Religion is a funny old thing. Nobody wants to admit to having it. Instead many people, of all religious creeds, claim that theirs is a spiritual path.

Is there any real difference? I’m not sure. I suspect there is, seeing that so many people seem to want to disassociate themselves with religion. What is it though that makes people feel that a spiritual path is preferable?

Well, this is something I can only answer for myself – and I accept that my answer today might be different from my answer last month or my answer next year. For me, a spiritual path implies a certain amount of choice and flexibility. Religion however is often associated with a more fixed set of beliefs. And with a fixed set of beliefs often comes a fixed mindset, something that resists change even when its position has become untenable. I don’t think that we, as human beings, are ever going to have all the questions, let alone all the answers. I don’t trust politicians or religious leaders who claim otherwise.

So a path lets me wander. It lets me go at my own pace and discover for myself what goals I should set myself. Its weak point is that because it is flexible, it is open to manipulation by the unscrupulous. Relativism (which here I basically take to mean everything is equally valid) is great in theory but can lead to ‘1984’ situations. Once you lose your grip on what you believe someone else will step in and tell you that their beliefs are better than yours.

I think this explains the rise in solitary paganism/wicca/witchcraft/whatever. I am a solitary witch because I really prefer it that way. I can go at my own pace, set my own goals, and yes, make my own mistakes. I’m not forced to include a drum in my rituals if I don’t want to, I don’t have to wear fancy robes or go skyclad; I don’t have to do anything I don’t want. In fact, I don’t have to do anything at all. And there of course, is the rub. It’s all up to me at the end of the day. DO I want a spiritual path? Is the one I have worth following? Again – it’s up to me to answer those questions.

Pagans are often criticised for being too vague in their beliefs. Paganism is a huge umbrella term covering many shades of faith. Deep down there is something spiritual in most of us. Although it may never manifest itself as a spiritual path, or as a religion, it’s still there. Think of it as a tiny flame – a heart’s flame. We have the means of fanning that flame into life ourselves, or merely keeping it as it is, if we prefer. Then there are people who barge into your life and promise to ignite the flame for you, stamping on your heart’s flame and trying to light their own in its place. Sometimes all they succeed in doing is destroying the flames altogether.

Whether we consider we’re on a spiritual path or part of a religion is entirely up to us – and so it should be. But this is not a cop out. I firmly believe that if we are on a spiritual path we should be capable of defending it. It’s not good enough to say ‘This is what I believe, you mustn’t question this.’ Indeed, a good spiritual path encourages you to question yourself regularly. If you don’t you run the risk of dancing after the first charlatan that comes along and promises you enlightenment.

Minds are like umbrellas – they work best when they’re open.

Seeking the Green by Tylluan Penry, published soon by Capall Bann. For more info - watch this space!