Magickal Names
There seem to be a number
of questions regarding the craft or magickal name among newcomers
to the craft so I thought I would attempt to explain a bit
about them. One story goes that in olden times when it was
a crime to be a witch, people took craft names to protect
their true identity. It was quite common when a witch was
arrested and tortured to attempt to get names of fellow witches
so that they could be arrested as well. Common sense dictates
that anyone under torture might eventually give in and name
names. In order to protect against that eventuality, it is
said that witches used only their craft names with one another
and therefore had no useful information to give up. I do not
know this to be the case, it is simply a story that circulates
in magical circles, and is likely apocryphal. Far more likely,
in my estimation, is the notion that craft names are a relatively
recent innovation and are symbolic of the initiates rebirth
into the craft. The craft name is chosen by the prospective
initiate after much thought and meditation, and conferred
upon them at their self dedication or initiation. It's purpose
is not to conceal their true identity, but to reveal it.
As for choosing a magickal
name, this is where most of the difficulty occurs. There is
no one right way to arrive at your craft name. It may be taken
from the names of deities, crystals, herbs, animals, trees,
virtues, mythic heroes, common names in other languages, magical
goals.... The possibilities are virtually without limit. The
name may be anything that you feel is representative of your
inner spirit, your magical goals, your deepest dreams. It
should be something that you feel attuned with. Generally,
when the correct name is found you will feel an instant attraction
to it and simply know that it is right. It is possible as
well that this name may be correct at this time, but that
at some future point in your development you will find that
a different name calls to you. Unlike given names, magickal
names can evolve and change with the person they belong to.
So the name you choose today may or may not be your name for
life, it will depend upon where your path leads you.
It is also possible to never
choose or use a magickal name. It depends upon your tradition
how much emphasis is placed upon having one. If you are solitary
and do not feel the need for one, then don't force yourself
into it. If at some future point your feelings change you
can always select a name at that time. If you are a member
of a coven, discuss the difficulty you are having choosing
one with your High Priestess or sponsor, they should be able
to advise you on the necessity of having one or make some
suggestions to help you do so if need be. There are a number
of online resources for baby names, foreign language names
and the like, check these for inspiration. Do you have a favorite
crystal, or an animal spirit guide, or are you particularly
drawn to one deity or another?
These can be sources of name inspiration. Even other's craft
names can inspire you in your choice, perhaps part of someone
else's name strikes you as particularly 'you'. This can be
a jumping off point for arriving at a name of your own. Books
can also be good sources. Works of
fiction, collections of myths, and other writing may contain
just what you are looking for. It generally works best to
simply keep an open mind rather than searching strenuously.
The name will come when the time is right, you can't force
it. One thing to remember, you don't want to choose Lady something
for your craft name, the term Lady is given based upon rank,
not taken for oneself. You will annoy people if you name yourself
Lady so and so and you've been practicing a month and a half.
Just a warning.
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