For me, the difference between a Solitary Pagan and an Independent Pagan is more than just practicing alone. It's about a conscious decision to step away from community and share my spiritual journey only with myself, grounded in classical literature, academic study, and personal experience. My faith is shaped by ancient texts, not modern trends or the influence of others. While I respect the path of Solitary Pagans, who still seek connection and community, my practice is entirely mine—without the need for validation or shared experience.

For me, the names of my gods are sacred. I don’t share their names publicly because doing so would dilute the reverence I have for them. My connection with these gods is not for public consumption—it is a quiet, sacred space where their names hold the power of trust, love, and devotion. To honor them fully, I keep their names close, only sharing them in moments of true connection, where I can offer the respect they deserve.

This morning, I received an email from one of the religious communities I used to be part of, and it reminded me just how far I’ve come. I didn’t leave because I lost faith—I left because I found it. The deeper I went into my spiritual practice, the more I realized that the structures of organized religion couldn’t contain what I had built within myself. My path is still rooted in the same faith, but I no longer subscribe to the religion that once defined it. Here’s why embracing my spirituality meant walking away from the community that first nurtured it.