I had thought today of posting some questions, but my mind went bounding off to answer the questions for myself, and suddenly, one of the questions took over my thoughts.

Solitary or group?

I am moving toward a solitary path, at least for a while.  I've never given myself this opportunity.  When I was young, I studied in a mixed-gender British Trad. group. It was a good foundation, though I never became the astrologer that my High Priestess hoped.

The family coven years were wonderful.  My  mother and I were fortunate in being able to work together. She taught me the ways of water and weather magic, and eased me from being a reluctant priestess to one who could create a ritual from the simplest of inspirations. I learned to listen to the Goddess who is present in all of us. I learned to listen to the Earth and Sea.

I wasn't ready to have a solitary practice after she crossed over. It felt painfully incomplete. I am grateful for the elders of the Temple of Ara, whose group rituals sustained me over the past two years. I am grateful for the chance to work in the dynamics of a large and ever changing circle. The warmth of the group sustained me, but did not challenge me enough. 

And now I have made the decision to spend at least a year in solitary practice. I need to get back to a pure Goddess practice. Back to the Earth and Sea. I am not inclined to seek another established circle. I need to explore my own inner landscape, and reclaim myself as a witch.

And now, I'll ask the same question of you:  Solitary or group?  What sustains you?