What's in a Name? A rose by any other name...

Names and Naming Yourself

What and Why
A common practice of many Pagans is to choose a name to go by specifically within ritual. These can be called Magickal names, Circle names (as many Pagan rituals are held within an energy circle), Witch names, Craft names, or ritual names, depending on who you talk to (I personally use "Circle names" most of the time). Some choose to keep the name their parents gave them, but others feel that their legal name doesn't reflect who they truly are or who they are or wish to be within the confines of sacred space, since they did not select the name themselves and/or were given it before finding their Pagan identity. There are some paths wherein a teacher chooses the names for their students at one time or another, but to be so bold as to make a blanket statement about the Pagan community at large, the majority of teachers are more than accepting of one's personal choice of name.

Some choose a name for the general Pagan community and non-initiate rituals (if they follow an initiatory path), and another different name for their initiate workings. In some instances as well, the name given in large Pagan gatherings has no resemblance to a person’s own Circle name, it’s simply a pseudonym they’ve chosen to adopt in order to remain anonymous, and then keep their Circle name private.

Additionally, some people have a third name that is known only to the Gods, and is only used in personal rituals away from any group or Coven. In many cases, this name is told to the individual during meditation, or somehow otherwise communicated to them directly from the Gods. But not everyone has such a name, so even if you’re never given one, don’t feel as though you’re somehow incomplete or unworthy.

Lastly, in some more Traditional settings, the name of the Coven can be used as a Magickal surname of sorts once one is initiated (ex.: someone who goes by Chase and is initiated into the Sacred Spring Coven, would then sometimes be referred to as Chase Sacred Spring).

However they are chosen though, these names are generally only used in Magickal/ritual workings, and using them otherwise is the sole decision of the individual. The main reason for this change of identity is to facilitate the change of mindset and attitude necessary for ritual/Magickal workings. Circle names are believed to carry the individual's personal power, energy, Magickal identity, and spiritual potential.


Inspiration and When
Some people choose an animal they feel connected to spiritually (e.g., their Totem/power animal); a God or Goddess they especially revere or wish to emulate; a more abstract concept such as "Spirit" or "Karma;" a reference to their family heritage; a heavenly body (planet, moon, star, or constellation); an item from nature (tree, flower, other plant, stone, gem, mineral, etc.) they wish to honor; or sometimes a combination of two or more of these things. Other inspirations can include fictional characters, historical persons, or minor Deities and other mythological players.

In some instances, people try to attune their Circle name to their given name by way of numerology; in this practice, each letter of the alphabet is assigned a number from one through nine, each letter is added up, and the sum is reduced further till there is only a single digit. Example: the name Alex in numerology is 1 + 3 + 5 + 6. That sum is then 15, which would then be reduced, 1 + 5 = 6. So, if Alex wanted to attune his Circle name to his given name, he would select a spelling that also added up and reduced down to 6. Two other numerological methods involve discovering one’s Life Path and/or Soul Urge numbers, and then attuning one’s Circle name to one or both of those. These methods involve the numbers in one’s date of birth, and more information about uncovering them can be found here.

Also, some change their names when they reach a new step in their learnings, such as dedications, initiations, degree elevations, forming their own Coven, etc.. New life stages (puberty, parenthood, death of a loved one, marriage, divorce, menopause, etc.) can also be incentive to select a new Circle name.


Advice and Warnings
Blending many inspirations can sum up how one feels about their Pagan self, but this is something to consider carefully. Although “Firebird Autumn Storm” might be very meaningful to you, try empathizing with anyone who’d have to say it repeatedly in a ritual! To add to this, consider how others may react to your name; would others consider it humorous or offensive? Would you constantly have to be explaining or defending your choice?

Some names and words have become very popular over the years. References to dragons, wolves, crows/ravens, oaks, roses, willows, the moon, water (e.g., "River"), fire, and the colors silver, green, and black abound. Many of the more well-known Gods and Goddesses are common as well, such as Pan or Diana. Also, names somehow considered more “cool“ or “mysterious” can be used often (Morrigan and Merlin being two among these). Odd or unique spellings also cause confusion, at least in the realm of pronunciation (Gaelic or Gaelic-inspired words and names are a popular choice and a prime example of this).

I certainly don't mean to imply that one must never choose one or more of these complex, common or perplexing names if they seem a good fit, however one must always then expect some degree of confusion and possible scoffings (and worse, alienation) in some Pagan settings. Unfortunate, but a reality nonetheless.

Some would argue that choosing a Deity name, however minor that Deity is considered to be in Their native pantheon, is conceited and disrespectful. Personally, I do not believe this. As stated above, to me it signifies that a person feels a connection to the Deity, or wishes to take on that Deity's traits and qualities. For example, someone who chooses the name Thor might wish to bring strength into their Magickal workings and life in general. One who chooses Athena may be seeking to gain wisdom. However, one must remember as well that one cannot pick and choose which aspects of that Deity they embrace or ignore; if the name Thor is meant to bring strength, it may also bring a quick temper and impulsiveness (and sometimes the Universe has a sense of humor, and the name chosen brings the precise opposite of what was intended). This is one area wherein careful and thorough research, along with introspection and even meditation or divination, is especially beneficial.

An important thing to note is that the titles of “Lord” and “Lady” are generally considered something to earn, not something one can decide to appropriate on one’s own. In some Traditional settings, only High Priests/Priestesses may be called Lord or Lady, and in others, only High Priestesses receive such a title. It is generally considered pretentious and ill-mannered to use these titles without having earned it somehow, and determining whether one has earned it differs between groups/Traditions. However, when attending a ritual away from your home Coven/group, it is considered good etiquette to refer to the Priestess as “Lady.”

One hint I can offer is to imagine someone referring to you by the name(s) you're considering, or having your spouse or a close friend do so at random, unplanned moments. How well do you respond to it? Does it catch your attention right away, or does it take you a few times to notice? How do you feel about the "image" of you it projects? Does it accurately reflect YOU?

And lastly, it is NEVER acceptable to reveal someone's Circle name, or "out" them as a Pagan, without their knowledge and consent, especially not in association with their legal name. This is not only for anonymity's sake, but because names carry power, and some believe that their name falling into "the wrong hands" can be dangerous, physically and socially as well as psychically and spiritually.


Summation
Whatever the reasons and arguments for and against what type of name to choose, the key point to remember when selecting a name is that it is to represent YOU, and how you wish to be perceived and received in a ritual setting. It is the name by which those you Circle with, and the Gods, will know you. Make your choice seriously, but also remember that this choice is not permanent. If you feel your Magickal identity has changed, by whatever event(s), so much so that a name change is also warranted, by all means, make the change. Just make sure those you perform Magickal workings with are aware of your new identity. It is also rarely required (by a Coven or other group) to select a different name than the one given to you at birth, but some individuals feel it not only necessary for developing their spiritual self, but also a very rewarding way to connect with their Pagan identity, and with the Gods.