Nature Inspired Clothing for Women Practicing Wicca Wicca is a modern pagan witchcraft religion that emphasizes the worship of nature and the cycles of life. For many women who practice Wicca, clothing is not just a fashion statement, but a way to connect with the natural world and express their spirituality. Nature-inspired clothing for women practicing Wicca can vary in style and design, but the main idea is to incorporate elements of nature into the garments. One of the most common symbols found in nature-inspired clothing for Wiccan women is the tree of life. The tree of life symbolizes the interconnectedness of all living things and represents the cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth. This symbol can be found on various types of clothing, such as t-shirts, dresses, and scarves.
This symbol can be found on various types of clothing, such as t-shirts, dresses, and scarves. The tree of life is often depicted with intricate branches, leaves, and roots, creating a visually stunning and spiritually meaningful design. Another common motif in nature-inspired clothing for Wiccan women is the use of animal prints and patterns.
Witches Are Obsessed With Horses
In 1726, an elderly woman known to history as Janet Horne was paraded through the Scottish town of Dornoch, covered in tar, and burned for being a witch. Janet Horne was a generic placeholder name in Scotland for witches during the period, and this Janet Horne holds the distinction of being the last person executed for witchcraft in the British Isles. One of the curious things about the case was the nature of the accusations against Horne involved her daughter, who had deformed hands and feet. The townspeople accused Horne of having turned her daughter into a pony and ridden her to the Devil to have her shod. Though the daughter escaped the mob, Horne (who by most accounts was elderly and showing signs of senility) was caught and killed.
Verbrennung auf dem Scheiterhaufen. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
While casting about for an appropriately Halloween-themed blog post, I found a bevy of information about the connections between witches and horses. Accusations that purveyors of the dark arts were connected to horses abound — even into the 21st Century. A story reported in Blockula, Sweden in 1699 asserted that an army of witches had been accosting men in their sleep, putting an enchanted halter over their heads to turn them into horses. And in another case from Scotland, a woman named Margaret Grant claimed to have been turned into a pony by “evil-disposed persons” and forced to ride great distances.
Two witches smoking their pipes by the fire with a toad at their feet. From The History of Witches and Wizards (1720), Wellcome Library. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
In addition to these stories is a recurring, mixed account of the ghostly Nightmare, also called the Night Hag. As far back as the Renaissance, horse owners have reported visits of the Nightmare to their horses. Signs in the morning include the horse covered in sweat, exhausted, and a tangled mane, sometimes described as plaited by supernatural means. The phenomenon has been attributed to witches and pixies (who, being obsessed with mortal horses, steal them to ride at night), and in recent years, to Bigfoot or occult-obsessed horse thieves. So pervasive was the concern over the nightmare that Thomas Blundeville, in his 1564 book The Fower Chiefest Offices Belonging to Horsemanship, included an incantation (and directions for hanging naturally-perforated stones in the stable) to ward against the Nightmare. The incantation was touted by Blundeville as a practical way for horse owners to avoid having to pay a “false Fryer” to produce the warding spell.
The primary sign of the Nightmare is the fairy plaits in the mane. Although skeptics claim that a horse’s mane can easily become tangled on its own under correct atmospheric conditions, elaborate tales of unauthorized braiding have been reported.
“It was very generally accepted as an indisputable fact at that time that not only witches, but also certain malignant sprites who lived in the woodland gardens, occasionally assumed the forms of women clad in white raiment, who in this guise would haunt the stables when night fell. They carried with them tapers of lighted wax, and they used the drippings from these to tangle the horses’ manes into inextricable knots, to the great annoyance both of the steeds and of their grooms.”
—The Horse in Magic and Myth, M. Oldfield Howley, National Sporting Library & Museum
The tying of knots as a spell is an ancient theory of witchcraft. It’s not a huge leap from fairy plaits to the Witch’s Ladder, a layered cord of knots, each with a separate intention of spell. Theories of various malevolent hexes were floated in the late 19th Century, a common one being that the Witch’s Ladder contained a death spell that could only be undone by finding and untying the cord.
