Monday, February 8, 2010

What is in a Name?

Magickal names are very popular within our Pagan culture for a variety of reasons.  In many cases, taking a magickal name is one of the first steps that a new Seeker takes on their path as it provides protection and anonymity in a world that is not always kind to those of our faith.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your magickal name.
  1. Be creative!  Don’t use the name someone else is using because it sounds cool.  Odds are you can come up with something that fits your personality and spiritual walk better.  Plus, if you might end up as BlueMoon8952 when you go to sign up for a forum.
  2. Don’t force it!  If you are unable to think up the perfect name for yourself, do not settle for something that does not feel right.  Wait a while and go on your normal routine.  Pay careful attention to your dreams and monitor your thoughts while you are doing repetitive or mundane tasks.  You will likely get your answer when you least expect it.
  3. Do not pick something that is condescending or harmful to others!  This should not be an issue, but some people do not think about the effect that their name has on other people.  Though not everyone follows the Wiccan Rede, harming others has a way of coming back to bite you in the butt.  Be respectful of other people and their paths and do not pick something that is rude, gross or hurtful.
  4. Most importantly – magickal names change!  The whole purpose behind spiritual study is to grow.  As you do, your magickal name may no longer fit or may not feel right anymore.  No reason to panic.  Meditate and pick a new one.
So once you have chosen your magickal name, what do you do then? 
  • Most people will mull it over for a few days and make sure it fits and feels right.  If it does not feel just right, think it over some more.
  • You can make it official.  Go through a naming ceremony and take the name for yourself before Deity (and coven if you have one). 
  • Begin telling others your magickal name, if you choose to do so.
Have some more tips for choosing a magickal name?  Leave them in the comments!

4 comments:

Wendy said...

You write so well, Sparrow! I think this is a fantastic intro. to magickal names whether one is a seasoned witch/magician etc..or a beginner. The post reminds and refreshes my memory and power of magickal names. Also love the salt scrub, great for morning to slough off the nightly travels and great for night time to cleanse the day time challenges and feel ready for bed!
Thank you so much.
Bast

Tracy said...

Okay. I get why magickal names are desirable and how to choose one.... but are they really necessary? Or is it one of those things that are just tradition but you don't have to do it? Just curious....

Angelique Mroczka said...

Tracy,

Choosing a magickal name is not at all necessary. It is truly up to you whether or not you feel called to one. For the longest time I did not have one either.

Some people use them like you would a ritual robe and circle, to cut themselves off from the mundane so that you can focus on the Divine.

Hope that helps to answer your question :)

Bridgett said...

I'm still trying to figure mine out.
I'm hoping it will come to me during a meditation one day soon.

But for now, I'm just Boo. ;)

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