When the Bombyx mori moths spun their mile-long threads of silken cocoons in an emperor's garden more than 5,000 years ago, they spiraled into motion an eternal fascination with a magical fabric we still relish today.
Chinese legend has it that Lady His-Ling-Shih plucked a cocoon from her tea-cup that had dropped from the leaves of a mulberry tree, and marveled at the fine threads unraveling. Recognizing their inherent beauty, the royal lady went on to invent the loom and cultivate the silkworm, transforming a remarkable idea into a revolutionary industry. Silk production, or sericulture, soon became the work of women all over China--and the most zealously guarded secret in history. Anyone who revealed how it was made or attempted to smuggle the silkworm eggs was punished by death. That is until the fifth century A.D., when a witty princess smuggled cocoons and the seeds of a mulberry tree in her headdress as she headed north to marry a Tibetan king. Lucky for us, Chinese monks shadowed this bold move and hid their own goods in hollowed canes for many years to come. Only by these acts of defiance did the silk industry spread across the continents, allowing, eventually, for the likes of us to feel its luster.
The Transformative Power of Silk
"Silk transforms us when we put it on" notes Jasmine Sky, silk artist and owner of The Dreaming Goddess Boutique. "There is the sensuality, of course, it's luxuriant texture on our skin. But there is something more".
Indeed there is. The most basic element of the fabric-the silk threads-promise everything. The Bombyx mori moths spin these divine threads in the symbol of infinity-the sideways figure 8. A silk garment awakens the goddess in us, the center where we can achieve anything. Literally. Silk energetically is of the highest vibration-therefore actually raising your energy. Additionally, silk has been revered for centuries for its ability to filter out negative energies. From which comes the tradition of wrapping sacred objects in silk. "In India, where monks embrace the ideal of poverty, a silk-clad swami is an unusual sight. Many yogis, however, wear garments of silk, which preserves certain subtle bodily currents better than cotton." Paramahansa Yogananda Autobiography of a Yogi
You stand taller. "It is no coincidence that everyone experiences the same regal and expanded sensation immediately when they put on silk. They are experiencing the powerful energy boost in no uncertain terms" remarks Jasmine. This is no coincidence--this fabric, prized for its elegance, strength and comfort for centuries--has filaments stronger than steel of the same diameter.
Sky knows a little something about transformation. "It was a cold, grey, New York winter. I was at a crossroads, I needed something different. Totally frustrated with life I asked, no I demanded something better from the universe, and over the next weekend various pieces of my life all came together." A year later with her two cats, a bolt of silk and paint Jasmine alit in the Florida Keys and The Dreaming Goddess clothing line of sarongs and resort wear began to flow.
There are other reasons silk has been treasured for centuries-and why the nobility sought to keep silks' magic for themselves. This hypoallergenic, natural fiber has properties that are mold and mildew resistant and help regulate temperature. "I like silk because it is organic," comments Sky, "unlike most cottons very little pesticides are used in its production." Silks' moisture-wicking abilities soothes sensitive skin and wards off further tissue-sensitive issues that may be exacerbated by wearing other fabrics.
Making Silks' Magic Work For You
Jasmine Sky has created an entire product line based on silks' magic. These hand-painted sarongs, resort-wear, accessories and home décor are all made from quality silk. "There are many types of silk and weights, but I concentrate on four; habotai for its lightweight billowy effect, charmeuse for its weighted, luxurious drape and buttery-soft feel, organza for its sheerness and silk gauze for its stretch, which is perfect for bandeau's, turbans and head wraps." Jasmine paints and prays into vibrantly-dyed silks, merging her talents and instincts to create luxuriant, comfortable, custom-made clothing that combines fashion flair with a spiritual consideration. There is something inherently metaphysical about silk. "I remember when I discovered how the 'divine threads' were made" said Jasmine, who has also worked as a Reiki healer "the moths weave the silk fibers in an infinity figure-the sideways 8."
"I feel that wearing silk while doing energy work helps create a natural layer of psychic protection," says Angie Arkin, an intuitive healer and meditation teacher in Key West, Florida. "Silk brings me to a higher vibration and enhances my work as an intuitive healer."
The product line as well as the company name honors the goddess-'one's innate unlimited potential'-in all women. From the resort wear line for example you can chose from Juno's Robe, Hippolyta's Harem Pants, and Guinevere's Tunic. This is just a small taste of the many tunics, dresses, pants, capes and other items. In the sarong category try the generous Mermaid Sarong, or the Yemanja Sarong Ensemble. Custom-created all are available in 12 textile designs, all the colors of the rainbow and of course silk, silk, silk.
"In today's world women want to be peaceful, accepting of themselves and powerful all at the same time," says Elisa Levy, motivational speaker and life-coach. "Jasmine's silk clothes make me feel all of those."
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