The Importance of names and labels...

It has often come up in the Pagan scene that certain people just dont see the point in calling oneself anything....and sure, a rose by any other name would be as sweet. But when we get right down to it, labels have always held a sacred place in Pagan religions. They are a symbol of our identities, be they individual or as a group. Ones name contains within it all their past deeds and actions and so one should strive to tend to their reputation so that it does not become too blemished.
Egyptian magic often involves names and seeking the true name of a Deity or spirit and the same could be said in a good deal of Ceremonial magic. Identity is important.

I think as the Pagan Communities struggle to identify and define themselves, when we come to a general idea of who we are....we can then start to really decide where we are going.

Thoughts?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gary ~Mit Leib und Seele~ on November 13, 2009 at 5:37pm: Well honestly the only German I know is what few words my mother said (very few) and what I picked up on my own. I am stll trying to figure out Deutschsprachige I was thinking cats due to the previous topic....lol

"Cats are everywhere" is what I'm guessing; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Maire Hel Wolf on November 13, 2009 at 5:50pm: Katzen sind überall! xD

Anyway you seem to have a good feeling for the Language even if you do not know how to speak it. Hmmm you are musician, maybe it has to do something with that. Language is like Music as well :)

Permalink Reply by Gary ~Mit Leib und Seele~ on November 13, 2009 at 6:00pm: Yea guitar and drums primarily with a very small dash of bass guitar and piano. I am self taught but I did learn to read sheet music a little. Its hard to go back to the basics and pluck single notes for the sake of learning to read the sheet.

Permalink Reply by Nathaniel Jeffers on November 13, 2009 at 11:34am: Id agree.....if you are clergy, then let others see you for what you are. You shouldnt have to brag about it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathaniel Jeffers on November 13, 2009 at 11:33am: actually I see that as a social problem that should be addressed. I dont think Paganism as a whole will ever become a socio-polictical force. Individual strains of Paganism which are more drawn to the idea perhaps. But wouldnt it be nice to see a new day where Pagan temples stand alongside Christian churches....equal in power and influence?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Master Golden Wizard "Luxas" on November 13, 2009 at 2:38am: in my view we should seek to get called by what we do and know by those who have afforded us such titles..otherwise your just pretending to be something your not, and eventually...it will catch up....

so why waste the effort.....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brecia Veonne Bloom on November 13, 2009 at 7:37am: Anyone else have trouble understanding this person??; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by d'Arqstar on November 13, 2009 at 9:12am: THANK YOU Brecia!!! I read that last reply several times, scratched my head, CONSIDERED re-reading it again and gave up instead.
Happy Friday the 13th all!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Maire Hel Wolf on November 13, 2009 at 11:26am: why waste the effort

:); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathaniel Jeffers on November 13, 2009 at 11:36am: Im not; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathaniel Jeffers on November 13, 2009 at 11:39am: why waste the effort indeed......and why pretend? You may well, be a Godhi, Or Harugari, or even Cheiftan or Atheling Lord....and the people who become Lord Rainbow Fluffwater who havent earned the title of Lord , merely chose it for themself will reveal themselves in time for what they are.Wanna-be's.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by David Carron on November 13, 2009 at 4:24pm: But at least the term Godhi/Gothi has a historical understanding of an Icelandic priest. Such things can be error checked, just like most any term, for fraud. I.E. an Icelandic priest would likely not use Voodoo practices and know something about Northern European rituals.

Yes, folks do reveal themselfs in time but the terms are a useful starting point. Hating definitions just seems about as useful as hating the dictionary.; ▶ Reply to This