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Sky-Clad - What's the story ?
THE PAGAN AWARENESS NETWORK of Australia (PAN Inc) has assembled
this information
to educate newcomers about a facet of Pagan practices that many
may find confronting or just plain weird: ritual nudity, also
known as working ‘sky-clad’.
Many Pagans, especially those involved in traditional Wicca,
perform their rituals and ceremonies sky-clad, or naked. This is
a legitimate custom that pre-dates modern attitudes towards the
human body. Sky-clad rituals occur in different contexts: small
groups in private homes, large public Pagan festivals, in
same-sex groups, mixed groups, and family-based
covens.
People actually do this ? Why ? Many Pagans don’t accept
the standard Western moral taboos regarding the naked human
body. They regard these taboos as unhealthy and unnatural. Pagan
groups and individuals may choose to work sky-clad for a number
of reasons – usually the intent is to make a self-empowering and
positive statement that there is nothing shameful about the
human form.
Many Pagans view the naked female body as symbolising the Goddess, and the naked male body as symbolising
the God. It is a reminder that the Sacred exists in all of us.
In closed covens, working sky-clad can foster feelings of trust
and equality – there are no social distinctions when clothing is
laid aside. Many traditionally-minded Pagans claim that working
sky-clad enables one to better raise and direct magickal energy.
Is it compulsory ? Definitely not. Not all Pagans choose to work
this way.
It is an optional experience. If you are interested in joining a
coven or other group, you should establish straight away whether skyclad work is part of that group’s activities. If the idea
doesn’t appeal to you, look for a group that practices clothed
instead.
Is there sex involved ?
No. Unless the specific purpose of the rite is sex magick or
similar, sky-clad rituals are no more sexual in nature than
clothed rituals. Being sky-clad during ritual does not EVER of
itself imply a sexual invitation or expectation. What if I don’t
have a good body? You DO have a good body. Modern culture
pressures us to be ashamed of our bodies because we don’t
conform to some impossible ideal of physical beauty. Many Pagans
are aware of this cultural “imprinting” and consciously reject
it. I’d like to try it, but the idea freaks me out.
How do I get over the fear of being naked in front of others?
Talk to Pagans you trust who have gone sky-clad. Be honest about
your fears and expectations. Ask them what their first time
sky-clad was like. Chances are they quickly got over their
initial fear and joined in
with gusto.
Remember, you don’t have to do ANYTHING that makes
you feel uncomfortable. No one should be judged by their
preference for sky-clad or robed
ceremonies. What if someone laughs? That is a BIG no-no in Pagan
circles. It is considered a
gross breach of etiquette to laugh or make remarks, as this
debases the sacred context and group trust. Will everyone look?
In that situation it’s pretty hard not to. People are
naturally curious.
If you get a sleazy vibe, though, listen to
your instincts. Cover up and/or leave the Circle. What if I get
cold? Put your clothes back on. I’m a guy. What happens if I get
a hard-on during a sky-clad ritual? Not a lot. Experienced
Pagans know that there is
nothing shameful or embarrassing about something as natural as
human sexuality. As long as you’re not acting in a way that is
threatening or offensive, it shouldn’t be an issue. If you are
worried, speak in advance to the group leader. A good leader
won’t laugh at you for
seeking advice. It’s possible that someone present may feel
confronted if the situation . . . err . . . arises, but if so
they have the option to leave. As do you, if you feel awkward or
uncomfortable. Can I just strip down to my underwear? Discuss it
with the group leaders. Chances are you’ll feel silly being the
only one and quickly get the rest off.
What if I’m photographed
without permission? This is a risk at some Pagan festivals
(although many strictly prohibit cameras.) Ask the organisers in
advance what their policy on photographs is. If you see cameras
in evidence, approach the people concerned and politely ask them
to respect your right to privacy. Most people will. Speak to the
organisers if you still have concerns.
When in doubt, the safest
course of action is to stay dressed. I’m under 18. Can I join a
coven that works sky-clad? Sorry. No ethical group or teacher
will let you participate in a sky-clad rite if you’re under 18.
This is for their protection as well as yours – Pagans have
to deal with enough bad press as it is, and nobody wants to face
hysterical accusations of pedophilia or ritual abuse.
Be VERY
wary of any group or teacher who allows or encourages U/18’s to
work sky-clad with adults. Of course, if you’re under 18, there
is nothing
stopping you from practicing sky-clad as a solitary. Just make
sure you lock the door, unless you want some awkward questions
from your Mum . . .
PAGAN FESTIVALS: GETTING YOUR
GEAR OFF WITH STRANGERS!
Some Pagan festivals are
‘clothing optional’ – this means you can be dressed, undressed,
or anything in between. People often take the opportunity to
wear body ochres, paint themselves, wear masks etc. Many
newcomers find it easier to go sky-clad for the first time at a
festival – the relative anonymity of being part of a large group
of naked people can make ‘taking the plunge’ less confronting. A
few clothing-optional festivals are all-ages events.
If you are
taking children you should warn them in advance that they might
see things they’re
not used to. Also, be aware that even at clothing optional
events there may be times when clothing is compulsory – for
example, naked people may not be permitted in kitchens for
health and safety reasons. If you go to a festival and are
unsure of the dress code,
ask one of the organisers. Many festivals, especially
adults-only events, supply a ‘Code of
Conduct’ to attendees and it is important to read this material
in advance.
ETIQUETTE – WHAT
NOT TO DO IN THE BUFF
There are
a few rules of etiquette relating to Pagan rituals that are well
known to most experienced Pagans. They apply equally to sky-clad
and clothed rituals. These rules include, but are not limited
to:
• Many rituals call for participants to hold hands. Other than
this, keep your hands to yourself unless clearly and
unambiguously invited.
• Never make remarks about another person’s physical appearance.
• Never take photos of people without their prior consent. This
includes anyone in the background.
• What happens in Circle stays there – don’t discuss with
someone who wasn’t there what other people did, unless it
somehow affects you (i.e. if you felt unsafe and now want
impartial advice.)
RITES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
THE LAW
For information on
personal safety and sexual assault prevention, please see the
“Safety in the Circle” pamphlet, also produced by the Pagan
Awareness Network Inc.
REMEMBER: It is ILLEGAL for anyone to touch you in an
inappropriate manner without your prior consent. This is true
irrespective of whether you are at a clothed or a sky-clad
ritual.
Be aware also that laws exist in each state of Australia and NZ
concerning public decency: it is illegal to be caught naked in a
public place. A public place is any place you might reasonably
expect to be seen by a member of the public. This can include
private property – a back yard with high fences is unlikely to
be regarded as a public place, but the front garden in view of
the street is a different matter. Privacy is the key to any
successful sky-clad ritual. |
