In traditional Gardnerian Wicca, Skyclad is a poetic way to refer to nudity (“clad” means “dressed.”). Some Gardnerian and related traditions carry on many or all of their magical operations skyclad. Some believe this allows magical energy to ‘flow’ unrestricted by clothing. Often it is believed a more honest way to appear before the Gods, or to provide a psychological demarcation between ordinary and magical consciousness, which is also accomplished with robes and ritual dress in other traditions.
While the term itself was probably devised for the practice by Gardner (the term itself predates him but was unrelated to witchcraft), the idea of witches performing rituals in the nude stems from ancient popular superstition and may have some historical basis.
A renaissance era depiction of witches disrobing in preperation for a Sabbat
Related Terms:
