On northern hemisphere, around November 5, the year plunges into its darkest quarter. In Chinese solar terms, this is 立冬 (lìdōng), the beginning of winter.
I'm lighting a new candle to remind myself that the darkness is not all there is. Light exists. It will come back.
ALT A large, newly lit turquoise candle against a rusty brown background. On the lower half of the picture the candle disappears into darkness.