how does one chose a (wiccan, pagan, witch, whatever) name?
i have seen numerous interesting names, some have been repeated, but all seem to be appropriate to the person.
is it based on your experience, your favorite aspects of the craft, the circle or coven you belong to?
tell me how you chose yours and what would do you think would be a good one for me, aside from "newbie"
is it based on your experience, your favorite aspects of the craft, the circle or coven you belong to?
tell me how you chose yours and what would do you think would be a good one for me, aside from "newbie"
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rain on -
One day, I'm going to do something and I'm going to get a nickname.
Then I'll just go by it, I haven't figured out the name shit either.
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Permalink Reply by Rain on
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Aye, thats the way I look at it. Someone 'ordained' or what not will be like.. Well hmmmm and it will just stick for everyone.
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Permalink Reply by Dravan Luhawk on -
Mine chose me! Dravan is what my Dragon spirit guide gave me, and Luhawk is LU=Lugh and Hawk is my totem animal.
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Permalink Reply by Adaria on -
I've had several nicknames in the past. Part of them were given to me by friends and family. These I still use today but not as often. I've got a couple alter-ego sort of names that I picked for myself to use for different things but these I don't use a whole lot.
My nickname Adaria, well it's a long story where that came from, it was given to me once upon a time. I've come to add on a surname to it (Tigermoon) namely for my love of tigers and the moon. This name is my public magickal name, so to speak. I use it everywhere in places like Paganspace and rarely other places outside of these sorts of things. Most of my online friends know me by it than by my real name, which I hate using online anyway. Most just call me Ada for short, it's a lot easier to type out than Adaria and it's not easy to butcher. (I've gotten called Adrias, Adara and a few others that I can't recall.)
As far as the Pagan/Wiccan/Witch "title" or name or whatever you want to call it, I chose it myself, it describes me best. I consider myself a Pagan most of the time, witch others, and eclectic witch for the long form of it. I don't call myself Wiccan since I don't prescribe to JUST Wiccan sorts of things, I take what works for me from various places and use it, hence the eclectic part.
But OK, it's late, I think I'm off to bed now that I'm done here. :)
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Permalink Reply by Cat High on -
I actually get asked this question a lot, so I put it on my blog ....... I'm going to repost it here for you.
Choosing a Magical (Magickal) Name
Well for many people the name comes to them through meditation or dreams. Sometimes it is given to them when they join a religious order, such as a Circle, Coven, Grove, or Temple by the Priest, Priestess, Shaman, or Magus in charge. The name could be anything that you feel drawn to, have an affinity for, or even some quality you want to strive for, or a combination of several of these aspects.
Here are some things to think about:
What are you interested in?
Do you have any totem animals? an affinity for any animals? and it does not have to be an animal at all.
Your Name can describe you, or an aspect of you.
Your Astrology sign, be it Western, Egyptian, Vedic, or Chinese Astrology Systems.
Your element (earth, air, fire, water, spirit),
Birthstone, or any Rock or Mineral you are drawn to,
Do you like plants/flowers or gardening?
Your name can reflect your status; Seeker, Novice, Apprentice, Witch, Magus, etc.
Your name in another language that reflects your path; Hebrew, Gaelic, Italian, Egyptian etc.
Examples:
Spiritual Warrior,
Shadow Rooster,
Midnight Jade,
Earth Fairy,
Star Child,
Lunar Dragon,
Fire Hawk,
Garnet Rose
Inanna's Initiate,
or Whatever calls to you.
Just remember whatever name you choose, this name is special, sacred, and holds meaning for only you, & words have power so choose wisely, there is no hurry .......
Now, I know people who have more than one magickal name and there are many reasons for this.
Some people have 1 name for public pagan use, and a secret name they use only when they meditate, commune with their guardian spirit, or divine, and when they write in their journal/Book of Shadows, or preform magical workings, spells or rituals. This secret name stays private and they do not openly share it with very few if any people, because it has power for them.
Some Pagans have 1 name they use only with a closed group they belong to and another for their other Pagan dealings, such as use on websites like this one where they do not want to use their "official" Magical name.
Sometimes people outgrow the original name they chose because they have gained knowledge along their path and they feel the need add to, or completely change their name to reflect the changes.
My real Name is Catherine and for years I went by Cathy ....... when I became Pagan I was getting divorced and needed a change. When I was a kid, my Dad called me kitten, and sometimes Kit-Cat ..... Also my spirit animal is a Cougar and sometimes a Panther, ..... Cat fits me and is special to me. I am Cat!
Oh and in case any of you are wondering about the name High ...... that is my maiden name & I went back to it after the divorce. No hidden meanings there, it just sounds cool.
I hope this helps some of you new seekers on the path.
Take care, & Blessings, Cat =^o^=
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Permalink Reply by Strmraven on -
Your "Magic-Name" is already a part of you. You will recognize it when you hear it and the time is right. Naming ceremonies are good way to introduce yourself when you have it, and are fun too.
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Permalink Reply by Merriweather on -
Imali! That's wonderful!
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Permalink Reply by nia rane on -
Why do you need a "magical" name? Why can you not stand before the god/goddess and say your own name? Your birth name is magical. It's who you are. I don't think taking on another name is going to make you any more powerful. This is one aspect of the craft I just don't get. Taking a public pagan name, I can see. I have taken mine.
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Permalink Reply by Suzanne on -
i agree... my craft name is interchangable with my real name... both are me.
Chances are I'll tell people my real name when they ask.
I believe our power is ours and not "brought on" by a name...
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Permalink Reply by Cat High on
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It is a personal choice thing, some people feel it is not necessary, while others prefer a special name. Like I mentioned in my post above mine is the name I use everyday for everything "Cat" because that is who I am. I had another name briefly when I was a member of a coven ........ the coven required that each member have a name that only coven members knew them by.
I am no longer a member of that coven ....... so that name has left as well.
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