What is "it"?

"As it ends it will begin" - You'll recognize that as a line from the poem. 

But what is "it"? And is the first "it" the same "it" as the second "it"?

Those are questions I've been asked more than a few times. Well, without meandering too much, I'd like to set "it" straight. 

The second "it" is your journey. The first "it" is not.

I hope that doesn't give "it" away.