#hellenicveil

“Kirke, a goddess with braided hair, with human speech and with strange powers;” ~ Homer, Odyssey 10. 135 ff (trans. Shewring) (Greek epic C8th B.C.E.)

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Hello lovelies!

I’ve mentioned this several times in the past, but an essential part of my practice is my hair. Originally, I experimented with hellenic veiling, however, though I do veil on occasion, I’ve settled on binding my hair daily (mostly) for several reasons. I also use my hair in my purification rites of katharmos.

Now, let’s take a step back and take a look at a few different things:

~ Where did the practice of veiling originate?

~ What is Hellenic binding and veiling; Why is it done (in general) and why do I do it?

~ How is my hair relevant to and in what way do I utilize it in my practice of katharmos? What is its further connection to Kirke?

~ What are my beliefs and rituals regarding the cutting of hair?

~ Why do I choose to bind my hair daily and not veil?

~ What is my ritual when I bind my hair? What, when, where, and how?

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Where did the practice of veiling originate?

This is an extraordinarily, barely scratching the surface brief summary but feel free to read more from the link below for specifics on the origins themselves (and do your own research, of course): 

Veiling (binding tends to be specifically hellenic from what I’ve seen) is a universal practice that ranges across a variety of cultures (though particularly in the Near East) where a thin cloth/material is used to cover the head and neck, and/or shoulders, and occasionally face (or part of it) of an individual. Examples of such range anywhere from the Jewish tichel to the Muslim burqa to the Greek himation. However, the earliest mentions of veiling are found from the mid-second century in ancient Assyria in the rather incomplete code of laws: the Assyrian Code, which had a rather interesting set of laws pertaining to veiling. (Jastrow, Morris. “VEILING IN ANCIENT ASSYRIA.” Revue Archéologique, vol. 14, 1921, pp. 209–238. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/23908342. Accessed 8 Aug. 2020.) Though the original context was problematic and misogynistic, today, the veil is seen for many as a source of empowerment, amongst other positive connotations.

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What is Hellenic binding and veiling; Why is it done?

Hellenic or Pagan binding: The ‘binding’ of one’s hair by tying back/braiding/etc. often with a headband (headbands can technically be veiling depending on your interpretation), hair ties, clips, flower crowns, diadems, etc. Stretching by to ancient times, this is a practice that was gender-neutral and any female, male, trans, non-binary, gender fluid, intersex, etc. individual is absolutely able to bind their hair!

Hellenic or Pagan veiling: The covering of the head (usually rather loose) with either a scarf, tichel (I’ve seen head coverings similar to them used often in the pagan community), hijab styles, turban styles, etc. To clarify, for the overwhelming majority of the part of the pagan community who veils, though the terms used are inherently specific to a culture, they refer simply to the style of veil used (ex: a pagan veil that resembles a hijab as it wraps around the neck is a pagan veil, not a hijab. The same as a hijab is not a pagan veil.) The traditional hellenic way was simply wearing an overgarment called a himation where people (of all genders) would pull the cloth over their head to cover their head and possibly neck (though the hair was the target) when necessary—however, himations are quite impractical in modern circumstances and not many people tend to veil in this manner. Once again, though it was less common for men to veil in ancient times, they still did and I’ll restate that this is a practice that is gender-neutral and any female, male, trans, non-binary, gender fluid, intersex, etc. individual can totally veil!

