As the year's end approaches, a round of good magical housekeeping often includes a severance spell. It's a chance to let go, release, undo, and sever any negative energy that's lurking in your personal space and causing problems. You'll need:

• 1 small light-colored pillar candle, representing the light: the "light candle"
• 1 small pillar candle in a color representing the problem: the "problem candle"
• 2 saucers
• 14–18 inches of string
• Matches
• Pair of scissors
• A candle extinguisher

Place each candle on a saucer, and place one end of the string under each saucer. The string symbolizes the connection between you (the light candle) and the person or problem troubling you (the problem candle). Ignite the light candle. Repeat:

My light is bright but sometimes troubled.

Light the problem candle. Repeat:

May the darkness now be muffled.

Cut the string in the middle, then blow or pinch out the problem candle. Repeat:

Connection gone, my light burns bright. Free from darkness, aflame with light.

Meditate on the severed cord, then extinguish the light candle.