Ritual work done nude, or skyclad as its known (clad only in the sky), is often something that many prospective Wiccan students fear and they’ll often ask “Do I have to be naked in ritual?” Their question and fear is common and it deserves some clear answers. Working naked is something that many solitary Wiccans and covens choose to do, largely because Gerald Gardner suggested that the best way to stand before the Gods and Goddesses was in your natural state without the social trappings and potential hierarchies of clothing. Different clothes say different things about people and we often make assumptions about people based on what they’re wearing which could be wildly wrong.

Look, there’s a simple answer to this question and it this. You NEVER have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Most traditional Gardnerian and Alexandrian covens ask you to go skyclad for the initiation ritual but many eclectic covens don’t. Talk to your prospective coven about their robes or skyclad policy and make a choice that suites you. After all this is YOUR religion too!

Smiles and blessings, Amethyst