CXP2Pawz

East Hartford, Connecticut

Veiling (or head covering) is a spiritual practice that is found within nearly all world religions! Veiling is the act of covering ones head, partially or fully, with an article of clothing or hanging cloth. The type of veil or head covering varies from faith to faith. Also, everyone has different reasons for veiling. In general, it is a sign of respect to ones deities, to the self, and to the sacredness of the body. Vestal Priestesses of Vesta veiled before their goddess, Yoruba initiates cover their head for spiritual protection, Catholic Nuns veil for spiritual distinction and modesty, etc. Historically, women are more likely to practice veiling but there are many practices where men are also called to cover their heads. Veiling is for anyone and everyone who feels called to practice! 💐🌹

✨ BENEFITS OF VEILING ✨

(Note, this is an amalgamation of different reasons why people veil. Not everyone shares these same benefits or beliefs. This is a generalization!)

DIVINE DEVOTION

The crown of the head is, in many practices, believed to be the center of divine communication. It is the part of our body that is closest to divinity. As a result, many people veil in order to respect the sacredness of this connection. It’s almost as if placing a crown upon our head to symbolize our pure connection with our gods. It can also be a sign of humility and humbleness before divine. Veiling for divine devotion is often worn during rituals or worship but may not be worn for everyday use (this varies). This practice of veiling results in a closer, sanctified bond with our divinity. 

SPIRITUAL PROTECTION

Similar to the last point, the head is believed to be sacred. If the head is not protected, the rest of the body may suffer. Emotional empaths may be called to veiling out of a desire to protect their energy from the world around them. Full-body veils can also be worn for this purpose. It offers comfort, peace, and a sense of spiritual protection!

DISTINCTION

For many people, veiling is a way of “wearing their faith”. A clear religious habit (form of clothing) sets you apart from the rest of the world. Not in the sense that you are higher or holier than the world but in the sense that your life is lived in devotion. It is a reminder of the covenant you have made within your spiritual path. It makes your faith visible and tangible. My Muslim sisters often express that wearing their hijab creates a sense of unification and connectedness. 

EMPOWERMENT

I’ve noticed a lot of people, especially women, express how empowered they feel when they’re wearing their veils. It can often garner a sense of respect and reverence. Sadly there are spaces where veiling (especially for muslim women) is met with judgement but, even when faced with criticism, it is an empowering practice. It forces the world to view us as more than bodies to be objectified. It adds a sense privacy that demands respect. 

SELF AWARENESS 

Wearing a veil is a reminder to the world but also to ourselves. When we wear a veil, we are wearing the tradition of our respective beliefs. It is a physical symbol that aligns us with our spiritual practice and reminds us of why we do what we do. I find that I am much more aware of my actions when I am veiling (for rituals and for everyday wear). There’s a sense of responsibility that comes with wearing a veil. It’s highly symbolic and we have to respect its importance. 

A BLESSING

✨ When you wake up, take a few deep breaths to ground yourself for the upcoming day.

✨ Choose a crystal to keep on your person to help cope with whatever you have going on that day.

✨ Ask your tarot deck what to focus on for the day and pull a single card. Pay attention to what your intuition tells you about your interpretation of the card in conjunction with your question.

✨ Stir intention into your morning cup of tea of coffee. Clockwise motions add an intention while counterclockwise removes something.

✨ Sit down with your journal and write out some goals and things for which you are grateful. Write out your goals as if their success is inevitable. “I will…” Write out your gratitude, allowing yourself to feel the positive emotions that come with being thankful.

✨ If you have the space or opportunity, go outside for even just a few minutes, put your feet into the grass, and take a few deep breaths. Just two minutes of grounding to start your day can severely adjust your entire attitude going forward.

Civil War-era Secretary of the Navy to the U.S. Mint, asking for assistance in designing a medal of honor, “to be bestowed on such petty officers, seamen and marines as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action +c during the present war …” 12/30/1861.

File Unit: Medal of Honor, 01/04/1861-03/03/1898, 1819 - 1979

Series: Papers and Correspondence, 1819 - 1979

Record Group 104: Records of the U.S. Mint, 1792 - 2007

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