Magical Names
Many Wiccan books discuss
the taking of a Wiccan /magical name. The ceremonial bestowing
of such a name upon the initiate is a part of many initiation
ceremonies. Afterward, the new Wiccan is usually exclusively
called by this name within the circle.
Magical names are quite popular
among Wiccans; so popular, in fact, that many Wiccans have
two or even three such names (none I've met so far though...):
a public Craft name (used at Wiccan gatherings, when writing
articles, and so on); a secret name (the one bestowed during
initiation), and perhaps even a third name which is used only
when addressing the Goddess and God, and is known only to
Them and the Wiccan. Wiccans who are memembers of more than
one tradition may have different names for each group.
For many Wiccans, taking a
new name (magical name) is an outward symbol of her or his
devotion to Wicca. It's seen as a part of the process of rebirth
into the religion.
To cut to the heart of this
matter: is it necessary for you to adopt a Wiccan name? If
you wish your Wicca to correspond to conventional Wicca as
far as possible, yes. If you feel freer than these constraints,
adoption of a special name isn't necessary. Once again, the
decision is yours alone.
The major reason for utilizing
a magical name is that it represents the Wiccan you. For some,
use of this name gives them a sense of power and mystery which
they may otherwise not feel. We live in such a mundane world
that it can indeed be difficult to 'switch on' the magical
side of our nature. Thus, use of a Wiccan name may assist
in altering the conscious mind and preparing it for ritual.
Some people take an entirely
different approach: they legally adopt their Wiccan name.
Thus, Sally Thompson becomes Amber; Frank Jones, Greywolf.
This name may even appear on driver's licenses, leases and
other documents. This legal avenue is inadvisable unless you're
completely open about your religion, since such a name will
naturally draw attention to its bearer. Though many state
that they've chosen to use their new name to the exclusion
of the old one purely for spiritual reasons, most are also
making a public statement regarding their religion--and not
all of us are ready for such a step.
How do you find your magical
name?
There are many approaches.
Some Wiccans adopt the name of a Goddess or God, in honor
of Them. Others look into their family's cultural history
and choose a name from the associated folklore: a person with
British ancestory may opt for a name culled from British folklore.
Many contemporary American Wiccans incorporate an animal in
their name, such as 'Howling Wolf' or 'Sweeping Eagle'. (Or
like mine and my brother's *no you CANT have them!!!* Silvara
Wilde, Silvara = Silver Dragon, Aris Coldwolf.) Flower and
plant names (such as Rose, Oak Keeper, Grove, Fir, Ash) are
other possibilities.
You may also simply make up
a name. Many Wiccan names consist of two words that have been
put together. Such names are usually quite descriptive. (Silverhair,
Shadowdancer, Mist Walker)
Some famous Wiccan names have
been published. Gerald Gardner publicly used the name Scire.
At least one of Doreen Valiente's magical names was Ameth.
A well-known High Priest adopted the public Craft name of
Phoenix.
Still other popular names
include: Morgan, Morgana, Morgaine, Morgraine, Lugh, and Arthur;
Ariadne, Diana, Hermes, Poseidon, Cassandra, and Triton; Selket,
Ma'at, Osiris, and other Egyptian names.
Among the most commonly used
names are Amber, Phoenix, and Merlin. Calling out one of these
names at a Pagan gathering will usually cause many heads to
turn. (Try it. I dare you! *L*)
So there are plenty of possibilities
from which to choose. If you decide to use a Wiccan name in
ritual, always use it. Use it in prayer. Use it in rituals.
Write it, in runes or English, on your tools. You may even
wish to perform some sort of name-adoption ritual. This could
consist of casting a circle and invoking the Goddess and God
to be present and asking Them to recognize you by your new
name. Use of a Craft name may not give you any additional
power, but it's a traditional practice, and many enjoy it.
| Authors Details: Magical Names - Feather
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