Dispositions of Character

Dispositions of Character

"Some are born to sweet delight;

Some are born to endless night."

-- William Blake, 'Auguries of Innocence'

We are blessed by the nature we were born with, and - optimist or pessimist - we must somehow find our way through life. Whichever way we are disposed, we must take our character into account when we make decisions or form opinions; our nature plays a big part when we form alliances, friendships, and associations; the way people interact with and react to us has much to do with their reading of our character.

Sunny temperaments have the ability to make friends easily. Those who make heavy weather of life, on the other hand, hunch their shoulders against the inevitable disaster and trudge along without an encouraging word to anyone. Each person is born with certain characteristics, which are then modified by upbringing and circumstance. It is quite possible to meet sweet-tempered people who have had difficult lives, however, as well as ill-tempered people who have had every natural advantage.

To steer by 'sweet delight' may be a joy in the right circumstances, but it probably is not a great help in times of crisis; to be bound in 'endless night' may keep away unbidden guests, but it certainly attracts no friends. Natures, like plants, can be trained to reveal other traits and strengths. Such training is hard work and requires constant vigilance, but with humor and humility, even hardened natures can change.

"What kind of temperament do you possess? What strategies can and do you use when tempted to give in to your standard reaction, your natural inclination?"

[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]

Today's Solar Question on this day is: "What is your spiritual goal?"

Can your natural temperament affect what this spiritual goal would be?