Despite its negative associations, darkness has a profound spiritual side. If you're willing to look for them, it contains presents for you. Darkness is infinitely fertile. Everything that has not yet come into being is trapped in darkness; the seed that will grow into a flower, the unborn child. Everything that needs to change or to be healed goes through dark periods before being illuminated by light. Even if you cannot see anything, you are not alone. There are millions of stars waiting to give life to new planets. And beyond our solar system, there are billions of galaxies containing countless stars. The universe is full of darkness that is rich with life. In mythology, darkness is often used as a symbol of evil but also of mystery and magic. Black is a common color in rituals designed to gain insight or make connections with the dead. Darkness can be good when it is seen as part of a process rather than as an end in itself. Something grows dark before it comes into light. Life passes away and new life emerges from darkness into light. This is why Christians say that Christ died for our sins: so that we may live again in his light.