Welcoming the Return of the Light

As I write this on 23 February 2026, the day outside is dark and grey. The sun has been absent for weeks, and the trees beyond my window stand bare, quietly resting as they wait for spring. Cornwall has endured nearly fifty days of rain with little sign of blue skies, yet even in this stillness, we know that change is coming.

Imbolc has passed, and the quickening has begun. Across the land, daffodils and crocuses are already blooming, bringing colour and hope to otherwise dull days. Their presence reminds us that the Spring Equinox is drawing closer, along with the gentle magic of Ostara. The long, dark months are nearly over, and the returning sun will soon lift both the land and our spirits. This is a time to give thanks to the Dark Gods and Goddesses who have walked with us through winter—protecting, guiding, and holding us steady during the cold and quiet season.

Now is the time to begin planting our hopes and intentions for the year ahead, whether symbolically or quite literally through the planting of seeds. Spring encourages us to take those first steps toward our goals and to embrace new beginnings. Fear of failure can often hold us back, but fear of never trying can be far heavier. I have spent many hours wishing I had been braver, wishing I had taken chances when they were offered. Even now, courage does not always come easily, but I lean on my Gods for strength and reassurance. I remind myself that life is meant to be lived, and that growth only comes through action. This, to me, is one of the greatest lessons that spring teaches us.

This year, I am focusing my energy on growing my small, family-run witchcraft business, *The Way of the Witch*. My intention is to expand our range of handmade loose incense and to further develop our Witches Services. My partner and I both feel a strong calling to help others—to support, uplift, and empower people on their own paths. This desire to care for others has been part of me since childhood. I remember simply listening to people when they needed comfort, offering hugs, or instinctively placing my hands on someone’s head to ease a headache or stress. My mother often encouraged this, and she used to say that even as a child, I had healing hands.

Another area I hope to grow within *The Way of the Witch* is our Goth section. Both Darlene and I have been part of the Goth community for many years, and it feels natural to bring that influence more fully into our work. It is another way of expressing who we are and honouring the paths that have shaped us.

As the wheel turns and the light continues to return, I look forward to nurturing these intentions and watching them grow—just as the earth itself is beginning to do.