Witch’s Ladder, from The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 (1888). University of Toronto. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
How do we interpret these reports of Nightmare and tangled manes? It could be that in an era where many more people were adept at handling horses, the propensity to “borrow” a turned-out horse for a nighttime ride was a more common practice. A sweaty, exhausted horse from such an exercise might have a tangled mane where an unauthorized rider held on to the steed. Or maybe there’s more to it: pixies, witches, or Bigfoot.
John Connolly has served as the George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Head Librarian at the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) since early 2014. He is responsible for the care of the Library collections, including books, magazines, photographs, diaries, letters, and much more. The NSLM collections span over 350 years of the history of equestrian sport, as well as fly fishing, wing shooting, and other field sports. Have a question? Contact John by e-mail
The tying of knots as a spell is an ancient theory of witchcraft. It’s not a huge leap from fairy plaits to the Witch’s Ladder, a layered cord of knots, each with a separate intention of spell. Theories of various malevolent hexes were floated in the late 19th Century, a common one being that the Witch’s Ladder contained a death spell that could only be undone by finding and untying the cord.
Animal prints, such as leopard or zebra, are believed to connect the wearer with the primal and instinctual energy of the natural world. Animal patterns can be incorporated into clothing through the use of fabrics or through printed designs. These patterns can be subtle or bold, depending on the personal style and preference of the individual. In addition to the use of symbols and patterns, natural materials are often favored in nature-inspired clothing for Wiccan women. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk are popular choices for their breathability and connection to the natural world. These materials are not only comfortable to wear, but they also align with the Wiccan belief in the importance of respecting and honoring nature. Accessories are also an important part of nature-inspired clothing for Wiccan women. Crystals, feathers, and natural gemstones can be incorporated into jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. These accessories not only enhance the overall look of the outfit but also serve as reminders of the spiritual connection to the earth. Some Wiccan women also incorporate nature-inspired accessories like flower crowns, herbal pouches, or amulets into their outfits to further enhance their connection to the natural world. Nature-inspired clothing for women practicing Wicca is a way to express their spirituality and connect with the natural world. Whether through the use of symbols, patterns, natural materials, or accessories, these garments allow Wiccan women to honor their beliefs and showcase their connection to the earth. By wearing nature-inspired clothing, Wiccan women can feel more in tune with their spirituality and the cycles of nature, embracing the beauty and power of the natural world..
Reviews for "Connecting with the Divine: Nature-Inspired Attire for Wiccan Women"
- Laura - 1 star - I was really excited to find a clothing line inspired by nature for women practicing Wicca, but I was so disappointed with the quality and designs. The materials used felt cheap and flimsy, and the colors were not as vibrant as advertised. The prints on the clothing were also not well-done, with some parts appearing blurry or faded. Overall, I expected much more from this brand, especially considering the higher price tags. I wouldn't recommend it to other women in the Wiccan community who are looking for quality clothing that truly reflects their spirituality.
- Emily - 2 stars - The concept of nature-inspired clothing for women practicing Wicca is great, but the execution by this particular brand was lacking. The fabric choices were not comfortable or breathable, which is important for anyone who practices witchcraft and wants to be in tune with nature. Additionally, the styles offered were quite basic and uninspiring. I was hoping for more unique and magical designs that would truly make me feel connected to the Earth and my spirituality. Unfortunately, this brand fell short in delivering on that promise. I would suggest exploring other options for Wiccan clothing that better capture the essence of nature.
- Jessica - 2 stars - As a woman who practices Wicca, I was excited to find a clothing line specifically catered to the Wiccan community. However, I was disappointed by the lack of inclusivity in terms of sizing. It seems that this brand only caters to a limited range of body types, which is disheartening considering that Wicca is a spiritual practice that embraces diversity and acceptance. The quality of the clothing was also subpar, with loose threads and frayed hems. Overall, I felt that this brand missed the mark and didn't live up to its potential in providing nature-inspired clothing for women in the Wiccan community.