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Underground > Temple >

Functional clothing

12:29 / 06.01.05

I have for some time considered to add magickal functionality to my regular clothes. For example: I would like to make my sneakers save me from tripping or falling, a protective jacket or perhaps a flashlight that helps me find new underground locations to discover (yes, I am an urban explorer).

I am thinking of several possible methods, such as ritual work combined with foci symbols or sigils, but have not quite made up my mind on this matter.

Does anyone have any experience for doing this? Are there any complications that I need to consider? Any possibilities I might have missed?

I would be happy for any input on this matter.

Skeleton Camera

16:52 / 06.01.05

Clothing is a tool. Tools are objects you collaborate with, partners in your task. If your task is urban exploration, you need clothing that facilitates this both practically and psychologically. And then you take this clothing out on explorations, get it broken in and acclimated to the activity. At the same time, you learn what it is capable of and what it will provide you.

17:41 / 06.01.05

Veering way off to the left (but I still think it applies)...

Clothing is a tool... in functionality as well as "fashion". I see fashion as a magical tool in that it affects the mind of observers to understand something about a person who wears a certain fashion. Since we choose the style of clothing we wear, we in essence can direct how others perceive us based on our objectives.

----
Threadrot:

I've been thinking that many homosexual males represent a cross of masculine and feminine traits which bring this understanding of magic to the surface. Those who are interested in fashion are actually tapping into their unconscious realization of the effectiveness of that form of magic. I'm not saying that only homosexuals can attain this, but that the homosexual orientation provides a number of factors in which one can come to this realization more readily.

That being said, popular/branded fashion is a form of quantifiable influence... ie: you know how much someone spent on a certain article of clothing, hence changing your opinion of a person wearing clothing that is brand-recognizable. This influence only holds it's original meaning if the mass does not/can not emulate it (due to cost). Once the mass emulates, the clothing loses it's original effect and becomes noise.

17:43 / 06.01.05

And don't you feel like you can kick ass in your hippest threads?

18:07 / 06.01.05

Well, it really seems like what you are trying to do is make a good old-fashioned magic item. Like a fighter runs around with a magic sword, you run around with a magic flashlight. So, dig up some roleplaying games, check the rules for creating magic items and modify it to your liking.

Actually, I think I might try something like this myself. Sounds interesting.

18:26 / 06.01.05

Also you can check Modern Magick by DMK for the creation of Talismans and amulets and/or Peter Carroll's Liber KKK and HHH for some great techniques on charging margickal items.

19:36 / 06.01.05

I think I'll try this out, also. Putting the "fun" back in functional!

Here are a few suggestions for you, Simulacra:

For your sneakers, in addition to not tripping or falling, let them make you fast when you need to be. And your jacket should have an invisibility component to it. Your flashlight, while helping you find new places to explore, can also be used to help you find your way out again.

I second the role-playing games suggestion, but the possibilities are endless.

20:52 / 06.01.05

Great idea! Now I need to learn how to sew.

22:04 / 06.01.05

Then let Barbelith's Seamstress's and Tailors be your teachers!

11:30 / 07.01.05

Thanks for the feedback. I'll report back with some results and hope that you do that too. I think I will stay away from the roleplaying games, though. Not because I don't like them, I used to roleplay a lot, but many of them seem to miss what is magical about magic. But everyone has to find their own preferable methods.

Clothes are interesting because they are a way of changing the appearance and capabilities of your current avatar. They can be used to subtly signal information about who you 'are'.

14:17 / 12.01.05

and/or Peter Carroll's Liber KKK and HHH for some great techniques on charging margickal items.

Peter Carroll's Liber HHH? I am the game and I know how to play it?

Hoodoo tailoring. Designing a suit with a magical purpose and getting it made to measure for you. A magical suit made to fit you, nobody else can wear it, it won't look right on anyone but you. Every aspect of it, the colour, the fabric, the stitching, placement of pockets and buttons, can be chosen with a specific intent in mind. Not a single stitch out of place. Everything about the suit should perfectly express the magical intent behind it. The money you spend on tailoring and the hours worked to earn that money is your sacrifice. Everything has a price. If you are "a person of power" you should have the power to get a suit made for you. The power to conjure tailors, cloth golems and threadneedle spirits that will work for you and make your will manifest with three buttons, side vents and a thin lapel.

If you can find a tailor who is open to magical ideas, ask them to say a prayer over the cloth while they are stitching it for you, get them to sew secret items, roots, powders, symbols, into the lining of the jacket. Sewn up pockets full of mysteries. The suit functions like a gris-gris bag that you wear. Putting on the suit is like putting on a spell or a glamour or stepping into a specific role. Wear it whenever you practice magic, and wear it whenever you want to function as a magician in the world.

18:16 / 12.01.05

Holy crap!! You are right GL, I meant Liber MMM.
HHH is one of Crowley's.

***And the original HHH was Hollywood Hulk Hogan.