One of my favorite childhood memories is carving a jack-o’- lantern and setting it outside for the whole neighborhood to see. A jack-o’- lantern’s warm glow can imbue magical feelings and deter negativity—they hide magic in plain sight.

This spell requires a pumpkin, a sharp serrated blade, a spoon, a bowl, a tealight candle, and a lighter.

Cut a circle on the top of the pumpkin. Remove the seeds with a spoon, place them in a bowl, and dispose of them outside if possible to give a treat to wildlife. Carve a face in the pumpkin that feels magical and alert. When you’re done, light the tealight and place it inside the pumpkin. Tap the knife against the pumpkin three times to awaken its spirit. Say:

Jack-o’-lantern, I call you forth to
create a magical community! May all
who see you feel pure magic! Protect
us against those who mean harm.

Place the jack-o’-lantern outside somewhere safe facing the street. Replace nightly with a fresh tealight to recharge the magic.