Spiritual Locs

Whatever reason you may have for choosing to naturally loc your hair, whether spiritual or not, it may still be of interest to know the spiritual significance behind this historical look. Who knows, you may even find that you connect to some of its spiritual significance. Adding another layer behind the decisions we make can offer us more inspiration to support the choices and efforts we make.

Ancient Egypt

Our first stop is in ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have unearthed locs that remained intact in mummified Egyptian tombs. The ancient Pharaohs have been known to have locs, as seen in many uncovered statues and several other artifacts, such as loc’ed wigs. According to the Egyptians, locs represented a certain level of power and esteem for anyone who has been known or seen with loc’d hair.

Ethiopia

It is from a tribe in Ethiopia where we have heard about locs acting as an antenna and receptor of mental energies, spiritual force, and physical strength. Locs represent a devotion to purity, and since the locs are found around the head and face it acts as a constant spiritual reminder to its owner that they own force, wisdom, and are expected to generate goodness onto themselves and others.   

Shiva

In Hindu culture Shiva was said to have “Tajaa,” twisted locs of hair. Many of Shiva’s followers took on locs to declare the commitment to their spiritual growth and to resist earthly desires and temptations. However, in India locs are often reserved for holy people and represents a certain spiritual devotion.

Rastafarian

According to rastafarian belief, locs are a part of the Nazarite vow, rooted in Leviticus which calls out against shaving the four corners of the head. Many believe locs are connected to the Lion of Judah. The lion is the king of the jungle and therefore, by linking locs to lions a certain power and independent strength is represented both physically and spiritually. 

Eastern and Western Spiritualism

There are Eastern and Western religions who hold the belief that spiritual energies leave the body through the head and hair. Many of these religions believe that if the hair is loc’d it will keep the energy from exiting the body and will result in retaining more physical strength and spiritual energy. The head and hair act as a spiritual gateway from one realm to another. This could explain why locs can be found all across the world, from culture to culture.

Taking extra care and attention to locs, when done with patients and thoughtfulness, can evoke a heightened meditative state for many. While carefully paying attention and looking after all parts of our body can be meditative, knowing the spiritual power locs can have, and tuning in to locs as a source of power, can be a reboot and recharge of essential energy flow. Perhaps this invigorating force is what the ancient Ethiopians, Egypts and other tribes were so attuned to.