What's in a name?

[DixieWitch]

Well, after a 6 month or so "break" from my path, I've decided to dive head first back into it. I've come to the conclusion that I wish I had a long time ago. I was always worried that I had to be on a specific path. Now I know that as long as I am here, the road will take me where ever I let it lead me. For now, I am on a Goddess oriented path with focus on the Full and Dark Moons. So with all these changes, I'm thinking it's time for a name change! I've been DixieWitch for a long time now. And while it fits me....I live in Dixie and I consider myself a Witch...it is something of my past. And I am wanting to start over in all aspects, to include a new name. My only problem--how in the world do I come up with one that fits me? I want something that won't "outgrow" me. Does anyone have any advice or anything as to how I can find my new name? Maybe a suggestion?!!! ~lol~

THANKS!

[Psycmoe]

I've always considered a name change to be a very serious thing. Most people in the US change their names when? When they get married. Who are you? What are you? Who are you becoming? What mythologies specifcally resonate with you? What excites you, both mundane and in a spiritual sense? First, I would suggest, if you're seeking, to spend some time meditating on self, and all that encompases. What you are seeking is seeking you.

Throw words at me!

[Xentor]

With a new name you allow yourself to embark on uncharted territories. I'd look for a name that expresses this renewal, this opportunity to grow even more.

[Agaliha]

I'm obsessed with name books and sites and I know where to get good lists with meanings of tons of different names.

Do you have an interest in a certian pantheon? Greek gods could = a Greek name for example.
What about a languge that you are interested in or fond of?
Or a country/region?
Or a meaning?

All those things can lead to billions of names that you can search for online.
Maybe if you have a list of ones that call to you you can mediate of them for one thats just right-- or combine some!

The possibilities are endless-- seriously.

If you need any help finding some sites I can hook you up. :)

[DixieWitch]

I'm obsessed with name books and sites and I know where to get good lists with meanings of tons of different names.

Do you have an interest in a certian pantheon? Greek gods could = a Greek name for example.
What about a languge that you are interested in or fond of?
Or a country/region?
Or a meaning?

All those things can lead to billions of names that you can search for online.
Maybe if you have a list of ones that call to you you can mediate of them for one thats just right-- or combine some!

The possibilities are endless-- seriously.

If you need any help finding some sites I can hook you up. :)

if you could give me some sites, that would be great! But I have a feeling I might spend a LONG time looking for a new name!!! ~lol~

[Agaliha]

if you could give me some sites, that would be great! But I have a feeling I might spend a LONG time looking for a new name!!! ~lol~

Here are some general sites:
http://www.20000-names.com/
Oxygen.com: Baby Namer (http://rds.yahoo.com/S=321678:D1/CS=321678/SS=7738823/SIG=116lakbrn/*http%3A//tools.oxygen.com/babynamer/)
Hasani's Awesome Book of Names (http://hasani.net.phtemp.com/names.html)


A lot of the name sites out there copy each other, so don't spend too much time on looking though them all.

I have some others for African names, Hindi/Sanskrit etc. I know I have Kemetic, Arabic (long lists) and other stuff on my favorites too.

It took me ages to look though all the possible names for me, lol.

[DixieWitch]

One more question...Would it be wrong or disrespectful to take on the name of a Goddess?

[coeur]

Some individuals believe it is disrespectful and some people don't. This isn't a yes/no question so it's largely up to you.

[Agaliha]

Coeur is right. It depends on who you ask.
The most important question to ask is: Does it bother you?

Here's another suggestion.
Instead of calling yourself by the Goddess's name directly, use other elements in the name so it takes on other meanings.
Here's an example, the name Merytbast-- it means "Beloved of Bast". It carries the energy and meaning of the Goddess, why not directly being the name. Things like that.
Another thought is using a title/name the Goddess is also called. For exmaple if you were honoring Lakshmi, you could call youself Padma or any one of her 108 names.

I could think of better examples if I knew which Goddesses or pantheons, but I'm sure you get the idea.
If you need any help, just let me know. :)

[Agaliha]

Here's another general site:
http://www.weddingvendors.com/baby-names/