Skyclad, Robes or...

[Faunus]

Since I'm preparing to perform my first ritual, I've been reading that you should never wear casual clothes. However, since I'm still somewhat in the broom closet and don't want my wife walking in on me in the nude (:hahugh:), what would be a good suggestion to wear? Personally, I'd like to wear something ceremonial, but since I'm just starting out and don't have $95 to spend on a robe from some online shop, I'm kind of in a lurch.

[aluokaloo]

i have special clothes that have a certain feel that i use ONLY for my rituals, in my case it's a spaghetti strap and long red skirt.

[Glowy]

hmmm. I always where my casusal clothes, maybe if I was with a group, I would attempt something fancier.. but I doubt it. I never understoodd the connection to what you have on and your workings. The only advice I would offer, is be comfortable, and respectful.

[~Elise~]

The difference is...when you wear something out of the normal is to make your Fetch stand up and take notice. THAT is the key to good magical workings.

You can wear something special with buying a robe. In Just Pagan or Pagan Spaces, there is a thread on T robes. They are relatively easy to make. That's something to keep in mind for the future.

For now, I'd wear something out of the ordinary for you. When I first started practicing...I held rituals in my walk in closet or outside when everyone was out of the house.

JMO and YMMV

Elise

[Lunacie]

My first group was small, a core group of only 4. We all bought t-shirts with a print of our totem or favorite animal (an owl, a bear, a buffalo, a wolf) and we wore those shirts only when we were doing ritual together. It really helps to get your mind around the fact that you are doing something special and different if you wear something special and different than everyday, but I do small rituals and workings every now and then during the day just wearing whatever I have on, and that works fine for me.

Oh, the nice thing about the t-shirts was that we could drive out to the lake (state park) and do a ritual on the shore without drawing a lot of odd looks as we looked pretty natural in our jeans and t-shirts.

[Faunus]

Thank you everyone who responded. That certainly gives me some things to think about. I do agree that it should be something out of the normal and need to scour my closet this weekend for something that might work (as long as I don't end up in my grim reaper cloak from several Halloweens ago. :hehehehe:).

[tellmethetruth]

I'm a solitary and I live in the woods. I wear my everyday clothes. I wouldn't wear my work clothes, but since I've got into all this my clothes have generally become more - "witchy" - so I feel great wearing them. If I don't feel clean, I take a bath first.

[Regulus]

Thank you everyone who responded. That certainly gives me some things to think about. I do agree that it should be something out of the normal and need to scour my closet this weekend for something that might work (as long as I don't end up in my grim reaper cloak from several Halloweens ago. :hehehehe:).

I was going to say, don't wear a cloak or robe of some sort. If she sees you nakie with candles and incense she might get frisky ideas. If she sees you in a cloak or robe, she might hit you with a broom not knowing whats going on.

[Happydeadkitty]

I say wear whatever you like. I only dress up when I'm feeling ambitious or I feel it's a really special ritual.

I understand still being in the broom closet, but I would think the one person you should be able to confide in is your wife.

Good Luck!
HDK

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

The difference is...when you wear something out of the normal is to make your Fetch stand up and take notice. THAT is the key to good magical workings.

Is this Fetch as in the magical construct, or Fetch as in boy handmaiden? Rest assured that as a Fetch of the second variety, if the priestess walks into the Circle wearing a very unusual robe that I certainly do notice ;)

Fetches notice everything that happens in a ritual context. It's our job :P

[Fiamma]

Since I'm preparing to perform my first ritual, I've been reading that you should never wear casual clothes.


Eh, maybe if you're adhering to some super-strict tradition with a dress code?

If you're doing your own ritual, wear what you're most comfortable with. If you're comfortable, your clothes won't be a distraction. If you're not comfortable, it will.

[~Elise~]

Is this Fetch as in the magical construct, or Fetch as in boy handmaiden? Rest assured that as a Fetch of the second variety, if the priestess walks into the Circle wearing a very unusual robe that I certainly do notice ;)

Fetches notice everything that happens in a ritual context. It's our job :P

Neither of those mentioned...Fetch is Inner Child...or whatever term it is that you use for that.

Fetch is who communicates directly with Higher (God) Self...that is who needs to be paying attention during magical workings.

Elise

[Faunus]

I understand still being in the broom closet, but I would think the one person you should be able to confide in is your wife.

Good Luck!
HDK

My wife semi-knows, but not to the full extent...yet. Very loooong story.

[ainecrea]

I think it is only important if it really changes your mindset. When at home I'll wear normal clothes because I'm already in the mindset of ritual. With our coven I'll wear more ritual based clothing to go along with everyone else.

[cheddarsox]

Here is a cheap and simple way to make a ritual 'robe'.

You can make it short or long, depends on your taste. Go to a fabric store, find a fabric that looks right to you, solid or print, that speaks to you of ritual.

If you want a short robe buy two yards, if you want a long robe, buy three and a half.

