Going Skyclad

Going skyclad is a traditional expression for performing rituals naked,
in the nude, in your birthday suit, in the buff, unclothed, disrobed…
you get the picture. It’s not as common a practice today as it once was,
but many traditional (Gardnerian) covens still operate this way.

The reasons for going skyclad are many and varied:

Clothing blocks energy (according to some people)

Being nude represents the deep trust between coven members

Lack of robes removes all indications of rank, and therefore places all
members as equals

Shows the level of commitment to the Craft and one’s coven

There is nothing sexual about performing rituals in the nude

You or your coven may agree with one or more of these reasons, or have
other reasons altogether.

The original reference to the practice of skyclad rituals comes from the
1897 text by Charles Leland, “Aradia, Gospel of the Witches”. It’s
reflected again in the more modern version, “The Charge of the Goddess”,
by Doreen Valiente. The line reads: “…as a sign that you are free, you
shall be naked in your rites.”

If you are a solitary, the choice is yours. Do not feel that you must go
skyclad, because that’s what ‘real’ witches do. Feeling uncomfortable
during ritual will only detract from your purpose. So if you feel
awkward being naked even though you are alone, then cover up.

If you are considering joining a coven and they perform their rituals
skyclad, but you do not feel comfortable with it, find another coven. Do
not expect any group to bend their rules for you. Also, a coven that
follows this practice should be upfront about it when you first approach
for membership. Any group that springs this on you after you have joined
is unethical and not a group you want to be involved with.

Beltane Ritual
Lady Bridget and Lady Therese 1997

Cleanse area with besom.

Cast the circle in your usual manner.

Cleanse and bless the participants in your usual manner.

INVOKE WATCHTOWERS:

EAST - water

All Hail to thee, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

East, the powers of water. The tides of the ocean, where

all life began, the rivers and streams that feed and

nourish the earth. When we thirst, let your tears fall

upon us as gentle rain. Thou art the dark sea from which

all life comes, and unto which all life returns. We call

you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

SOUTH - air

All Hail to thee, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

South, the powers of air. The gentle breezes that soften

winter’s chill and the cleansing force of the gale

winds. Oh, ye of the South Wind, place of storms and

breath of life. In the coolness of the breeze we hear

your sighs, and in the rushing of the wind. We call you

now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

WEST - fire

All Hail to thee, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

West, the powers of fire. The spark of lust which leads

to all Creation, the Sacred Fire of Life. Flame of

power, burning bright, giving guidance in the night.

Love is the inner spark, the light that burns without

flicker, the amber glow within. We call you now to aid

us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

NORTH - earth

All Hail to thee, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

North, the powers of earth. The womb of the Earth

Mother, dark protection of the new seed. The shelter of

the stag and the new born fawn. Carpet of fallen leaves

be our bed. The soil that is the flesh, the mountain

that is the breast, and the earth that is the bone of

the world. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So

Mote It Be.

(At this time the watchtowers have been called in and we

now prepare to call upon the Gods and Goddesses. We have

called upon a Goddess and God from each direction for

this ritual.)

INVOKING THE GODDESSES AND THE GODS

(face east)

Oh, Goddesses of all beginnings, Cybele, Astarte,

Yameya, Isis, be among us now in your aspect as Maiden

of the Forest and Sea. The fair one who brings joy and

new life to break the winter’s stillness and silence. Oh

virgin child of sunrise, wild mistress of the hunt,

Artemis of the mountains, and Aphrodite of the oceans,

we ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness

our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face south)

Oh Goddesses of nurturing and fulfillment, Bridget,

Demeter, Cerridwen, Diana. In full knowledge of the seed

that you bear, we await your life, your freedom, and

your light, as part of all light that flows eternally.

You, the mirror of the whole kindred, of star, of stone,

and of greenwood tree. Turn life’s great wheel and make

us ever better from life to life to life. We ask that

you join us if for but a moment to witness our rites and

bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face west)

Oh Warrior Gods of protection and virility, Osiris,

Llew, Pan. Oh laughing God of the greenwood, with your

pipes and cloven hooves, shepherd of creatures free and

wild. Beyond the doorway of time and out into the night,

in search of mystery and the wonder of light. Crackling

with energy under our skin, red lion roaring, pulses

racing, we are open - Come in! Join us, if for but a

moment, to witness our rites and bless your hidden

children. Blessed Be.

