Many People that enter the Craft choose to rename themselves. This is done to psychologically shed the ties to the old self and add a part of your new self, such as your own skills and concepts. These skills and concepts are usually those that you desire to obtain, it isn't necessary to already have them.

Some Solitary Witches never change their magickal name once they choose one; others use one for correspondence and writing, and a second for their private, ceremonial rituals.

There are some solitary Witches that prefer to use their given name. There is nothing wrong with this. It is a choice entirely up to the individual.

I use my magickal name for just about everything. It has become such a part of my identity that at times I almost forget what my given name is. LOL!

I chose my magickal name a few years ago. The only thing I knew at the time was I wanted it to reflect a part of th Lynx. When I look at the Lynx, I feel a connection as though I am the Lynx and seeing through its eyes.

The Lynx is known as the keeper of secrets and knowledge of lost magickal systems and occult knowledge. It can unravel any mystery. If the Lynx is strong within you, you will get mental pictures concerning other people and the exact things they have hidden, either from themselves or from others. You will see their fears, their lies, and their seld-deception. You never speak of these revelations, you simply know.

Even before I knew the Lynx was a part of my life, I had always considered myself to be a good judge of character upon meeting someone for the first time. rarely if ever am I wrong. Of course, everyone has an "off" day every now and then and it's not until I meet the person for a second time that I am able to see their true inner-self. I'm never one to rush right up to meet people. I usually hang back and observe for awhile. Perhaps that's my Scorpio coming out. LOL!

Anyway, to finish this section up on how I found my name... The second part of my name, "spirit" was chosen because the spirit of the Lynx is with me always. So there you have the meaning of my magick name, Lynxspirit.:)

One way is to look up a Deity's or many Deities' name(s) and incorporate them into a name that you feel especially strong with. I strongly encourage you to do you homework on this style of selection! Words have power and many a name has more than one meaning or story behind it. Do not be surprised if you begin to take on the aspects and/or personality of the one (or more) name(s) that you have chosen. Also, get the deity's permission FIRST, before you use their name! This is a great method but like most things (especially in Magick, you MUST be responsible for what you do).

Another method is to use a ceremony or ritual (or even a dream) in which you choose animal or cultural names from history or memory. This one is great for past life/incarnation buffs. This method is also good for those with a strong association with a particular animal (or animals).

One fun way is to sit alone, or even with some friends, and think of names or attributes of yourself that you and your friends feel are very strong and predominate in your personality. Choose something that you can be proud of and something that will not embarrass you the next time your friend(s) call it out at a meeting or gathering. Really think about this one. Remember, what you pick becomes a part of you and what you will become!

A good method for "finding" your name is to "Divine" the name. That is, to use a tool of divination (Tarot, Runes, Ouji Board, Lots, *Numerology and your power numbers, I-Ching) or anything else you feel good with. Sometimes the name can come from the actual item, or a reading of that particular item.(*See Below)

Finally, you might want to try meditation, either guided or self-guided. This is a very personal way to find your name. Go and ask the Deities themselves! Envision yourself at a sacred space and ask for assistance from a guide and/or teacher. You will get it! Most methods of meditation will work, even methods of very deep relaxation. Have fun with this. Be respectful both to yourself, and the one(s) giving you help with this!

Whatever method you choose, remember there is no "right" or "wrong" name. Just go with what feels good to you.

Some people believe that your magick name should match your Birth Number. The reason for this is because your Birth Number is unchanging. People can change their names, addresses, etc., but they cannot change their date of birth. By choosing a name that matches your Birth Number, you are then aligning yourself with that same vibration; the vibration of the moment you chose to be born.

To do this:
First find your Birth Number by adding the digits of your date of birth. (Example:)If you were born June 23rd 1956, your number would be
6.23.1956 = 6+2+3+1+9+5+6 = 32
Bring that down to a single digit: 3+2 = 5
Then 5 is your Birth Number.

This is the chart you will be using:

Suppose you like the name DIANA. Using the chart above,
D = 4
I = 9
A = 1
N = 5
A = 1

Therefore, DIANA = 4+9+1+5=1 = 20 = 2

But your birth number was 5. For your Magick Name you should aim for a name that matches your Birth Number. In the above example, you could do this by adding a "3" letter to DIANA; a C, L or U. So you could have, perhaps, DICANA, DILANA, or DIANAU, all of which would then add up to 5. If you don't care for any of those, think again of another possible name and check it out.

It may take a while to find a name, or choice of names, that you like and that are numerologically correct. Perhaps the best method is to get an assortment of appropriate letter and keep rearranging them until you hit an attractive combination (from the above "Diana" example, NAUDIA might be a possibility).

As I said before, there is no "right" or "wrong" way of choosing a name. If it feels right, go for it. :) Happy Hunting!