The seasons change, life moves on, cycling from dark to light and light to dark.  Today, the Winter Solstice, marks the longest, and thereby the darkest, night of the year.  It invites us to appreciate the dark, to explore the mystery of darkness.

Living in our light-loving culture, we’re raised to fear the dark, to shy away from potential evil lurking inside the dark.  I too love the light of summer, yet know that darkness brings gifts of its own.  It beckons us to turn inward, to move into that still place deep inside.  It encourages us to explore mystery, to dream, to meditate, and to appreciate both sides of polarity — the dark as well as the light.

Winter Solstice marks the beginning of our winter — a time to embrace the dark, to wrap a blanket around our bodies and curl up inside the “cave.”  During winter our energies slow down.  We hibernate and rest, allowing our energy to replenish in readiness for the rebirth of spring.