As we wander through the waning light of November, it’s easy to feel the dark season approaching. While some people are afflicted by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which leads to depression and similar feelings, it doesn’t have to be that way. We can cheer up. We can be optimistic even as the year’s light fades.

If you’re feeling sad, set comical things on your altar, such as a favorite toy or a picture of a child or a kitten or puppy. As you light a brightcolored candle, repeat the words of Dame Julian of Norwich, a medieval English anchorite. (I’ve added to her words to make this spell.)

All is well.
All things shall be well.
All manner of things shall be well.
All can only be well.

Hold this spell in your heart and repeat it to yourself every morning, every evening, and any other time you’re feeling a bit darkish. (Be sure to extinguish the candle.) We know the light will return. Hold this thought that all can only be well.