Veiled Pagans
76
In a move that has surprised and baffled a great many of my friends, I have started to cover my head for religious reasons. Now, with that sentence alone one might think there's nothing odd about it. Plenty of denominations of many major religions require the females and males alike keep their heads covered, be it in public in or worship or in any number of places for any number of reasons. Islam, Judaism, and Chirstianity all have something in their holy books and belief structures about covering the head, especially of females.
But the kicker in my case is that I adhere to none of those faiths. I am, in fact, pagan.
The controversy
When a lot of people see those who cover their heads for religious reasons, it can be troubling. In the majority of circumstances, it's a symbol of submission. The covering itself doesn't mean submission, but for most people who wear one, they willingly submit to the will of the males in their lives without question, and in the modern West, that can be viewed as, well, pretty backwards. Didn't a large group of women fight for the right to not submit to men? Aren't women still fighting for their own place in the world? So not only can it seem backwards and against the flow of modernity, but some people view it as an active betrayal of feminist dogma.
Forgetting, of course, that not every woman adheres to feminist dogma. But that's most certainly a rant for another day.
So aside from that little piece of societal resistance, there comes the aspect that, well, pagans just don't cover! It's not required by any religious law or commandment. It's not even hinted at in anything that most people, pagan or non-pagan, can bring to mind that's applicable. (Mentioning that the Qur'an advocates veiling isn't applicable, for example, since I don't follow that book or the religion surrounding it.) And since it isn't a requirement or even a recommendation, some have questioned whether it's even possible to cover for purposes pertaining to one of the many pagan religions.
I have even heard arguments that go as follows: some pagans practice rituals skyclad, so covering ones head or hair makes no sense and is just giving way to voluntary oppression. When I first read that opinion, I had to do a double-take. Was the person writing that actually suggesting that every single pagan was exactly the same? That because some pagans practiced skyclad (a fancy term for "naked", by the way), then all pagans must therefor follow the same code and path?
It's like saying that every Christian is Catholic, because some Christians are. It makes about as much sense.
I responded to that person's arguments that paganism often has less of an emphasis on being naked in nature and more of an emphasis on person expression and personal comfort, both within and without oneself. If some pagans felt more comfortable with their heads covered, then that was just as valid a reason for doing so as the people who felt comfortable doing rituals in the buff. And it certainly isn't fair to paint us all with the same brush!
Why I do it - religious reasons
So why do I cover, if my religion doesn't command it and I meet so much controversy because of it. Well, the reason is a duel-layered one. The first reason is that I feel called to do so. My deities don't require it of me, but I feel as though something is telling me that it's the right thing for me to do. That, I think, is the biggest reason. When your deities ask for something, you don't really want to say no! :)
The second reason is tied up in what covering means for me. I once heard somewhere (no idea where, now) that the reason Jewish men cover their heads is to remind them that there's something above and beyond them that needs to be paid attention to. That idea stuck with me, and eventually gained itself a comfortable place within my ideology. I often told myself that I wanted to be a more spiritual person, to have a personal revival, so to speak. But I would tell myself and tell myself and do nothing about it. No refocus, nothing.
And then this idea firmly planted itself in my mind. What if I gave myself something physical to remind myself of my chosen path. Something that, when I saw it or felt it, would remind me of the path I'm walking along and how I believe I ought to walk along it. When I feel the headcovering on my head, feel the cloth around my skin, I'm reminded of why I'm wearing it, and I feel that I'm not alone as I walk the path through life. There is something above me, surrounding me, helping me through things, and even when I may not see them, I know they're there because I can feel them.
That knowledge has been incredibly uplifting for me, and even though people look askance at me for veiling for religious purposes, I feel I have the strength to look past their derision and pity, and to go on confidently with my life.
And really, isn't that worth not showing my hair for? Such a small sacrifice (spending 5 minutes in front of the mirror to tie on my covering) for such a large gain!
Why I do it - personal reasons
Aside from the religious aspect of covering, I've found additional strength on a more personal social level. I am a notoriously shy person, anxiety-prone and more apt to keep to myself with my eyes firmly on the ground, pretending I'm deaf if some stranger happens to talk to me. It's hard, being that way. Stuttering because my tongue won't work, seeing black because I'm scared of being in public, taking panic attacks in crowds that aren't even that pressing!
But when I cover, it's like there's another layer between me and the stressful world. I have no doubt that some of that is because I feel the additional strength of my deities when I cover, or at least have that reminder that they're there and can lend me strength. Thus with a simple piece of cloth over my head to remind me of that, the world doesn't seem like such a scary place. Tasks seem less hard, being among people seems less daunting.