When you get home fold the fabric in half with the fold on the short length.

cut up one half right in the middle from the bottom to the fold. That is your front opening. Now, sew up the side edges up to about 12 inches from the top. That leaves a hole on either side for your arms to go through. Fold over the edge of the front cut and seam it so it wont ravel (there are some fabrics that you can get away with not even having to do that)

There you go, now you have a nice flowy ritual robe, you can use a belt to cinch it closed if you like, you can even make one by cutting a couple of inches of fabric from the bottom and using that.

You can make a ritual out of the creating of it. Sew intent into every stitch,

If you can't sew, or don't care to, you can use fabric glue to achieve the same end, and still have the ritual of creating it yourself. You can get fabric glue where you get the cloth.

[Faunus]

Here is a cheap and simple way to make a ritual 'robe'.

You can make it short or long, depends on your taste. Go to a fabric store, find a fabric that looks right to you, solid or print, that speaks to you of ritual.

If you want a short robe buy two yards, if you want a long robe, buy three and a half.

When you get home fold the fabric in half with the fold on the short length.

cut up one half right in the middle from the bottom to the fold. That is your front opening. Now, sew up the side edges up to about 12 inches from the top. That leaves a hole on either side for your arms to go through. Fold over the edge of the front cut and seam it so it wont ravel (there are some fabrics that you can get away with not even having to do that)

There you go, now you have a nice flowy ritual robe, you can use a belt to cinch it closed if you like, you can even make one by cutting a couple of inches of fabric from the bottom and using that.

You can make a ritual out of the creating of it. Sew intent into every stitch,

If you can't sew, or don't care to, you can use fabric glue to achieve the same end, and still have the ritual of creating it yourself. You can get fabric glue where you get the cloth.

Thanks for that cheddarsox that give me something to think about. :)

[Whitewolf]

I say wear whatever you like. I only dress up when I'm feeling ambitious or I feel it's a really special ritual.

I understand still being in the broom closet, but I would think the one person you should be able to confide in is your wife.

Good Luck!
HDK
I agree. Wear whatever you like and what makes you feel comfortable.

[Sequoia]

Having ritual clothes can help bring YOUR attention to the ritual more completely, but I don't think it's a requirement for ritual.

For example, many people can do workings "on the fly", while out and about, IE knot magic, or shielding.

But I suppose for a full-on ritual, it might be nice to have something "different" to wear, even if it's just a special ritual t-shirt, like Lunacie said.

I think your intent is the most important thing of all. Don't forget to wear that!

[Agaliha]

Have you thought of going to a thrift store (Value Village, Goodwill, etc) and seeing if there's anything you could use for your rituals? They'd be cheaper than an online (Pagan) store or a brand new robe/outfit. You can find all kinds of things at thrift store too, for tools, altars etc. I know I have. (Not to mention nearly all the books I buy come from there).

It might be worth a look! :)

[Faunus]

Have you thought of going to a thrift store (Value Village, Goodwill, etc) and seeing if there's anything you could use for your rituals? They'd be cheaper than an online (Pagan) store or a brand new robe/outfit. You can find all kinds of things at thrift store too, for tools, altars etc. I know I have. (Not to mention nearly all the books I buy come from there).

It might be worth a look! :)

That's not a bad idea either. Thanks for the suggestion. :)

[Moonlight's Daughter]

When I do ritual (not very often) I tend to work skyclad. However if I do where clothes its something clean, comfortable and put aside for just that purpose ( I only use those clothes for ritual) it helps put me in that frame of mind.

I dont wear robes or flowy things..just in case I light myself on fire! lol (candles)

[Louisvillian]

Wear what you feel comfortable in. If that means casual clothes, then go for it.
Unless whoever you are in a ritual with has a dress code, of course.

But, other than that, I think people should wear whatever.

[Toki Wartooth]

I wear what I'm already wearing in the first place, unless I just came out of the shower and have the time to do something then.

You could always wear something that isn't quite a robe or just clothing, like a headdress, mini diadem, or headband, etc. You could also use shawls or scarves or some other head/torso covering.

[~Belladonna~]

Since I'm preparing to perform my first ritual, I've been reading that you should never wear casual clothes. However, since I'm still somewhat in the broom closet and don't want my wife walking in on me in the nude (:hahugh:), what would be a good suggestion to wear? Personally, I'd like to wear something ceremonial, but since I'm just starting out and don't have $95 to spend on a robe from some online shop, I'm kind of in a lurch.

9/10 times I wear my pj's for ritual work :hahugh: If it's something really special though I'll wear my cloak and go starkers underneath :thumbsup:

I always make sure I'm clean and showered before I step into my ritual wear i.e. my pj's lol, and if it's not fesable for me to have a shower then I'll definitely wash my hands, feet and face in the sink so I'm all fresh and ready to work some serious magick, ritual or whatever it is.
I've tried not showering/washing before a ritual and it just didn't feel right. It was like I was bringing all the baggage of a hectic day into Circle and it wasn't good..... food for thought, maybe!

