So, why would you want to give yourself another name, a magickal one at that? Let me give an example. When you were young, did you ever play imaginary games. I used to get together with my neighbors and we'd play around the neighborhood, pretending to be heros, or runaways, or whatever. I remember just as we would begin, we would all have to decide who we wanted to be. I would pick my name...perhaps Raindancer if I was to be a hero, or the name Jennifer (my favorite name at the time! lol) In any case, once I decided on a name, a personality naturally followed. All my friends called me by the chosen name. I truly 'became' that character. Taking on a new name gives you a chance to show sides of you that otherwise remain hidden. When I was Raindancer, I became the powerful female hero who could do and say anything! A strong independant part of me that was sometimes hidden, appeared at these times. Our magickal names function in the same way. When you begin to learn about Witchcraft or Wicca, you began down a path that may seem odd and different to you. Uncomfortable even. 'You mean, I have the control to do what I want?' Giving yourself a name that attaches to this new magickal side of you helps that part of you to show itself.
You've had a long, mundane day at work and you come home wanting to hold a small ritual for whatever reason. It's hard to strip off the work-day-you and put on the magickal-you but once you use that name, it's all that much easier.
Magickal names can be anything. Names of trees, plants, places, people from myths and legends, etc. The only catch is that the name you pick should reflect who you are. It should be as unique as you.
Personally, I have yet to find a suitable name. I think I spent too much time searching for it and I've been told that it's when you sit back and relax that the name comes to you, not when you're chasing after it.
Anyways, as mentioned, suitable names can come from many different sources. Some people also use numerology with their birth date to figure out a magickal name. There are so many options.
On a more personal note, (no offence intended to any) try to look further than Arthurian names. You have no idea how many Merlins, Morgana's and Vivienne's there are out there. There are lot of people who use trees for names too though they all pick the same one. Rowan, Rhowan, Willow (Again, no offense inteneded) but you get my meaning. Obviously, if one of these names really works for you, then by all means, use it. I only suggest that you check out all your options before settling on one.
On another 'personal' note I don't like it when someone takes a God/dess's name. Again, my own opinion, but when someone says the name Athena, I want the Greek Goddess to come to mind and not my neighbor down the street. If anyone reading this has taken a Goddess name, please don't take offense.
Here's hoping this article has proven to be helpful to you. A name can take years to find, or days. But when you find/hear it, you'll know.
The Club - Blackangel
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