(face north)

Oh Father Gods of death and hunting, Cernunnos, Ra, and

Herne. Even as you dwell within the temple of death, so

you dwell within the Secret Seed, seed of the grain,

seed of the flesh, hidden of the earth. For you are He

who is the gatekeeper at the end of time, we hear the

thunder of your hooves upon the shore. You are He whom

all must face at the appointed hour, yet you are not to

be feared, for you are father, brother, lover and son.

We ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness

our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(At this time it is appropriate if you wish to do a

maypole dance to go ahead to this section on erecting

the pole and doing the dance. If the dance is to be done

at another time, then go straight on to the lighting of

the Bel fires.)

HPS - Before we begin this glorious age old dance of the

maypole, it is customary to bless and consecrate both

the pole, which is the representation of the God’s

regenerative life force, the phallus, and the earth,

which represents the fertility of the Goddess, the

vagina.

CONSECRATING THE EARTH

(dig the hole now if it is not already there.)
(pour a libation of oil or wine into the hole)

Earth Mother, may this offering prepare you to receive

this symbol of your consort, our Lord.

CONSECRATING THE POLE

(the men bring the pole in, marching in a rhythmic

manner, two steps forward, and rock one step back, as is

usual in a courtship! It is also appropriate for them to

grunt. They turn the pole over to the HPS)

Blessed be this tree, vehicle of our Lord, which shall

soon enter our Mother the Earth.

(at this time all ladies come forward and rub the oil

all over the pole, chanting is appropriate, as are other

more suggestive sounds! Each person then comes forward

and ties a ribbon to the end of the pole, the color of

the ribbon should have significance to the person. The

pole is then erected into the earth, with as much

flourish and noises as is deemed appropriate to those

present.)

This is a time for joy and a time for sharing. The

richness of the soil accepts the seed, and now is the

time that seeds should be spilled. Togetherness brings

joy and abundance fills the Earth. Let us celebrate the

planting of abundance. All of you friends look upon the

pole, seeing in your mind’s eye the pure life force

rising through it from the earth, blossoming overhead,

and cascading down through us…flowing out from us to

the Lady’s world beyond…Look…and see Life!

(start the music, and dance the maypole! For directions,

see the intro file)

(can now light the Bel fires)

HP - Now, as in ages past, it is the pleasure of the

Lord who longs for the touch of His Lady, to light the

Bel fire, as a signal to all, that this is the season of

Beltane! Tis spring now, and the time for all of field

and forest to be fertile!

(he lights the fire, and the HPS comes up to him holding

a long green scarf)

HPS - Now, as in ages past, it is the pleasure of the

Lady to arouse the passions of the Lord, to cause the

sap in the trees to rise, to cause the very breath of

the earth to sigh in anticipation!
(she teases him with the scarf)
Come, my Lord, and let us be together once again!
(she drops the scarf at his feet and quickly walks or

runs away, not too fast. The HP picks up the scarf and

follows her, she does not allow him to catch her too

quickly, and if possible, other young ladies block his

way. Finally after traversing the circle at least 3

times, he catches her and they kiss.)

(the HPS then hands the scarf to another young lady, who

goes around the circle till she sees a man she likes,

and drops the scarf at his feet, he then chases her in

the same manner. This can go on as long as wanted.)

(Can do the Great Rite now, or after jumping the fire.)

HP - The Bel fires are a symbol also of purifying

energy, and also the energy of the fertility of this

season.

“Nine woods in the Bel fire go
Burn them fast and burn them slow”
Oak for the God
Birch for the Goddess
Fir for birth
Willow for death
Rowan for magick
Apple for love
Grapevine for joy
Hazel for wisdom
And Hawthorne for purity and for the May.

(at this time dance the spiral dance, chant, sing,

and jump the fire.)

(can do the Great Rite now, if not done after the

scarf chase.)

THANK THE GODS AND GODDESSES

(face east)

Great Goddesses of all beginnings, Cybele, Astarte,

Yameya, Isis. Grant that our beginnings be fertile and

fruitful. The beauteous Sacred Queen in the full

knowledge that times of joy shall return always, as

lusty as before. Virgin Queen of the Sea, and of the

desert, and rain, and of the deepest untouched forest.

As you leave, fill our hearts with your light and love.

Blessed Be.

(face south)

Great Goddesses of nurturing and fulfillment,

Bridget, Demeter, Cerridwen, Diana. Grant us your

patience and guiding wisdom. Both within and without,

fill our souls with rebirth, that we may walk a little

further, reach a little higher, that we may strive for

the far horizon. Thou art the the cauldron of

inspiration and the womb of the immortal mother, and as

you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed

Be.

