Last Imbolc, I was still a member of a coven, and celebrated the festival with my fellow Coven members. This year, I will celebrate as a Solitary Witch.

For me, this Sabbat will have more meaning, because the theme of 'light in the darkness of winter' is indeed full of personal significance.

I have survived the threat of redundancy at the end of last year. That is not to say that the threat is no longer there, because unfortunately, there is no such thing as a 'job for life'. But that feeling of uncertainty has, for the moment, been lifted.

I cannot deny that losing contact with people I had considered to be friends was painful. But as is fitting in Imbolc, there is a light in the darkness. I found that there are other people in my daily world, with whom I might not have made contact otherwise. And, slowly, I am making contact again with old friends: all parties are cautious after what has happened, but a good friendship will always be worth the effort. I may be a Solitary Witch, but I do not practice in solitude.

My niece contacted me asking if she could have some witchy things for her 13th birthday present. I don't know as yet whether it will be a lasting interest for her, but if she wishes to make Witchcraft her path of choice, I will assist her in her decision.

And, whilst I have not managed to make all the candles that I need for the year, in order to consecrate them at Imbolc, I have made some, with the beeswax candle kit given to me by my sister! As I have said, there is light in the darkness.