The first thing I want to talk about, though, is the difference between a Solitary and a Coven. This tends to confuse people, and, again, I think it comes from the Hollywood conception of a 'Witch'.
A Coven is a group of people that get together to practice. There is usually a hierarchy with a High Priest and/or High Priestess heading the group. Many have levels of learning, or degrees. They work together, and temper each other to prevent breaking the Wiccan Rede.
A Solitary is a person working on their own. They are not part of a group, and may have never been. Their learning comes from books, their Lady and Lord, or they may have a teacher. They decide what to do, and not to do.
Now, onto the paths!
The first one I want to touch on is Eclectic, though, because I think that classifies most Wiccans.
Eclectic is the practice of using what feels right. There is no form or floorplan for it. Some Eclectics learn about other paths, and then pick and choose what works for them. Others form their personal beliefs by feelings and meditation. I, myself, have taken a little Celtic, a little Gypsy, and then asked my Lord and Lady for guidance on the rest. In my experience, Eclectics tend to be Solitary. There is no one to tell them that what they are doing is wrong, or won't work.
Most Eclectics don't start out that way. They find a path and work with it for a while. As they become more experienced, and more comfortable in what they feel, they start to discard things that 'just aren't right'. Maybe they were part of a Coven, and didn't feel comfortable. So they branched out on their own.
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