Why do Pagans veil?: 

There are many reasons why pagans (particularly Hellenics) veil or bind their hair (these are just a few, rather generalized reasons I’ve seen commonly being expressed, as for many, it’s a very personal reason and choice):

~ Protection from miasma (spiritual pollution that we collect on a daily basis; Energy that is not necessarily bad but that could be done without)

~ Self-empowerment (many find veiling and/or binding to be a method of asserting themselves and their power)

~ Devotion/in respect/in honour of your Deity(ies) (usually a particular deity, in my case: Kirke)

~ Protection of the crown chakra (I’ve heard this mentioned a few times, though I’m rather certain it’s a New Age concept and I wouldn’t call it hellenic if this were your reason)

~ To bond/feel closer to your Deity(ies) (again, usually a select few/singular deity(ies) and the process is seen as a bonding experience with them)

~ A show of power: For women (in hellenic times; However, of course, even if don’t identify/present as female or feminine this is absolutely a valid reason), veiling and binding was a symbol of status, nobility and power; Hair holds power and by veiling and binding, you only allow those who you deem deserve to see it, see your power.

~ A method of calming/comfort/keeping a positive, level mindset (especially for those who deal with mental illness, this can be a helpful tool (it’s by no ways a solution and you should always consult a mental health professional on these such manners)) 

~ Any other reason that I either didn't list or one that is personal to you

Why I bind: 

For me, hair is a powerful thing, it’s a natural crown around my head that is a symbol of my strength and personal power and a symbol of the Mind. I bound my hair irregularly for a while but since quarantine started in March, I’ve made it a prominent part in my practice. This was due to the fact that I decided to let my natural color grow out (I’ve dyed/highlighted it for a few years now). By doing so, I’ve started feeling the power that I had repressed coming forth as I let my hair grow without taming it (it helps that we’re in quarantine and I don’t have to worry about how nice it looks, just how healthy).

For me, binding my hair is several different things:

~ A method of bonding and showing my love for Kirke (not only is She the goddess ‘of the braided tresses’ but She a divinity of weaving and bind magic as well)

~ Self-empowerment and comfort (It’s gotten to the point where I feel physically uncomfortable not binding my hair around anyone besides immediate family and my closest friends)

~ For presentation to myself and others (It allows me to choose how I present myself, a sort of glamour if you will)

~ Protection from negativity, miasma and toxicity (As a clairsentient, this holds particular importance to me)

~ Helping my ADHD (As someone who deals with ‘medium’ (I guess?) ADHD, I tend to get highs-and-lows emotionally and hyper focus and overthink constantly, so having this helps me tremendously to calm down and balance myself) 

~ Binding my hair is both empowering and strangely calming; I also find it helps me focus and get into a productive and positive mind space.

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How is my hair relevant to and in what way do I utilize it in my practice of katharmos? What is its further connection to Kirke?

In Book 4 of Apollonius of Rhodes’ Argonautica, Kirke is seen to perform a rather particular cleansing method after having a terrible nightmare of red flames burning away Her herbs and blood streaming from the rooms and walls of Her house: She gathers in Her hands ‘the blood of a murdered man’, then goes down to the shore to wash Her hair and clothes in the sea to cleanse and reassure Herself.

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"Passing swiftly over the Ausonian Sea, with the Tyrrhenian coast [of Italy] in sight, they [the Argonauts] came to the famous haven of [Aiaia], took Argo close in, and tied up to the shore. Here they found Kirke (Circe) bathing her head in the salt water. She had been terrified by a nightmare in which she saw all the rooms and walls of her house streaming with blood, and fire devouring all the magic drugs with which she used to bewitch her visitors. But she managed to put out the red flames with the blood of a murdered man, gathering it up in her hands; and so the horror passed. When morning came she rose from bed, and now she was washing her hair and clothes in the sea. A number of creatures whose ill-assorted limbs declared them to be neither man nor beast had gathered round her like a great flock of sheep following their shepherd from the fold . . . The Argonauts were dumbfounded by the scene. But a glance at Kirke's form and eyes convinced them all that she was the sister of Aeëtes.”

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Of course, living in Canada, I don’t often bathe in seawater except on vacation. However, I do often perform my katharmos gemátos (full cleansing), in which I shower and meditate. Thus, it’s become custom for me to pay specific attention to my hair when I do so, incorporating my pre-existing purification rite with cleansing my hair (to physically, mentally and spiritually wash it out).

