Why Some Pagans Choose a Solitary Path

Paganism has steadily grown as a religious and spiritual choice over the last several decades. There are more opportunities than ever before to find a group near you that shares your beliefs.

Why then besides not being near other Pagans would some still choose the solitary path? This article explores some of the myths surrounding the solitary path and why some still choose to travel most if not all of their spiritual journey alone.

Part of the attraction of Paganism is the personal relationship we develop with the divine in many forms. Many Pagans come from a background of organized religion in which they were told how to worship and that there was only one way to righteousness. The idea that there are different ways to craft a relationship with whatever gods you choose and in the way you choose is incredibly liberating.

Although liberation is what draws some to Paganism, people sometimes revert back to the hive mentality. We tend to mistrust a person who does not follow the crowd. Even in Paganism, which encourages individuality, there is sometimes an attitude of superiority over the solitary or eclectic Pagan. Fortunately, this attitude is changing as some of the myths surrounding solitaries are falling by the wayside.

Certain traits have been associated with the solitary such as selfishness, laziness, and anti-social behavior. Being solitary does not automatically imply that you are lazy. On the contrary, it takes a great deal of discipline to practice ritual or magic on your own without the gentle (or sometimes forceful) nudge of friends or family. On the flipside, it's also up to the solitary to honestly look at their lack of discipline and correct it.

Selfish and anti-social on the other hand are labels that some solitaries have accepted and even sometimes comfortably laugh off. Not all Pagans feel that their paths lend themselves to social interaction. Since there is no one true dogma for us, a solitary path is just as valid as any other.

There is power in devotion, prayer, magic, and the circle. Solitaries do not negate the power that a group can raise. For some however, there is more power in being alone with spirit. They believe they can do more good for themselves and the community at large if they practice alone.

A solitary spiritual practice does not necessarily have to be a lonely one. There are groups that hold open rituals for the Pagan community which solitary practitioners attend to connect with others of like mind. Many of us view our religion as intensely personal whether we are solitary or belong to a group and conduct some form of Pagan practice on our own.

A common belief among Pagans is that we are all responsible for our own relationship with deity and how we conduct ourselves in the world. When looked at through the lens of commonality, the reason for solitary practice is actually no different from that of group practice. We all wish to live life in honor of the divine with the freedom that allows for the greatest expression of ourselves.