Magikal Names
Magical names are extremely popular amongst Wiccans, Witches, and Pagans. Many Wiccans have several such names. Examples might include a public Craft name to be used at gatherings, on the internet in email and usenet a Secret name presented at initiation, and perhaps an even more personal name - one used when addressing the Goddess and God and known only to Them and the individual. Legend says it is not wise to share this secret name with others, due to the possibility of using this information for nefarious purposes. Taking a new name is a symbol of shedding old skin, and of a Wiccan's devotion to Wicca. It is a motif or symbol of rebirth into the religion. Names have always been given considerable magical importance. Numerology is used to discover the power of names, and many people change their names to advance in their careers. In some cultures, mothers will bestow a secret name on their children. This 'real' name unknown to anyone except the mother, protects the child. In this way, the regular, every-day name by which he/she is called has no power over them. Is it necessary to have a Craft Name? If you wish to maintain tradition ties to conventional Wicca, then yes. However, if you feel freer than these constraints, adoption of a special name isn't necessary. The decision is of course yours, and yours alone. Why Should I Have a Magickal Name? As previously mentioned, the primary reason for adopting a Craft name is that it represents the Wiccan you. Many experience a sense of mystery and power they may otherwise not feel. Daily existence within the confines of our commonplace world may make it difficult to turn on the magickal side of our natures. Use of a Craft name on the other hand, may be useful in altering the conscious mind in preparation of ritual. Once you've chosen your name there are plenty of things to do with it. Always use your Craft name in ritual, whether in Coven or Solitaire. Use it in prayer and rituals. Write it on your tools in Runes. You may wish to do a ritual to ask the God and Goddess and the Old Ones to recognize you by your new name. Such a ritual is provided below. The ritual may be easily adapted to a solitary ritual by performing the parts of the Priestess/Priest, and being a little creative simply think interms of the singular instead of third person. Ask yourself, "How would I say this regarding myself?" The Ritual of Naming - Shortly after being initiated into a Coven (or the first level or degree - if your Coven observes these traditions), a Witch should choose and take a Magickal name, or "Craft Name." Such a name is usually drawn from Celtic or British legend or history, but I have known groups whose members chose Norse, ancient Germanic, Gaulish, and Native American. Whatever is right for you is perfectly acceptable. These names are almost always the only ones used in ritual or Magick, especially within the Great Circle. [Image] The name chosen should, most importantly, be one which "feels most comfortable" to the individual. It is the name which will appear on talismans for a Witch's use, and the one by which he or she will best be known to fellow Craft members. When a Witch has decided upon a Craft name, he or she will (usually) notify the Priestess and the Priest and arrange to be named at the next Great Circle. Consecrated water should be available if your group uses this. The Naming Ritual takes place after the Circle has been cast. If the Witch be a man, he should be named by the Priestess; if the Witch be a woman, she should be named by the Priest. The Priestess/Priest shall call on the one to be named to kneel before the altar, facing north. The Priestess/Priest shall walk to the north of the altar and, taking up the sword or athame in hand, ask:
You of the ancient Craft By What Magical name Do you desire to be known Before our Gracious Lady And Her powerful Consort?
The kneeling Witch will say the new name, and the Priestess/Priest shall with the sword (or athame) touch the kneeling one on the left shoulder, right shoulder, and the top of the head saying:
With this name shall you be known in the Circle, With this name shall you work The Magic of the forests, With this name shall you be sanctified. I do name you (new Magic name).
The Priestess/Priest shall then replace the sword (or athame) and walk sunwards around the altar to the kneeling Witch and, raising him/her to a standing position, face the east and walk to the eastern point of the circle. The Priestess/Priest, standingjust behind the one to be named, shall spread both arms outward and proclaim:
O beings of the air See and know the Witch (Magic name). I Hearken unto his/her chants, As you would serve the Goddess.
They both make the Sign of the Pentacle. This proclamation is repeated for fire at the south, water at the west, and earth at the north, making the sign of the Pentacle each time. Then they perform a final, quite pentacle at the east. The Priestess/Priest then stands before the altar with the Witch being named and takes in hand the vessel of the consecrated water. The first two fingers of the right hand are dipped into the water and touched to the left breast, dipped in the water and touched to the forehead, dipped into the water and touched to the right breast, and so on to make the Sign of the Pentacle. The Priestess/Priest then says:
By the name of (Magical name) Shall you have power and knowledge Of earth, of air, of fire, and water, Of the force of Life itself In the service of the Goddess.
As they face to the north, the Priestess/Priest replaces the vessel of consecrated water and picks up the sword (or athame) and, holding it out to the north, says:
O Gracious and lovely Goddess of the wilds, O God who is the protector and bringer of joy, See before you the Witch (Magical name), they friend and servant. Help him/her along the Way, to know the richness of Life. So Mote it be!
The Priestess/Priest salutes, and the Witch who has been named makes the sign of the Pentacle, and is embraced by the Priestess/Priest. They sit and wine (or another suitable, fruity, seasonal beverage) is poured for all the coven. A toast is made thus:
To our good friend The Witch (Magical name) And to the Old Ones!
Other rituals or workings of Magic should be done at this time to enable the Witch to use her/his new name.
Some Female Magikal Names
Some Male Magikal Names
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Email: kenya_lylar@hotmail.com