I tend to visualize my intent of cleansing my hair and mind; I tend to perform this cleansing by showering in the afternoon post-workout. (Note: This is different to my general katharmos (no, I am obviously not putting khernips in my hair) and my katharmos fos (light cleansing)).

Just something to mention: katharmos is the correct, original term: katharmos gemátos and katharmos fos are NOT original terms, I decided to use them to distinguish my personal different forms of katharmos (I use different ones for different occasions—I’ll post about my different rituals for each soon).

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What are my beliefs and rituals regarding the cutting of hair?

For the most part, hair should be uncut except during times of mourning. 

Mythological Example: 

“In the midst of them his comrades bore Patroclus [Patroklus] and covered him with the locks of their hair which they cut off and threw upon his body. Last came Achilles [Akhilleus] with his head bowed for sorrow, so noble a comrade was he taking to the house of Hades.

When they came to the place of which Achilles [Akhilleus] had told them they laid the body down and built up the wood. Achilles [Akhilleus] then bethought him of another matter. He went a space away from the pyre, and cut off the yellow lock which he had let grow for the river Spercheius. He looked all sorrowfully out upon the dark sea, and said, "Spercheius, in vain did my father Peleus vow to you that when I returned home to my loved native land I should cut off this lock and offer you a holy hecatomb; fifty she-goats was I to sacrifice to you there at your springs, where is your grove and your altar fragrant with burnt-offerings. Thus did my father vow, but you have not fulfilled his prayer; now, therefore, that I shall see my home no more, I give this lock as a keepsake to the hero Patroclus [Patroklus].

As he spoke he placed the lock in the hands of his dear comrade, and all who stood by were filled with yearning and lamentation.”

Excerpt From: Homer. “The Iliad.” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/ca/book/the-iliad/id498687001

In this instance, in mourning for the death of Patroklus, this particular scene shows Akhilleus (alongside the other men) offering up a lock of his hair and placing it in his hand in honour of him.

However, I personally add three other circumstances as to when I cut my hair, though the common theme of death is present throughout them:

1. To be rid of dead ends

They’re dead already and by cutting it off it allows the hair to flourish more and grow better.

2. To return to my natural color

I am progressively cutting off my dyed hair as it grows out (currently my hair seems rather ombre as my natural hair now takes up over half of my hair). I personally prefer my natural hair: I feel closer to my Deities, I feel better about myself, it’s healthy and happy, and it grows better and faster by being trimmed every once in a while (of course, having dyed hair doesn’t make you any further from the Gods, this is simply a personal preference).

3. When I need to cut something/someone out of my life

I haven’t had the need to do this, but I feel as though if given a rather extreme circumstance, I would cut my hair (not super short but a noticeable change) as a form of final purification (after cutting our connection) to be fully rid of the toxicity of a particular individual, group or situation. Again, this would be as a last resort or the end of a transformation (for me at least).

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Why do I choose to bind my hair and not veil?

There a number of reasons why, on a daily basis, I choose to bind my hair rather than veil. However, I will state that there are rare occasions that I would loosely veil with a himation-style head covering such as specific ritual or perhaps if I’m coming in contact with someone or something rather toxic. 

For me personally, veiling is more of a form of protection while binding is a form of protection and empowerment.

Why I bind my hair:

~ It’s simple and indistinguishable; I enjoy and admire its subtlety. It’s easily passable in society but it holds great personal meaning for me (meaning it’s not recognized as being pagan and I can choose to explain or not to explain my personal practice with others)

~ I can personalize it and it’s diverse in how I can style it: I can alternate between more formal, less formal, clips, braids, headbands, ponytails, etc. (Not that veiling isn’t, but I just like the options I have)

~ Braids in particular are great because they particularly relate to Kirke and Her epithet ‘of the braided tresses’

