She taught me to celebrate darkness

My friend Andrea was one of the first people who inspired me to enjoy winter & darkness.

On a recent hike together, she simultaneously basked in the sunshine and told me about how much she’s been loving this dark time of year…the time leading up to the new moon and the winter solstice.

She said this is the time to search through all our internal crevices and dark corners to see what’s lingering in the shadows, compost old parts of ourselves and stand tall like the bare trees.

Here are some rituals she’s loving lately:

• Waking up a few hours before dawn

• Lighting lots of candles

• Writing by candlelight until daybreak

She’s even found herself wishing there was more darkness to savor. I recently learned she was born during the new moon time. No wonder she is totally at home with the dark sky!