To Wear Clothes? OR Not to Wear Clothes? That is the Question.

I truly enjoy hearing others talk about their spiritual practices.

I decided to start a thread about a subject I enjoy, Ritual Clothing!

Over the past few years, I have created and used ritual clothing for my spiritual practice. I do this because I found that when I put on a special garment I am dropped into the mind-set required for Magick and ritual. I simply feel more ready when I dress myself in beautiful gowns, robes, and other pieces of clothing I create.

Within the past year I have started making ritual clothing for others in the Pagan community. It appears that many other people are also seeking the same feeling I get when I put on a special garment. I have found that they love to feel the material and they instantly feel good inside as they place a piece of clothing on their body.

In my contemplating the debate between practicing Sky Clad verses clothed I realize that I much prefer ritual clothing. I still practice Sky Clad on occasion, but I more enjoy the extra energy I receive from my ritual clothing.

I suppose I should explain myself… I see ritual clothing as a tool, much like an Athame, Wand, etc. When I create clothing for ritual purpose, I willfully infuse the garment with the required intent. When I am making something for another person that person sits with me, goes fabric shopping with me, and discusses their needs and desires for the garment I am about to create. Knowing their needs and intent is crucial to infusing something with energy.

From the moment I begin lay out the garment design right up until put on the finishing touches; I focus on the intent. Some garments take days to complete so naturally the will be more exhausting. So why bother?

Working Sky Clad doesn’t require this level of concentration or work. So why not always work Sky Clad (aside from obvious social issues/limitations)? Why not take the easy road whenever necessary?

What is your opinion on wearing special clothing for Magickal workings, Ritual, Energy Work, etc? How often do you wear special clothing for ritual, Magick, etc.?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

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Permalink Reply by Florasol on December 21, 2007 at 11:57am

I usually practice sky clad but I can understand perfectly well what you mean about ritual clothing. If I just knew how, I'd make myself some. When I feel like donning something similar, I use a black embroidered silk tunic my coworker Christina gave me when I told her I was a pagan (and she was the first to know, so her reaction was somehow perceived as an omen by me... she didn't judge, didn't scorn, and gave me this lovely silk tunic!)

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Permalink Reply by Leandra Witchwood on December 21, 2007 at 5:13pm

WOW! That is so nice! She sounds like a ownderful person!

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Permalink Reply by d'Arqstar on December 22, 2007 at 12:19am

I MOSTLY work skyclad, but there ARE times when its impractical if not downright uncomfortable! LOL! In those instances I also don garments I've created especially for such occasions and keep ONLY for those times. And yes, I too feel that special sensation of getting into that "mindset" when I put them on. Truly, I listen to what instinct or insight tells me and act accordingly. I DON'T necessarily believe that "Magick" is influenced or hampered by clothing, that it's choked off by less than 100% natural fibers and all that, but to each his own and for those who do, that's fine by me!
I'm sure that the more work, attention to detail, and intent I put into making such garments serves to enhance their energies and if they make me feel good what could be better? But for those who don't sew, I also believe that you can buy perfectly good garments and "consecrate" them according to your own beliefs and they'll serve their purpose fine too!
BB
d'Arqstar

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Permalink Reply by Laira on October 4, 2008 at 12:11pm

Don't allow yourself to accept the modern template for "normal". YOu are beautiful, inside, and out... allow yourself to see what others do.

I need to repeat this daily as a mantra! Thank you!

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Permalink Reply by Angji on July 20, 2008 at 10:57pm

you look vetter than Ido after one LOL

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Permalink Reply by Lady Azaria on October 4, 2008 at 12:06pm

I have had 5 kids..I feel your pain totally..Gravity is the most evil force on earth, especially for my breasts..:D..

Lady A~~~~

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Permalink Reply by Blodeuwedd on November 23, 2008 at 9:11pm

Wow~they just don't look the same....its tragic. I get sad just thinking about it now.(sniff)

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Permalink Reply by )O( TheZooQueen )O( on October 7, 2008 at 2:37pm

LOL I have only had 1 and I feel the same way!!!

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Permalink Reply by Celticlass...FAERIE QUEEN on October 7, 2008 at 2:46pm

Oh my......I'm sure you both look awesom! Skyclad has nothing to do with what your body looks like,it is getting close to nature and oneness with the Goddess or your deity.

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Permalink Reply by Merbear2009 on November 23, 2008 at 9:04pm

I only have one as well, but I have the stretch marks to prove it!! LOL True my body will never be the exact same as when I first got pregnant five years ago, but I have womanly curves now. I'm in the mother stage of my life even if it happened a little early and I want all the benefits that come with that. Including curves in all the right or wrong places. I have been to festivals where there were a multitude of variously shaped nekkid wiccans whoopin it up! I'll tell you to me all of them looked wonderful, because none of them were self conscious. Our bodies are temples to the Gods, and to them there is no mold, and there is no "normal". Remember our souls are shaped by who we are not our dress sizes! (and I'm sure you are all beautiful in your own way!!)

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Permalink Reply by Kaellanna on December 22, 2007 at 11:32am

I work clothed most times--but I don't really wear anything special either. Probably because most of my "rituals" are done in public parks while walking.

As far as skyclad goes--er no. Not even at my ideal weight. Just too uncomfortable for me.

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Permalink Reply by Leandra Witchwood on December 22, 2007 at 12:24pm

I agree clothing give us comfort and belonging, just as if made your husband feel uncomfortable on the flip side.

I feel clothing is personal, especially when it is made just for you. I made two cloaks for a woman who wears hers all over her wooden property, to gatherings, on vacation and even to the store. She no longer cares what people think. She LOVES them. She says that when she puts them on she feels empowered and unafraid! One I made her looks much like the picture above. It is a black and red reversible made with a heavy fleece and cotton.

When I make clothing for other people, I try to make it affordable and comfortable. I always had the need to wear comfortable clothing when I work and I see that others feel the same.

Care is another concern. If you have to dry-clean the fabric using un-environmentally friendly methods then perhaps that defeats the purpose of wearing the garment. Of course not everyone shares these views and prefer to wear what ever speaks to them directly.

A good example are Natural fabrics. Many times cottons do not hold color well. Cotton is easy to care for but fades easily. I notice that color is a very important element in ritual and spell work. If color was not meant to be important to us then we would be color blind. At least this is my opinion, LOL.

When it comes down to choosing the right clothing for a ritual or spell work, one must choose what best suites his/her needs.

Do you wish to have something that is easy care? If so, I suggest cotton cloth or a cotton blend.
Do you need something that is cost effective? Choose a simple design for the garment and a Cotton Blend fabric.
Do you want beauty and flair? I would do for a Velvet, Silk, or another fine fabric.
Do you need something warm and durable? I would suggest using a wool, wool blend, or fleece fabric.

Other things to consider, as mentioned previously is weather. If you wear that Fleece or a heavy velvet cloak in Summer you will be hot and miserable. The opposite is said for wearing thin and breathable fabrics in winter.

A good example is tonight my Grove and I are Celebrating Yule outdoors. I had hoped for Snow but we didn’t get any so we will be praying that it doesn’t get too windy or end up being too damp. In light of this I plan to dress in layers. I will have long-underwear under my white cotton ritual robe, my heavy velvet cloak, gloves, and my hood drawn! Brrr, thinking about it already makes me feel cold! There is no way any of us would be Sky Clad for this ritual, Not even our one Grove mate who usually gets naked at the drop of a hat! LOL