(face west)

Great Gods of protection and virility, Osiris, Llew,

Pan. Grant us your determination and bravery. Prince of

twilight, pearl grey warrior, with a silver foot, go

silently as long as the moon shall rise and the star

shall turn. For we are ever a star, to us is given the

secret of the Winged Flame. Oh, keeper of the Sacred

Forest, as you leave, fill our hearts with light and

love. Blessed Be.

(face north)

Great Gods of Death and Hunting, Cernunnos, Ra, and

Herne. Grant us the promise of renewal, that through

death we are reborn. You reign supreme within your

lands. Give us fair woodlands and green fields,

blossoming orchards and ripening fruits. Your seed that

is sown in spring will become the flower of the harvest.

As Nature flourishes, so also do we. All upon the Earth

is at one with the Divine Union, the fruit of magick. As

you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed

Be.

(We have a simple prayer at this point which states

that we have honored the Great Ones, your group can do

something similar here, or skip right to dismissing the

quarters.)

DISMISSING THE WATCHTOWERS

EAST - water

Hail to thee Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

East, the powers of water. We thank thee for the life-

giving nourishment you have given to Mother Earth and

the crops. Soft is the rain that gently falls upon the

fields beneath, it patters down so gently that it hardly

bends a leaf. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as you

depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your

way. So Mote It Be.

SOUTH - air

Hail to thee, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

South, the powers of air. We thank thee for life-giving

breath, and the wings of our thoughts, wishes, and

dreams. As you blow the staleness of winter away, help

us fill our lungs with the freshness of clear skies and

clear minds. We bid thee hail and Farewell, as ye depart

to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So

Mote It Be.

WEST - fire

Hail to thee, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

West, the powers of fire. We thank thee for the flame of

passion, and the cleansing Balefire. Blessed warmth give

comfort and brightness and strength. Though these flames

of the material world be darkened, they shall ever burn

in the worlds beyond. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as

ye depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on

your way. So Mote It Be.

NORTH - earth

Hail to thee, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the

North, the powers of earth. We thank thee for the

stability in our lives which grounds us and gives us

strength. Rock of life, salt and granite, ever-living,

blessed planet, green grass, and leafy tree, vines as

trailing hair, may you bring peace back in to the world.

We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as you depart to your

mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It

Be.

Open the circle.

Group Hugs!!

This study has brough much conterversey in the Religious community.  I found it interesting.  My experience in Spiritual matters has brought me to the opposite conclusion of the studies findings but I enjoy watching the religious community getting a little defensive.-L

Study: Intercessory Prayer Has No Major Effect on Recovery
By Adelle M. Banks

Religion News Service
A major study of Christian intercessory prayer for cardiac patients has found no significant effect on reducing complications but patients who knew they were receiving the prayer had a slightly higher rate of complications.

The study comes after at least five previous studies that found varying results. Three did not report success with intercessory prayer but two did.

The latest study, released Thursday (March 30), was the most extensive. It involved 1,802 coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients from six hospitals who were divided into three groups: 604 received intercessory prayer after learning they might or might not be prayed for by others; 597 did not receive prayer after being told they might or might not receive it; 601 received intercessory prayer after learning they would receive it.

Investigators found that complications occurred in 52 percent of the first group, 51 percent of the second group and 59 percent in the third group.

“Our trial cannot be generalized to all forms of intercessory prayer,” cautioned Dr. Charles F. Bethea, a principal investigator from Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, in a teleconference with reporters on Thursday. “But the role of awareness needs careful further study.”

He said it is possible that patients’ knowledge that they were the subject of intercessory prayer “might have induced a form of performance anxiety or made them feel doubtful about their outcome.”

The Rev. Dean Marek, director of chaplain services at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said another possible cause for the different results is that patients who were prayed for “thought they were home free and discounted the traumatic effect that surgery has upon the body, so were ill-prepared for it.”

The study, to be published Tuesday (April 4) in The American Heart Journal, analyzed patients between January 1998 and November 2000. Two Catholic groups and one Protestant group were given patients’ first name and the first initial of their last name and asked to pray for them for two straight weeks, starting the night before the scheduled surgery.

The groups were faxed the names of the patients and asked to include the phrase “for a successful surgery with a quick, healthy recovery and no complications” to their usual prayers.

The study team also included participants from the Mind/Body Medical Institute in Chestnut Hill, Mass., Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston; St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla.; and Washington Hospital Center in the District of Columbia.