The season starts on a somber note. Preparations have been made; supplies are put away, at the ready. Now comes the time when we seal ourselves indoors. All life retreats. The Earth pull in on itself and everything, everyone, rests, waits, slumbers. 

This is a time of introspection and contemplation. The physical work of the year is done, we wait now for the Sun to return and warm the land, for life to resume. Till then, the work we do is soul work. We analyze ourselves, our faults, our virtues. This is a time of taking stock and planning, of rationing and rationalizing. 

The days continue to lessen till we think we can no longer stand it; there is so much darkness. But, then comes the Solstice. The Sun is reborn and begins to claim its birth rite: the days lengthen, darkness is slowly pushed back. Hail the return of the Sun! Surely, as the Sun returned, so to shall life return to the land. Until then, we can only wait, and think.

This season corresponds to the Dark Moon and to the end of life.