A Spell for the Fading Light
The time change hits hard every year.
I get all up in arms about it, how unnatural it is, how I can't believe we're still doing this, how it makes no sense, and I start thinking about how to petition the government to change it... and then I realize that there are far more important causes to be petitioning the government about.
Nonetheless, the time change is striking and difficult. Fall feels like a party, a glorious era of leaves and chai and scarves that culminates in the grand festivities of Samhain/Halloween... and then.
Suddenly you're driving home in the dark, getting tired earlier, and strongly wishing you had not made evening plans because you do not want to leave your house.
This year I actually had written "Do Not Make Plans: Hibernate" on my calendar for the first week of November. I succeeded in having one free evening to snuggle at home.
The waning light, coupled with the dawning realization that the season of holidays and gift purchasing and generally dealing with family is upon us, paired perhaps with the first fall illness... it can all feel very bleak. And overwhelming.
I feel you. I'm there too.
But we are not frail individuals, powerless to the forces of society and measured time. We are witches. And witches have magic. And nature.
This is a spell that can bring you comfort as you ease through this transition.
A Spell for the Fading Light
There are two aspects of this time of year that are most difficult for me: one is the simple change of light. The other is the lack of control I feel as the holidays approach. Joyful as they can be, the holidays are often a time when we feel pulled by others' desires and fancies.
When we pause, we remember that we get to decide how this season will be for us. We can decidewhowe want to be andhowwe want to be. We can set boundaries ahead of time. We can craft our time.
This spell is very simple, aka achievable. You can add in adornments if you like, but remember: the most potent spell is one that you actually do.
1. Get a small piece of paper such as an index card.
2. Close your eyes, center in your heart, and take a deep breath. How do you want this season to be for you? How do you want to feel as you move through the next 8 weeks?
3. Set an intention for the season. Write it on the paper. Make it pretty if you're artsy like that, or simply write it down.
4. Set the paper upon your altar or on a surface where you'll see it every day.
5. Choose an herbal ally for this intention. You can set the herb atop the paper, and prepare a cup of its tea if you like.
6. Set a votive atop the paper.
7. Light the candle and gaze at the flame, holding the intention in your heart for about a minute.
8. Repeat every day, preferably as the light fades (around 5pm) or whenever you get home.
9. Continue for at least 7 days, or until the votive burns out.
10. Bring your herbal ally with you to any stressful holiday situations. It can come in the form of tea, a flower essence, a spray, a tincture, or simply in your pocket.