Once, while accompanying my roommate to a doctor's appointment, I mentioned that I felt really anxious and quickly put a wrap on, hijab-style. (I'm rather fond of that style of covering, though tichel-style is also comfortable.) It made me feel better, and I said as much, and tried to explain why. She frowned, and said she hoped that I wouldn't use this as a sort of social crutch, relying on hiding parts of me to feel more able to do things.
Her comment confused me so very much. I can see, in a sense, where her concerns might be coming from. Hiding to be out in the open isn't always a very good thing to do, mentally and emotionally. It can, over time, convince one that the only way to be seen is not to be seen at all. It is a worry.
But I had just explained to her the reason that I felt more confident. I had the physical reminder of the strength and love of my god and goddess, and the day didn't seem as daunting. Some people can remember that just fine without a physical aid. Others work best with the aid. It's no shame.
But she made me feel shame within my comfort. She only saw the negative aspect of what I was doing, and a potential negative aspect at that! Not even one that I'd shown real signs of sinking into!
But covering or not covering isn't a decision she makes for me. It's my decision, and over time she'll get used to it, even if she doesn't necessarily believe it's right. She is, fortunately, a believer in "many roads lead to the same destination", and I think in time she'll come to accept that this is just what I choose to wear as I walk down my road. It keeps the dust out of my hair!
And really, if one small piece of fabric makes the difference between me being too anxious to go past the front door or walking confidently down the street with my head up high, then I think I'll take the fabric!
I'm not covering out of shame, or the belief that my body is impure and needs to be hidden. That's another common mistake that people make when they hear that I veil for religious reasons. I'm as pure or impure as anybody else. My body isn't perfect, and I'm not exactly proud of it, but hiding it won't make it go away, and I don't pretend that it will. I cover to remind myself, to bring myself comfort and peace in times of trouble, and for no worse reason that that.
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A thought that struck me upon reading how covering your head seemed to help your dealing with crowds and your anxieties was that it covered your crown chakra and kept you from being too open of the most potent vibration and energy giver & taker. Perhaps that is how you pick up on people and it's too open to deal with things without it being muted by a covering? Just a thought that struck me as I read a well expressed choice.
I too am pagan, and I dress "plain" because I feel strongly led to do so as part of my path. I have been considering covering my hair as well....
Maybe you could explain to your room mate that even a perfect figured fashion model wearing a teeny string bikini on the beach is "hiding parts of herself to feel more able to do things".
Humans clothe. What parts of ourselves we cover, and how and why may be a faith centered choice based on spiritual leading, or it may be a trendy choice based on our exposure to blatant fashion industry advertising, but whatever our reasoning, how we dress is still our own choice to make.
Me too! When I was first investigating what spiritual path was right for me, I thought I wanted to be muslim because I liked to cover myself. Years later, I am a practicing witch and most people think I am muslim! Especially when you're nervous the veil helps. And I've always felt that mystery is also alluring. By choosing paganism, we choose to live our own spirituality, and you are doing an awesome job with that!
Excellent post. This definitely gives me some food for thought!
I hope you know how relieved I am to find another pagan that overs her head. I do it because I am drawn to it, I also feel my hair is sacred and powerful, I'm very vain about at least. For me, it is a form of submission. I am a submissive to my husband, but I know I would still wear one even if I wasn't. I really have a strong connection to covering. I'm sure submission isn't even a slight reason for most pagan head coverers, it is in my case, to a degree.
I just had to say, I am proud of you, I cover my head with a scarf every time I do ritual, or meditate as it helps me get connected/focus faster. I've often thought of covering my head in public but am shy and don't think I could handle the attention such action would attract me, so I thank you, 'cos I thought I was alone in my desire as a female and a wiccan to cover my head.
I'm Pagan and I cover my head in a tichel in the summer and hijab in the winter. My DH and boys are also Pagan and cover their heads with baseball caps when we leave the house. It just seems to be something we like to bring into our family tradition. People think we are weird to be modest Pagans.
What's with the digs at "feminist dogma?" I honestly have no idea what you are referring to.
Wanting to cover your head is one thing, but I really don't understand the decision to appropriate the religious garb of someone else's religion when there are so many other ways to do it.
Souris, the feminist dogma to which I refer is mostly the idea that if any female feels like being something other than a high-powered business woman, they're doing something wrong. Plenty of women feel quite comfortable being housewives, for example, and there are a lot of people out there who view such a desire as not only old-fashioned, but as some kind of betrayal against all modern women in general. Or that expressing modesty is just being a slave to the patriarchy.
That doesn't apply to all feminists, I should point out. Mostly just the militant ones. It's been my experience that very militant feminists overlook the fact that women might actually WANT to live a modest and quiet life, or devote themselves to family. Not all, but some.
