Unfortunately, our paths were not to be smooth ones, there were many rocks in our way but we all tried our hardest to clamber over them.  We still hadn’t met the rest of the Coven as our Priestess kept us apart.  One day Poet rang me and said she had a problem that she needed to discuss with us.  All sorts of terrible thoughts ran through our minds as my friend and I made our way to Poet’s.  There was a ruction in the Coven and some major Bitchcraft had been taking place.  Us newbies were shielded in effect as we were not very involved with the main coven members.  We were like a branch growing from the trunk of a tree.  That day I saw Poetwitch cry, laugh, scream and sob again.  It was hard to see her like that.  Thankfully she explained the situation to us and we had to make a decision about whom we wanted to learn with…. Poet or the priest and Priestess.  There was no contest, I did not want to the Dragon to teach me, I didn’t even know her properly.  Poet was my tutor; I liked the way she taught and how her lessons were relaxed. It was very different in the Dragon’s Lair.  The rest of the Coven had to make this decision also but gladly it was unanimous, we all walked away.  Poet became our Priestess as well as our teacher, the whole group became one.  We were no longer segregated.  It was so nice to be able to put faces to the names.  There were all walks of life in our Coven and everyone was interested in different branches of the Craft.  It was a good that it was so eclectic because any query had several different points of view in reply.  We could make up our own minds which answers felt right to us.  The more experienced members agreed to go over old ground for our sakes and we began to meet regularly as a group. However, the river was still not flowing smoothly and certain members still had some bitchcraft flowing through their veins.  More trouble brewed and once again I saw my sisters shout and cry.  We divided once more but continued as a smaller group and became happy and content once more. By now we were attending circles.  Although my path had been rough, my first circle sealed my faith and made me sure I was a child of the Earth.  The experience was excellent and one that I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my days.  My first circle was Samhain and for the New Year a new part of me was born.  I looked forward to what waited for me and not what I had already passed by.  I had something that I believed in totally and that I knew was true.  Many of my past illusions of truth and love had been shattered a little while before I began walking the path, but now I had something that I believed in and could focus on.  At this point I would like to thank my sisters for helping me find that part of me. We continued peacefully for a while and had some great Sabbats, Yule, Imbolc & Ostara.
	Around Beltane things became bumpy again, but this time the problems were centred on my friend and I.  We had had a difference of opinion and things became irreparable.  It was a very difficult situation; I was so desperate to continue on my path but the obstacle that was before me overwhelmed me. At times I seriously doubted my Craft and myself.  I didn’t want to confront the situation, as I was scared of what the outcome would be. I thought of walking away but my Craft meant too much to me and being a typical Taurus, I was too stubborn to let it beat me.  I took a step back, kept my head down and dug my heels in.  I did not want to put my sisters through it all for a third time; I had too much respect for them to do that!  I was still thinking of leaving the coven but I was afraid that I would lose my direction.  I had learnt so much with these girls and my life had changed for the better.  I did not want to lose my direction or myself. This was probably the second hardest time in my life but I was determined to just soldier through it.  I could leave our differences at the Temple door; unfortunately my friend could not do this.  My stubbornness paid off for once and she decided to leave. I thought the Gods and Goddesses had answered my prayers to end the problem, and they did but with consequences.  Poet decided to call it a day as a Coven and the remaining five members all began walking solitary paths.  At first I was angry, hurt, scared and lost by this decision. So much had happened in the last couple of months and my head was in a jumble.  Fortunately I went abroad on holiday a couple of days after this event, I spent most of the days bathed in warm sunshine having a good hard think.  I read several craft books whilst I was away and learned a lot.  I realised that this shouldn’t affect as it was.  I knew the basics; I knew I that I was a Witch, and I realised that I could walk the path alone and do what I felt was true to me. I just had to follow my heart.  All those books that I was buying could finally get read and I could guide myself.  I just had to get organised. I spent time on the beach at Litha gazing at the moon and the stars.  I spoke to my sisters and swapped Midsummer greetings, it was all I could do being on holiday, but I felt I had paid homage to the Sabbat and had sent my respect to the God and Goddess for getting me through this hard time. It was on that day that it finally sunk in.  I am a Witch, I don’t need anyone to tell me I am or show me how to be one.  If I follow my heart and all that is true to me, there will be no more rocks to climb over.  I will walk it how I feel is right and will learn from my past but also look forward to the future, for Mother Earth still has much to teach me. I would like to say a big thank you and send all my love to Andrew, as without him I would not of learned who I am! May the Gods and Goddesses look after you always, Poet, WillowHawk and Artemis!  I love you all dearly and want to thank you for all your help and guidance.