[Lunacie]

Washing/showering is one good way to mentally release all the baggage of the day so we can concentrate on connecting with the divine energy. Many groups do a cleansing ritual as the participants enter the circle, using either salt+water or sage smoke, something of that sort. One can very simply do a psychic sweep of their aura, accomplishing the same thing. It's not necessary for all the small devotions or meditations that we do as we go through our day, but when we're going to do some serious work it's good to be fresh and undistracted.

[Modesty]

I would say definitely go skyclad. Don't worry if she walks in on you after all, she is your wife and I'm sure she has seen you in your birthday suit on more than one occasion. But if you feel uncomfortable like that, go buy yourself about 2 yards of white material and make your own robe. Doesn't have to be fancy, or have a hood, or have any embroidery on it, and you won't need any cords since you are doing it alone.

In my opinion though, I wouldn't wear just everyday casual clothes. Being in circle is completely different than say, riding in your car, being at work, watching tv, etc. It is a quiet bonding between you and the gods. It is your time to ask them what it is you need. When entering a gods temple, your own temple should be cleansed and free of debris and outside influence.

Just my two cents.

Blessings, Modesty

[Shawn Blackwolf]

Why white , Modesty ?

In my tradition , white is death ...red life...black...the womb...

Among other atributions...


I would say definitely go skyclad. Don't worry if she walks in on you after all, she is your wife and I'm sure she has seen you in your birthday suit on more than one occasion. But if you feel uncomfortable like that, go buy yourself about 2 yards of white material and make your own robe. Doesn't have to be fancy, or have a hood, or have any embroidery on it, and you won't need any cords since you are doing it alone.

In my opinion though, I wouldn't wear just everyday casual clothes. Being in circle is completely different than say, riding in your car, being at work, watching tv, etc. It is a quiet bonding between you and the gods. It is your time to ask them what it is you need. When entering a gods temple, your own temple should be cleansed and free of debris and outside influence.

Just my two cents.

Blessings, Modesty

[Modesty]

White is considered an all purpose color. Not to mention you can find any shade of white for cheap anywhere that sells material. Walmart (the clearance section of fabric) for a 1.00/yard. Can't go wrong there.

:O)


Why white , Modesty ?

In my tradition , white is death ...red life...black...the womb...

Among other atributions...

[Shawn Blackwolf]

White is considered an all purpose color. Not to mention you can find any shade of white for cheap anywhere that sells material. Walmart (the clearance section of fabric) for a 1.00/yard. Can't go wrong there.

:O)

Good enough for most , I guess...mine is black wool...and one of
black linen...I don't wear white , normally...

Thanks for the answer...:thumbsup:

[Modesty]

I don't wear a lot of white either, not even working in the hospital. Most of my scrubs are black. I've just always stuck with my white robe. I believe since it was my first robe and I sewed it by hand when I was in the Georgian coven in California that is has a special meaning to me.

kind of like the little kid with the blanket they don't ever want to let go. :O)

[iceskater12]

Honestly?
I wear sweats. I think what matters is that your comfortable and not restrained. Also, dangling sleeves, I've seen those catch fire.

I got a cape/robe sort of thing that I wear over it when doing rituals. That was the expensive thing.

[Chaos Hawk]

Honestly?
I wear sweats. I think what matters is that your comfortable and not restrained. Also, dangling sleeves, I've seen those catch fire.

I got a cape/robe sort of thing that I wear over it when doing rituals. That was the expensive thing.


yeah...I've gotten my clothes set on fire...but I've had sparks from fires popping shoot off and hit my bare skin too which also sucked.

I say, wear what you are comfortable in.

[kaosxmage]

Wear what's comfortable and gets you in a good mindset. Remember, it's what works for you.

I've never been much for robes or skyclad. Neither option makes me feel anything special for ritual purposes.

Try surrounding yourself with the sights, sounds, and smells of what your trying to attempt. Surround yourself with the mystical, magical, creepshow or try a little flower, love, and light. No matter. A good mind altering environment will produce far greater reward than what you've covered or elected to uncover your body. :thumbsup:

Good Luck!

--Kaos

[iceskater12]

yeah...I've gotten my clothes set on fire...but I've had sparks from fires popping shoot off and hit my bare skin too which also sucked.

I say, wear what you are comfortable in.


Yes, I've caught my hair on fire.

That wasn't fun at all.

After that my dad made me get a haircut, and my sister's have to wear their hair back.

[Chaos Hawk]

I always wear my hair back because it's long and gets in the way. But really my feelings are right along with what kaosxmage said. It's about the environment and how it affects your mind set.

[iceskater12]

I always wear my hair back because it's long and gets in the way. But really my feelings are right along with what kaosxmage said. It's about the environment and how it affects your mind set.

I agree completely.

I personally don't think it matters, just being there surronded by candles and raising energy is special to me. I don't think it's ever been about material items. I've seen people draw candles in the dirt with a stick, works just as well.