As for the issue of appropriation, I can understand that concern, but there really only are so many ways to cover. I personally don't see the harm in covering with a hijab if I find them comfortable and I like the style, even though I'm not Muslim. To me, at least, it's less an issue of deciding to take something from another religion so much as it's realizing that I like that style and would like to wear something like it. I know quite a few people who wear hijab, for example, as a fashion accessory rather than as a religious expression.
They must have a whole different breed of feminists where you come from. Generally when I hear people complain about "militant feminists" they mean those annoying uppity females who think they should receive equal treatment and think that rape jokes aren't funny.
There are people who wear hijab as a FASHION accessory? Do they wear a yamaka on alternating days? Just seems odd to me.
While I don't think my deities have led me to full time covering, I completely understand the act of covering your head as extra insulation from the pressures of the world around you. When I am really stressed or feel much put upon, I like to wear a headcovering of some kind, usually a bandana. Funnily enough I tend to be more outgoing and less introverted when I'm covered.
On a side note... I have a "Save the TaTas" breast cancer hoodie all the women in my family bought as a sign of solidarity when my aunt was undergoing radiation therapy. I have learned not to wear a head covering and that hoodie at the same time...leads to all the wrong conclusions.
I am so happy to read this. For a long time, even longer than I have been drawn to, or aware of, my eclectic wiccan path, I have had an affinity for veils. I like it the Hindu style, drooping down :)I do have a shawl or two that I wear as a fashion statement but I'm considering of making it a part of my daily wardrobe.
I am from Sri Lanka and my family is Buddhist. Buddhists are generally very modest but, as far as I am aware, they have nothing to do with head coverings. That is generally associated with Islam on this island. Singhala and Tamil people did wear versions of saree draped around their bodies as a sign of modesty.
As kid, I was bombarded with music videos that scream "more skin is more attractive" but after finding my soul mate and undergoing a change of faith ( these two things are not interconnected by the way), I have become more modest. I almost always wear ankle length pants and loose blouses now.
I think I am also experiencing a 'calling' to wear a shawl, draped over my shoulders. I'm not so sure how my parents will react though :/ v
You're experience helped me under
Hi! I've just stumbled across your blog, and I wanted to tell you that I love this post, and many of the comments on it, so much! I too am relieved to see that there are other people of non-abrahamic faiths, who feel "called" to cover their heads.
I am Buddhist, but with some recent interest in earth based religions. Recently I have had a desire for more spirituality in my life. I feel that covering my hair is beautiful, and makes me more free, because I have the freedom to choose what not to show. I hate when people say that women who cover their heads are oppressed. I have the right to choose who can see my hair, and anyone trying to take that *choice* away is being oppressive!
And I too have had the experience of being less shy/nervous when I am covered! I feel more confident and secure in my person when I am covering parts of me that are, as Aer said, sacred and powerful; like something that is mine, and that I wouldn't share with just anyone.
Also, you are not "usurping" any one religion's practice. Head covering has been done for thousands of years, by people of many faiths for religious and practical purposes. Different styles of doing so have become popular in different parts of the world, consequently becoming associated with particular religions. But before they became associated with those religions, they were just the preferred aesthetic trends in those regions. You have every right to cover your head in the way you want.
I like to put my hair in a bun, then tie a scarf around it so that the edge of the scarf just covers my hairline, tucked behind my ears, with the scarf tied into a bun at the back of my head.
Merry met sister! My name is River and I belong to a coven that covers up! It is very traditional for pagan women to cover their heads and Priestess' would only take their veils off when pronouncing their prophecies. So keep your veil on! We also put out a Burqazine to help our community understand the Hijab, Burqa and Veil and the many different reasons women wear them.
You are not the only one sweetie! I have felt a pull towards covering/veiling and modesty for quite some time. A woman can still be alluring without having her address, zip code, and social hanging out all over the place. Plain dress puts focus on WHO we are, not how we look. By honoring what you feel is correct for yourself, you honor the Goddess. Blessings and light to you sister.
I also have an affinity for veils, but feel it is more of a past life connection than an active one in this life. Nowadays it simply is not for me (unless it is a hood attached to a jacket).
There is deep beauty and admiration in other pagans who personalize their practice on their own terms, as opposed to being led around by what the prominent authors and "authority" may dictate.
I agree with your sentiments on feminism. I have seen similar currents here in the US as far as the ideal that all women ought to be doing a 9-5 in the corporate world. But then, I don't think that homemaking is for everyone either. And there's no rule that states we have to be pinned down to either category.
If it is your personal geas, then so be it. Paganism does include the notion of having a personal and individual expression of religion. This is something that also exists in Hinduism.
