Hello, sorry to be a bother, I was just wondering if you could tell me about pagan veiling? I'm still really new to everything.
Oh wow, I haven't been asked about that in a while!
But anyways, Pagan Veiling kinda popped up on the radar around 2012 - I'm sure Pagans were veiling before then, but that's when it became a bigger thing (or at least when I first heard of it). Each person veils for their own reason, but it basically boiled down to showing devotion or for protection. Many people cited that they felt it protected them from unwanted negative energy, or even just energy in general, for some sensitive empaths. Others also said that is was a way to show devotion to their patron deity/ies.
For myself, I veiled as an outward sign of my devotion to the Gods. It was a physical reminder to always keep Them in my thoughts, and to put my faith first (in most cases - I was in high school then so obviously my school work had to come first. They understood).
Nowadays, there are many, many ways to veil. You can use a wide headband, tie a handkerchief, or look up some or traditional and some complicated ways to veil. Some pagans have also adopted veiling styles that resemble the Jewish tichel or the Muslim hijab. There is still some discussions going on about this, and I assume they will continue, but the general consensus is that it is better to refrain from activities that could reflect badly on those groups - such as drinking in public while wearing a hijab style veil. I've also been told that if you are not Jewish, it is preferred that you don't use the term tichel, since that is referring to a Jewish form of veiling and covering
As far as I know, there are no Pagan specific stores online that sell veils and scarves for Pagans, but you can find beautiful scarves and wraps online on Etsy, Wrapunzel, The Style Underground, as well as in Target, J C Penny, Kohl's, or really anywhere that sells scarves.
I no longer veil on a daily basis, but I do veil during rituals and some holy days. Veiling in my opinion is something that you should seriously think on, but also don't be afraid to start small and try it out. Talk to friends in the pagan community, and if you wish, ask your Deity what They think - for me, I have come to an agreement to veil during ritual and holy days, and when I am ready, I can start to veil daily again.
It is definitely a beautiful thing, but at the same time, it's not for everyone. Think on it, try out some styles, and go with how you feel. Do that, and you should have a great experience with veiling!
