As we enter November now, the year is changing gear once more. What does it mean?
In many cultures and many lands November is a month for commemorating the dead. Whether we do this with prayers and religious ritual or pumpkins and bonfires, the principle behind it remains the same. The only time it really changes is when people try to use it as a money spinner.
November is a time for reflection. The nights are dark now, it's difficult to do simple things we once took for granted, like drying the washing on the line or sitting in the garden in the evening.
But there are other compensations. The loveliness of candlelight, the cosiness of wrapping up against the cold, frosty mornings when our world sparkles - these are all small gifts to us.
When we take time to truly appreciate our surroundings - no matter how humble they are - we see a different world from the one we usually take for granted. Yet it's a world no less interesting, no less rich and varied than the lighter months of summer.
So yes, November may have its associations with the dead. But remember that in the ancient world dead (thanatos) came hand in hand with love (eros) Death may end life, but love can renew it.