CraftNames. They are like screennames, only more thought -- more FEELING -- is involved. And some 'tricks'. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with whatever CraftName you choose. The name your parents gave you is fine. The name of your favourite chewing-gum is fine, too. It should fit you as you see yourself.
Some good examples of CraftNames can be found on most of the PaganSites. Bear in mind that others' CraftNames are theirs alone, just as the one you choose will be.
Pagans never steal. No matter what.
Moon Phase by Spirit Web. Used with permission.
Your CraftName is special. The choice of when and where to use it is, of course, ultimately up to you. It should always be used with respect, by yourself and by others. Many only use their CraftName around other Pagans. Some do not.
Once you have decided on your CraftName, it is a good idea -- if not imperative -- that it 'fits' you. One of the best ways to try its 'fit' is threough the use of numerology. Numerology is a system based on number relationships to events. There are amny systems in numerology. For our purpose here we will use the most commonly recognized one, which is Magickal in its nature.
Find your BirthNumber by adding the digits of your date of birth. For example, if you were born on January 12th, 1960, your number would be: 1/12/60 = 1 + 12 + 1 + 9 + 60 = 83.
Bring that number down to a single digit: 8 + 3 = 11 = 1 + 1 = 2. Therefore, 2 is your birth number. Remember to include the 19 in the year as 1 + 9.
Now you need to find the name number of the CraftName you have decided upon. This is done by assigning all of the letters in the alphabet with the first nine numbers...A - I would be 1 - 9, J - R would be 1 - 9 and S - Z would be 1 - 8. For example, let us say that you have decided on TRIP as your CraftName. T = 2, R = 9, I = 9 and P = 7. 2 + 9 + 9 + 7 = 27 = 2 + 7 = 9. Therefore, 9 is the number of your CraftName.
Your Craftname should be the same number as your BirthNumber. Sometimes, depending on your chosen CraftName, a letter or two can be added or subtracted to make this all possible, like Dameon or Daemeon or Damion, for instance.
I am extremely honoured to have received this award for my home away from home. Thank you, my friend. Still can't think of one? No CraftName seems to come to you? There are several ideas that might work. Consider your Pagan beliefs and see if there might be some inspiration there...perhaps a treename, or an animal, or herb. Maybe a constellation. The important thing is that YOU feel at home with your chosen CraftName.
Your Craftname is yours. Your CraftName has power. Your CraftName is Magick.
I would like to thank Raymond Buckland for what I used as a basic outline and inspiration from his Llewellyn book 'Buckland's Complete Book Of Witchcraft' concerning CraftNames. This book is highly recommended and well worth your time.
