the Divine that resides in all of us.

For quite a long time, that opportunity eluded me. I simply resigned myself to an understanding that if I chose to exclude others from my Spiritual practice, then I would also have to accept that I would not have the opportunity to share in the uni

Often I have been asked why I practice as a Solitary and if I have always celebrated alone. The answer to the second question is yes. While I have invited a select few to join me in a special celebration or a ritual, I have actively chosen to study, practice my Craft, and develop my Spirituality as a solitary seeker.

However, answering the first question is not as simple. Why do I choose the solitary path? I suppose the easiest reason I could give is that I prefer to have the Divine “all to myself” when I celebrate a Full Moon or mark the seasons with a special ritual. By choosing to engage in my practice alone, I am free to design my own celebration, ad lib when the mood strikes me, and focus on growing my own Spirituality.

Still, there are moments in which I would enjoy the fellowship of like-minded practitioners, those also sharing a similar path who would be happy to join me in the Circle, bringing their own unique vision of Divinity. True, there have been moments of sudden longing, specifically when I yearn for the companionship of women, coming together, sharing the same steps, building a sphere of energy that grows and brings to light the Divine that resides in all of us.

For quite a long time, that opportunity eluded me. I simply resigned myself to an understanding that if I chose to exclude others from my Spiritual practice, then I would also have to accept that I would not have the opportunity to share in the uniq

lity as a solitary seeker.

However, answering the first question is not as simple. Why do I choose the solitary path? I suppose the easiest reason I could give is that I prefer to have the Divine “all to myself” when I celebrate a Full Moon or mark the seasons with a special ritual. By choosing to engage in my practice alone, I am free to design my own celebration, ad lib when the mood strikes me, and focus on growing my own Spirituality.

Still, there are moments in which I would enjoy the fellowship of like-minded practitioners, those also sharing a similar path who would be happy to join me in the Circle, bringing their own unique vision of Divinity. True, there have been moments of sudden longing, specifically when I yearn for the companionship of women, coming together, sharing the same steps, building a sphere of energy that grows and brings to light the Divine that resides in all of us.

For quite a long time, that opportunity eluded me. I simply resigned myself to an understanding that if I chose to exclude others from my Spiritual practice, then I would also have to accept that I would not have the opportunity to share in the uni

y choosing to engage in my practice alone, I am free to design my own celebration, ad lib when the mood strikes me, and focus on growing my own Spirituality.

Still, there are moments in which I would enjoy the fellowship of like-minded practitioners, those also sharing a similar path who would be happy to join me in the Circle, bringing their own unique vision of Divinity. True, there have been moments of sudden longing, specifically when I yearn for the companionship of women, coming together, sharing the same steps, building a sphere of energy that grows and brings to light the Divine that resides in all of us.

For quite a long time, that opportunity eluded me. I simply resigned myself to an understanding that if I chose to exclude others from my Spiritual practice, then I would also have to accept that I would not have the opportunity to share in the uni

would be happy to join me in the Circle, bringing their own unique vision of Divinity. True, there have been moments of sudden longing, specifically when I yearn for the companionship of women, coming together, sharing the same steps, building a sphere of energy that grows and brings to light the Divine that resides in all of us.

For quite a long time, that opportunity eluded me. I simply resigned myself to an understanding that if I chose to exclude others from my Spiritual practice, then I would also have to accept that I would not have the opportunity to share in the uni

the Divine that resides in all of us.

For quite a long time, that opportunity eluded me. I simply resigned myself to an understanding that if I chose to exclude others from my Spiritual practice, then I would also have to accept that I would not have the opportunity to share in the unique experience of a group celebration.

Then one day, I found myself with a friend in a beginners’ belly dance class. It was challenging, fun, and… Spiritual! I am not sure exactly when the realization came upon me, but after several classes, concentrating on keeping the beat, I took a moment to look deep into the mirrored wall and surveyed the diverse group of women moving in unison. I watched how we followed the teacher, our Priestess – if you will indulge me – intent on learning each move, carrying ourselves with grace, while naturally revealing that spark of Divinity that resides in each one of us. The energy, fueled by our laughter and encouragement, was tangible. It was there in that room I discovered as a solitary that I still could find ways to ritually celebrate with others while retaining my own private path. While I did not know the religious or spiritual beliefs of the other women, I could certainly share in the collective desire to practice this very divine dance in the company of women.

Once this realization came to me, I then saw the opportunity in my yoga practice, and reached out to find a class that focused on the Divinity wi