The body in modern witchcraft

A look at the 19th century works of Michelet and Leland

Abstract

This paper analyzes ritual nudity within modern witchcraft, particularly Wicca, referencing the literary works of Jules Michelet and Charles Leland, who discuss such practices. The study addresses a gap in the literature, as few works since the 1990s have explored this controversial topic in depth. To support this analysis, the paper draws on two insider perspectives from modern witchcraft, including works by Farrar published in the mid-1980s. The methodology involves an emic analysis of documentary sources, cross-referencing religious discourses on the body with the foundational works of Michelet and Leland. A review of the State of the Art reveals no significant studies on this subject in the last five years, underscoring the relevance of this research. Key findings include: (1) ritual nudity in modern witchcraft represents an important yet contentious aspect of contemporary social structures; (2) the practice of "skyclad" ritual nudity signifies an acceptance of the body in its natural and pure form; and (3) for many practitioners, nudity serves as a celebration of bodily beauty and sacredness, free from societal markers and accessories.