparations for Spring are almost done. The nest boxes have been cleaned, repaired and new ones put up; the lawn mower is in for servicing; wild flower seeds are growing in the warmth of the Conservatory; the hedges have been trimmed; and the ponds have been cleared of old lilies and other pond plants. It is very satisfying.

One of the most popular stories on the BBC Website today is about a girl from Seattle who feeds crows in her garden and receives gifts from them in return.

I was reminded of the need for compassion in farming, and how far animal welfare sometimes is forgotten, twice this weekend.