At least, notorious and confusing to the non-pagans who still take the absence of coverings entirely different than many pagans do. Thus the symbolism is meant to indicate freedom from everything in our culture that binds us. Gardner particularly emphasised the importance of ritual nudity, arguing that the optimum magickal energy radiates from the undressed body. By removing clothing, many pagans practicing together also remove the symbols of everyday society that they normally use to divide and define themselves.
Clothing is the main way people communicate their status.
To many pagan minds, nudity is not sexual. While most non-pagans only experience the naked form while bathing or as a prelude to sex, pagans may experience it in spiritual practice and thus view the human body as more a sacred aspect of existence. Although sex is a driving force in pagan religions, it is not the sex of strict rules and mores. At the same time, many pagans, particularly pagan parents have valid issues with the practice of ritual nudity. For pagan parents, avoiding celebrations that include nudity may be a matter of family protection.