As you surf the web
and get acquantainted with Wicca and Paganism, you may have
noticed some of the names by which many of us go by. These are
called magickal names. Those who enter the Craft prefer to
choose a new name for themselves. One that has no connection
with their old selves. In this way they are separating their
magickal selves from the mundane ones.
Many wiccan and pagans choose a
secret name for themselves that it is used only during rituals.
The use of a magickal name helps you to separate your mind from
the everyday world and prepares you for the supernatural work.
Sometimes a magickal name can be
everything to a pagan. It means the difference between coming
out of the broom closet or remaining there. Some pagans choose
to go by their given names. Yet these are few. They are lucky to
be able to be open about their religion without worrying how it
will affect their families, relations with other people, and
jobs.
Many witches have two names; one for
correspondence and writing, and another for their private
rituals. If you are thinking in acquiring a magickal name, I
suggest you start using one name first. You need time to get to
know your "new" you. Once you feel comfortable with yourself as
a pagan, then you might want another one. There may be a time
when you may feel that you have "outgrown" your magickal name
and it is time to change it.
Who Chooses Your Magickal Name
The answer to this question depends
greatly upon the situation the witch or pagan is in. Solitary
witches, like me, choose their own magickal names by themselves.
By this, I mean that there is no other person involved in the
process (except the Goddess if the witch does a ritual for . The
solitary witch uses one or several methods to choose his/her
magickal name. (See How to Choose a Magickal Name). They
might change their magickal names accordingly to their needs as
they grow in the Craft.
In coven enviroment, it varies by
coven and tradition. In many covens the initiate acquires a
magickal name through a vision quest. Yet it will change as
he/she raises within the ranks of the coven. There are covens in
which your magickal name is given by your mentor/teacher; or
sometimes your mentor/teacher adds another part to the magickal
name you have already chosen. Some covens allow you to have two
names; a ceremonial one used within the coven, and another known
only to the Goddess/God, your mentor/teacher, and you.
Spell Your Magickal Name
Okay, you may have chosen a
magickal name already. Now, you have noticed that many magickal
names are spelled as one word. Examples: SilverHawk,
CrystalWater, NightOwl, FreeEagle. But, is this really
necessary? Personally I do not think there is a rule in any book
that states magickal names must be written as one word. I have
always written Raven Dance (my magickal name on the web) as two
separate words. Come to think of it, I spell all my magickal
names as two words. So I leave this up to you to write your
magickal name as one or two words.
information taken from: D.J.
Conway's Celtic Magic, Silver RavenWolf's To Ride a
Silver Broomstick, and Starr's "What's in a Name?"
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