Dear ,

Traditionally, the season of Advent begins with a deep sense of longing, a yearning for “diviner things beyond,” as Elizabeth Barrett Browning says in her poem, Human Life’s Mystery.

The Fisher King of Arthurian legend also has a deep longing for the healing of his wound and the restoration of the land by the presence of the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail is a symbol of divine grace and abundance and is intertwined with the destiny of the wounded king himself. 

As the story goes, the Grail, a mystical vessel of immense power, was once in the possession of the Fisher King, bestowing upon his kingdom an era of prosperity and harmony.

However, tragedy struck when the king suffered a grievous wound, and with it, the land fell into a state of desolation and despair. The Grail, a source of healing and renewal, vanished from the kingdom, hidden from the world's gaze. 

It is said that the Fisher King's quest, his sacred task, is not only to heal himself but also to reclaim the lost Grail, thereby restoring the kingdom's vitality and bringing about a profound transformation. 

The fate of the Grail, then, becomes intricately intertwined with the king's own journey of redemption and the ultimate restoration of hope and abundance.

A story much like our own

When we gaze through the mist of time at the story of the Fisher King, we see a story much like our own.  

Like the King, we must navigate the complexities of life with a similar sense of purpose and responsibility. Just as the Fisher King is tasked with restoring balance and abundance to his realm, many of us take upon ourselves the mission of making a positive impact in our communities and the world at large. 

Like the Fisher King, we recognize the wounds and challenges that afflict the world around us and strive to heal and uplift others. 

Like the Fisher King, we embody the qualities of resilience, compassion, and a deep longing for transformation, as we seek to bring about positive change in their own lives and the lives of those around us.

In this way, the Fisher King is an inspiring symbol for those who dare to embark on their own heroic journeys, embracing their inner longing and becoming catalysts for the betterment of humanity.

💜That is why the longing in your own heart is so important. It is a call to something higher and nobler.

What is sacred longing?

Longing is a deep yearning for something beyond our grasp but seemingly attainable. A longing becomes sacred when it is held up in the light of Spirit.

This is not an ordinary longing but one that draws us out of ourselves, makes us restless, unable to abide the ache in our chest. We find ourselves in a place where our shoes pinch and our bed no longer gives us rest. We are divided from ourselves, moody and unable to be simply ordinary. 

It is easy to mistake this longing for emptiness and to fill it will physical things like food, trivial pastimes, sex, or alcohol. To do so worsens the problem.

This theme of longing is a universal human experience that resonates in the stories passed down through generations.

💜This tale reminds us that our own longings can lead us on a journey of self-discovery and inner healing.

In the realm of ancient legends and mythical tales, the Fisher King stands out as a beacon of wisdom and purpose for us. He is the guardian of a sacred quest, entrusted with the task of restoring balance and abundance to a world in need. 

With his noble heart aflame and his spirit ever-vigilant, the Fisher King embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and redemption. Through his trials and tribulations, he seeks to heal not only his own wounded soul, but also the collective wounds of humanity. 

His quest is one of profound significance, for it holds the key to unlocking the transformative power of longing and awakening the dormant potential within us all. 

What do you long for?

Here are some prompts to reflect on what you truly long for and how it might benefit others.

• What is the deep longing that stirs within your heart, waiting to be acknowledged and pursued?
• In the quiet moments of reflection, what desires and dreams whisper to your soul, urging you to take action?
• What aspects of your life feel unfulfilled or incomplete, prompting you to seek greater meaning and purpose?
   

Join me this Saturday to explore sacred longing

If you would like to explore your sense of longing, I invite you to join me this Saturday, December 9 at 10 EST for a free, 90-minute class.

Pilgrimage of the Heart: Nourishing Meaning and Purpose in Difficult Times

May the wisdom of the Fisher King guide us on our own quests for meaning and purpose.

P. S. For a beautiful rendering of a song of longing, listen to The Piano Guys play "Come, oh Come Emmanuel."