You aren't alone. Thank your for this post. I am a Buddhist/Pagan/seeker who is feeling strongly called to practice headcovering and modest dress. I don't know why I have been called to this practice, but I'm working up the nerve to heed the call. I feel "right" and also safe, protected, and connected to God when I cover.
I love this article - I was raised a pagan, and am now living and learning in an orthodox jewish environment. I started dressing modestly and covering my hair about a year ago, and it has changed my life in such profound and beautiful ways. I do want to point out that the reason jewish women cover their hair and dress modestly isn't because we are dominated by men, it is because both men and women need a reminder that we are more than our bodies. Covering my hair reminds me that G-d is all around me, and being married it reminds me that I am saving a special part of myself for my husband only. I am so thankful to have had the upbringing that I did, with magic, ritual, and a love for the divine feminine - now I see G-d as one, but I relate best to the feminine aspects of G-d ( even though, in Judaism, G-d is neither male nor female). What a great article, I will have to pass this on to my pagan friends that are confused by my head covering, so they can understand it is not limited to monotheistic religions! :)
Nice post, loved reading it. I especially found it interesting that covering helps your social phobia. And don't let people discourage you from doing what feels good and appropriate for you. This is coming from an Atheist, albeit one with a fascination for pre-Christian Polytheistic religions. I find value and beauty in head covering. Of course people think I'm nuts and stereotype me for it (as they do when they see me crocheting). There's this stupid stigma attached to things associated with a submissive attitude and people don't get that there's nothing inherent to those things that links them to submissiveness. The first time I went to my parents' house covered they freaked and asked me if I hadn't converted to gods know what freaky religious sect. Nope, still an Atheist, but one with a fascination for head coverings.
So much to comment on.
First, a little perspective. Until around 1960, both men and women commonly wore hats whenever they were in public or outside at all. To go bareheaded was unusual. So although we did not wear veils per se, the tradition of covering one's head belongs to the West and always has. And it was largely a secular practice, aiding one's work, blocking the Sun -- but I also think it related to energy.
Although intellectualizing the practice as "a reminder to be faithful," etc. is fine, there are strong energy aspects to covering the head. Many traditions worldwide regard the back of the head/nape of the neck as an power spot and a vulnerable place in the body's energy system. When you look at the customs of head veiling in so many religious traditions around the world, it's hard to escape the conclusion that there is something energetic going on that is being hidden in moral symbolism (for "modesty" or "submission") but really has some practical energy aspect. Perhaps it helps a person feel more grounded and secure by condensing or protecting the aura. In my experience, it does condense the energectic aura in the head region, and there is something comforting about it, and something that aids focus.
Hair carries energy/power/chi/prana -- whatever you want to call it -- and we have most of our hair on our head. So I say we all start to approach this from a practical magickal/energy point of view, and figure it out!
Also -- a culture that was truly free would accept any level of dress from anyone, whether it's a teeny weeny bikini, or a burka.
Thank u so very much, Women in my Tradition have been covering their heads for 1000s of years. Lithuania , Baltic Paganism - Romuva !
Micha, do you have any links to typical Baltic or Slavic Pagan headcoverings? I am interested in Paganism and especially Slavic Polytheism, so I'd really love to see anything related to headcovering in that tradition.
Flufffffffy Bunnnnnies
Voted up and useful. Very interesting for sure. I too am Pagan, Wiccan to be exact, and would never think that covering could be a part of any Pagan spiritual path; however, you've made some very good points here and if this is what feels right to you then I say do it! May I ask what pantheon you follow? If you don't want to share, no biggie. Blessed Be.
Bless you! And thank you! I've covered for well over twenty years. Some of the most ancient sculptures of the Goddess have covered heads - sometimes even the face is covered. It was anciently thought that a woman's hair was magic and that she could even bring rain by uncovering her hair. In today's society where modesty is not held high - we honor our sacred being by modesty and head covering.
My first impress was that you were a Mennonite. Interesting to read that this was/ is a personal choice.
Omg you are my hero, seriously was thinking of doing this myself. I always felt a kind of need to use a veil but I could not really pin point what it was and I do use a deity that wears a veil the Virgin of Guadalupe but based in Aztec culture I just call her Tonantzin but either way she wears a veil but recently I was thinking of doing so as well and I thought I would be like the only pagan doing it.
As the comments on this article show, there are more headcovering Pagans out there than you might think! I recently joined a facebook group called "Covered in Light" for Pagan women who have been called to practice headcovering, and it has been a great source of info and support for this minority within a minority! Anyone interested should check it out!
Shell/raven 2 years ago
Hey Vic, I just wanted to say that I think that this is great! You have found something that is you and only you that can be a way of strength for you and i am so proud of you! You have always been great and if this helps you then go for it.