Choosing your own path -- How do I choose the right path for me? --I believe that as you study, and learn more about who and what you are, you will choose the path that is right for you, always trust in your inner self. It may change. You always will.

What is a Coven?

-- A coven is a group of people that practice their faith and beliefs together, usually initiatory and led by one or two leaders. A coven it is like an extended family, people and friends that you become close too and can relay on in times of trouble and concern. Each member will have his/her own strength's and weaknesses. But together they help each other and they are stronger in the work that they do together, such as healing and doing things for the earth.

What is a High Priestess or High Priest?

If you are a member of a coven, group or circle these are your 'elders', the people that are in charge of what happens in a coven or ceremony, (kind of a host or hostess). The whole coven should be able to have their say, but the High Priest or High Priestess have the knowledge acquired only with time and practice and should be listen too when it involves their ceremonies. In their practice of many years and they have the experience of dealing with many different situations and should be given the respect of any elder. As with any elder the experience does give one the right to also speak their mind and be listen to. They however do not have the right to ask you to do things that you do not want to do. Contrary to popular belief they do not have absolute power over the group nor will they be sacrificing children.

What is a Solitaire Practitioner?

A solitaire is a pagan who practices their religion by themselves or they may also have a partner. And though they practice alone, the solitaire can be as competent as any coven-trained pagan. The solitaire path may be chosen for many reasons. Hopefully this is a personal choice and not because they live in an environment not conducive to practicing their faith openly. Some may have just not have found others they are comfortable working with yet. All should have a deep intense relationship with their chosen faith. Most solitaires are not as formal in their approach as Covens and Groves. Rituals are often simple and published rituals may be adapted to suite their needs (published rituals and spells are guidelines, they should always be personalized). Solitary practitioners may very easily hold a ritual outdoors. You may also personalize your own "short-hand" since you are the only who will be using it. Most solitaires are self-taught, they are abide readers and will also do extensive experimentation. They rely on intuition to know when a ritual is complete and the magic has worked. The solitaire path can be very rewarding and as powerful as coven work. Many covens only take those who have studied as a solitaire first and learned enough to know that they are on the correct. However solitaires may also find that some covens do not take them seriously. The may think that the solitaire is not serious enough about the religion to conform to their group. It is my opinion that these covens are no longer on the right path.

Silvermoon's tribute to Scott Cunningham
His books are a good place to start
I recommend his books for the solitary practitioners as well as everything else I have read.