The Winter Solstice, which falls in this month, was and is a festival of the returning Sun, the beginning of the cycle of more light upon the Earth. As part of your seasonal celebration, you might want to do a little magic for the beginning of the light and the new year ahead.

Make up a small red or green bag for each person or animal who lives in your house, or even is part of your extended family. With a pen, write the appropriate name on each bag. Now choose a small symbol of that person or animal and place it inside the bag. This can be a cat treat or catnip for cats, a symbolic toy for humans, or anything similar.

When the bags are ready, light a white candle and a blessing incense such as lotus or frankincense. Wave the bags above the candle flame and through the incense smoke saying: "Only light surrounds you. Only goodness comes to you. This is my will."

The bags can be given as good luck charms, hung on your tree or wreath, or placed on a mantle as part of the decorations.

-By D. J. Conway