~ It doesn’t take me a long time to do and it looks really nice

~ It makes me feel empowered and motivated

~ It gets me in a good mindset/mind frame for take action and do — magic, academic or whatever task I have before me

Why I only veil for specific rituals:

~ My hair is extraordinarily thick so veils (minus the loose himation style really) are impractical for daily use as:

- In the summer, it’s too hot to wear all day (it can range from late 20 to mid thirties oC) and I’d rather not have to adjust or undo it every hour

- Even without the heat, my hair is hard to keep in a veil and pieces constantly stick out

- It takes much longer to do and yields worse results as I’m pretty bad at the actual veiling process

~ I don’t have the proper materials and due to constraints I can’t purchase them

~ Although I know it’s not, a part of me feels as though I’m culturally appropriating even when simply wearing a scarf. (I’m not trying to dissuade you at all; This is just my personal inner voice overthinking as per usual!)

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What is my ritual when I bind my hair? What, when, where and how?

Well, it’s not particularly set in stone. I bind my hair (almost) daily but it defers everyday what I end up doing with my binding. It also depends whether or not I’m leaving the house (in my home, when I’m alone, I almost never bind my hair). I always reach out to Kirke when I bind, it’s my time to be with Her energy and assert myself, and to share both my power and my love for Her.

What do I do?

~ My process tends to be extremely informal

~ I perform my katharmos fos then settle myself with my supplies (brush, straightener, accessories, etc.) and call out to Her, either through Hymn or simply mentally (or verbally) reaching out

~ I talk if She wants to ‘talk’ (claircognizance) or we sit peacefully together while I do my hair

~ When in private, I tend to sing or hum or listen to music (usually Stevie Nicks or Florence and the Machine) to Kirke

~ For ritual, I tend to be more formal and planned out

When do I bind?

Generally speaking, when I’m around people, when I’m working with Kirke or when I’m doing a ritual with the Gods that aren’t my main Deities (not usually for basic ritual/offerings or when working with Aeëtes). 

Anytime I’m around others who aren’t extremely close family that one or two extraordinarily close friends, I bind my hair. It’s calming and empowering at once and as I’ve mentioned, I feel extremely uncomfortable if for whatever reason I forget or don’t have time to bind my hair (though I usually have a million backup barrettes and elastics). Also, despite my usual doing it in company, I do tend to do it habitually even when I’m alone if I have the time.

Where do I bind?

Anytime I go out really, whether that be to another person’s house, a store, or even just going for a walk (this isn’t necessary, it just works for me). Most of the time, unless I do it instinctually or I have someone over, I rarely bind in the house.

How do I bind?

~ My styles range drastically (these are just my basic styles: I tend to experiment and let myself get creative! As much as it’s religious and practical, it’s also fun!):

Ritual:

~ Usually I straighten my hair, black hair clip holds up half my hair with two dark barrettes above each ear

Braids:

~  French braids, either dual ones or two braids ending in one

~ French braids (one or two) with a black headband

~ Crown braid

~ (I’m waiting for my hair to get extremely long so I can do waist/lower back-length braided tresses)

Simple:

~ Literally just a ponytail

~ Simple bun, occasionally stuck with pencils/pens/chopsticks

~ Half-up half-down

~ So many headbands

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Conclusion

Though it is certainly not necessary, incorporating your hair into your practice is something that can be extremely empowering and positive! If are you interested in trying it out, experiment! Personally, keeping my hair unshorn, and bound in public and formal ritual, works for me, but it’s not the same for everyone. See what works and doesn’t work for you!

You can veil, bind, both (or neither). If you want to veil/bind in public but not at home, that’s fine! Or you could do so only at home or only for ritual. Or you can even veil/bind all the time if that’s what works for you!

Have fun with different styles! Research different veiling techniques, use different hair accessories, look up the ancient methods of binding hair!

If you have any questions or have something to add, please feel free to comment or send me an ask. I’ll be happy to answer!

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Lots of love and good intentions,