Skyclad.

I know that going skyclad is an issue for some people, but I think that it is something that every Wiccan should try atleast once, even if that one time is during a solitary ritual. I say this because going skyclad means a great deal to me and I try to as often as I can, but, like so many others, I would most definately shy away from the group experience.
I think that many people have grown up around this thing where, being without clothes tends to make the mind think that it is wrong or that other people are judging you based upon your looks and unfortunately there are a great many of us who are afraid of what other people might think.
But in all seriousness when we practice our religion we are there for religious reasons. To worship and to do great things. Sometimes it helps to remember that when it comes to shedding your clothes. And while I must admit that there are people out there who are looking at you and probably judging you on your looks, I wish that it were not so. Humans have been judging each other based upon there looks for many generations, its a very bad habit and one that needs to stop. When we get into the circle no one actually came there to find a date, atleast that shouldn't be why they are there.
All too often I believe that there are some people who try to get into Wicca for the wrong reasons and that tends to Dull the beauty of the religion for those of us who are in it for the religious aspects.
I wrote this because my girlfriend has a few issues with being skyclad. And while I'm fine with people who choose to wear clothing I feel sorry for those who have low self esteems placed there by the rest of society.
Metaphor( Sometimes when you find yourself slipping towards the edge of a cliff, instead of becoming worried and starting to panic and doing everything within your power to remain on the cliff, prehaps the easier thing would be to close your eyes, turn, face that fear, and jump.) That was a metaphor by the way.
I don't really have any real words of advice to offer those with problems feeling comfortable being skyclad all I can really say is those who would judge you based on your looks are people who should really be ignored, possibly because of their deminutive brains, smiles. And those you suspect are flirting with you based on your looks should probably be twice ignored. I mean if any of us had to be with anyone, wouldn't we want it to be with those who truely care for us.

I don't know, what do you think? Let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Walter Foster on October 21, 2009 at 2:10am: As a practicing Wiccan for 20 years, I have been skyclad in many rituals. However these have only been with the coven I belonged to, or in covens where I was envited and where I felt comfortable. As a solitare I try to do all of my ritual work skyclad, but at times life can intrude. However, there are thoes that are uncomfortable with the practice, weather by temperment, body image, whatever, yet they can still have a full relationship, either in coven or solitare. My personal beliefs are mine, and I do not impose. If I am going into circle with someone uncomfortable with skyclad, then the whole group will be clothed. I will not exclude them. We all have our little quirks, and the goddess loves us all. But I also think that all should try it atleast once, just to see the difference in energy. Merry meet all; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Indigo Saint on October 21, 2009 at 1:46pm: Thank you for your thoughts and words Walter they were most kind. Blessed Be.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Desert Rain on October 26, 2009 at 9:39pm: I agree. I absolutely love practicing skyclad in the woods, a field, or my back yard (I have a privacy fence) in solitary. I'd be open to trying it in a group.

When I am in the buff, I feel like I am touching something very ancient. The weather is getting colder now, so I move indoors. But there is nothing like casting a circle in the nude. The coyotes and dogs are howling in the background as I type this on my Blackberry outside. I lovely sign from Mother.

Some people call it a gimmick, or think we're nudists for practicing skyclad, but when solitary or with a group, the bond with nature and I can only assume members of a group, are maginified beyond belief.

Skyclad is one of the things that has helped me get past the pain I endured from my christian background. I came out of extremely fundamentalist denomination where women never cut their hair, wore make up or jewelry, or wore pants, and men without a suit and tie were considered unbelievers.

When I am skyclad, I am truely free as the Godess says.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Red on November 4, 2009 at 5:09pm: I always wondered if the ones before us went skyclad and if so what did they do in the winter? If you have your rituals outdoors there's always the weather. Sunburn, bug bites, frost bit in places you shouldn't be frost bit. lol

I have done my solitary rituals skyclad and have not noticed any difference in feelings or results between being skyclad or not being skyclad. I guess it's a personal thing. lol; ▶ Reply to This