I have not actively practiced or been part of a group in well over a decade. I still consider myself an Eclectic witch and follower of the Wiccan path. It is similar to any other faith or belief in that respect I suppose; just because you don’t practice doesn’t mean you are no longer of that faith.

I used to be very active in the Pagan community in New Orleans. I was part of a tight knit group; that particular group is no more, or rather, not in that incarnation. After Hurricane Katrina, much of our group relocated, including myself. I lived in Nola for a bit over a year afterwards, but eventually work and life took me elsewhere. I made a couple of pitstops in other areas for a few years before moving to New England. I checked out a couple of groups up here, but none of them clicked for me.

Over the years I’ve always noted the change of seasons, and the different holidays as the Wheel of the Year turned. I didn’t do anything to celebrate them otherwise and had not set up an alter in my home in years. This past summer though, something awakened in me demanding I pay attention to my path once again. We all walk our own path and I certainly had a journey back to mine.

I spent most of the fall in my head, thinking of returning to active practice. A dear friend and High Priestess would tell me to stop thinking and just start doing. She’s not wrong. She’s been gone from this earth for 5 years now and I can still hear her voice in my head telling me to stop overthinking it.

All of that thinking this fall has lead me to some decisions. I debated finding a group, but I’ve decided to keep a solitary practice for now. While I do enjoy a likeminded community, I’d rather remain solitary until the Goddess presents the right group, time and situation. I’m rebuilding my Book of Shadows. When I divorced, my ex and I dissolved our shared BoS. In addition to starting to write here on my blog, I’ve started keeping a journal as well. Writing has always been important to me, so I am starting to write again, both for private and for public use.

I set my alter back up for the first time in ages. It’s a work in progress. I have some things that were given to me that I have saved and cherished; other things I’ve acquired over the last few months. There are some things I’ll buy and others I’ll make. I remind myself I don’t need any of it to actually practice, but I find certain things help my focus and concentration. I’ll post some pictures of my alter in the coming weeks as I get it ready for the full moon and Imbolc.

My library took a huge loss when I divorced too. My ex kept most of the pagan books and honestly, I’m fine with that, it freed me to build a library of my choosing. I’ve bought a lot of books over the last few months and I’m diving deep into my reading. While going through boxes in my cellar, I came across my course work from my year as a novice and initiation. I’m going to reread that and incorporate it into my library.

I’m not sure where my path will lead me, but I’m looking forward to walking it once again.