...I have no name anymore.

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

I found out lately that I haven't been writing in my book of shadows. At first I thought I was just being lazy, but now I realized that I really have no name to call myself anymore. I don't detest my current one or anything, but I'm not thinking of myself as "Morrigan Wolfwind" anymore either--it's just been a steadily-growing blank spot in my mind. First I was "Morrigan Wolfwind," then I started dropping the "Wolfwind," and now... I'm not anyone.

It's like when you can only remember someone's face--you know, when you can remember what someone looks like and what their personality is, but you just can't remember their name for some reason. That's bothering me because this person-I-can't-quite-remember is myself, and I'm getting really nervous because I have no clue how to fix it.

Is this normal? I read somewhere that you CAN change your pagan name and it's all right to do so, but I'm sort of uneasy about it because I tend to have a mild identity crisis now (right now, in fact) and then.

[Morgandria]

I didn't have one for the longest time. The name I use online is not a magical name, and I never bothered to have one, until I was given one at my dedication in 2005. I may accrue other names as I go. The gods themselves may call you something, but that should be between you and them.

Basically - have a magical name if you want one. Have just a nickname if you don't. Either is fine, since it's your choice as a solitary.

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

It's completely normal. I think that as we change, so does our sense of identity and thus, our "magickal name" (if used).

The last year brought huge changes to both my spirituality and my personal life. I got married, lost my little brother to cancer, my path changed dramatically (ritual-wise), I left the circle I had been running for five years to focus on my personal path....all those things made me realize that I didn't identify with the name I'd been using.

I wasn't the same person who went by that name, so I asked the Gods to help me. I thought about not having a "magickal name" but that's just not for me. My real name holds its own magick, but it was not of my choosing for representing who I am, who I want to become, ect.

Eventually I stumbled across "Caitriona" and it sat beautifully. I added "Morgaine" in honor of my path and the qualities that I see reflected there in myself.

Not so oddly enough, the other officer in my trad was croned this year and added "Morgaine" to her name as well. ;)

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

Thank the gods, I'm not the only person who's been utterly nameless. I'm thinking of changing my screenname here as well, but it's mostly for convenience. It's surprisingly hard to type the whole thing out.

Thanks for your advice. I'll go off and think about my new pagan name.

[Amelserru_halqu]

as the soul grows and changes so should your name, if you choose to bear one.

[TheWomanMonster]

I am also one without a name,
I'm just comfortable with that for now...
because it's not what you're called,
but who you are...

Monster is more an characteristic than a name, and my given name does not suit me well I don't think... But it'll come, I'm sure.

I hope the answer you're seeking reveals itself to you quickly.
It can be very unsettling to be unsure of who you are...

Be Blessed.

Monster.

[BlueEyedWolf]

:hugz: You are 'evolving' Embarace it and it will come naturally.:hugz:

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

I suppose that would explain why I keep seeing so many crows--they signify change, right? I don't know if I'll be able to find my name again as quickly as I'd like to, though--school's on the brink of starting and I'm starting to get a tad edgy about my second-to-last year of high school.

[TheWomanMonster]

You'll be just fine,
Go with the changes (whatever they are) and grow...

Good Luck.


Monster

[QuizzicalKarma]

I personally don't have a Pagan name and haven't really had one in my seven years of practicing. There is one name that was whispered to me when I did my first ritual, but that's between me and my Lady; no person has ever been told it.

[StephanieAine]

Why do you have to have a different name? Is there something less spiritually fulfilling about just using your actual birth name?

As a Christian I don't relate much to the concept of taking a new name, other than the naming that we believe will occur in Heaven (according to Scripture, later, God will tell us the name He has given us, and it will be a name only known between God and the person... sort of like a 'true name' concept, with the added aspect of having a name that only God uses when He speaks to you. It reminds me a bit of the pet names I've given my daughter).

Then again - in some branches of the Church (for instance, the Roman branch), children are given a saint's name or other name at their christening (I think it's during the christening, but I'm not entirely sure because Protestants don't christen). But still, that kind of naming isn't something chosen by the person; it's just like a birth name... it's given by someone else and it's just an additional feature of your legal birth certificate name. I know that nuns and priests take different names - so that would be the very closest example of choosing a new spiritual name that I can possibly think of.

If someone could explain the significance of the name issue in paganism/witchcraft, I'd really appreciate it. Particularly as it relates to the person's experience in their spiritual life as opposed to how they'd feel *without* having that chosen name, and what makes the person feel they need to change the name.

Oh - and also why the names tend to be both a first name and surname, and why they tend to be animal related (from what I've noticed). The surname part is interesting... I always wonder what happens when two pagans marry/handfast and both are highly attached to their spiritual surname. And what they do about naming any children they produce. (Do they pick a secular name and a spiritual name... when does the child change their spiritual name... and so forth.)

I ask a lot of questions lately, don't I?!

[Sage Rainsong]

If someone could explain the significance of the name issue in paganism/witchcraft, I'd really appreciate it. Particularly as it relates to the person's experience in their spiritual life as opposed to how they'd feel *without* having that chosen name, and what makes the person feel they need to change the name.


Well, magical names can serve many purposes. Much of the time it is a name that is used in order to seperate themselves from the mudane in their minds. In this way it can serve as a sort of preperation for ritual. It's kind of the same reason why robes are worn. Another reason for magical names is sort of a spiritual marker. For example I was raised Catholic and when I got confirmed, I needed a spiritual name. It sort of the same as Wicca. It is used as a spiritual milestone. Not everyone feels the need to take a craft name but some people do so eh, different strokes for different folks I guess. Personally Sage Rainsong is as close to craft name as I get. For me it is a metaphor for the kind of person that I am trying to be. (I could go into more detail if you want)




Oh - and also why the names tend to be both a first name and surname, and why they tend to be animal related (from what I've noticed). The surname part is interesting... I always wonder what happens when two pagans marry/handfast and both are highly attached to their spiritual surname. And what they do about naming any children they produce. (Do they pick a secular name and a spiritual name... when does the child change their spiritual name... and so forth.)

As far as the names being animal related I think that it has to do with the spirits and beings that are honored. Pagans honors animal plant spirits and Pagan Gods so thoes are the names that are chosen. Much like how Catholics honors saints so most spiritual names are saint names.
As far as the whole marriage thing goes, the names are highly personal and also not your legal name so they usually keep them. If the wife wants to change her surname it is usually her legal name. Craft names are not really inhereted so if the child grew up to be Pagan she would have his/her own spiritual name.



I ask a lot of questions lately, don't I?!

How else is one supposed to learn? I hoped this helped.:hahugh:

[StephanieAine]

It is used as a spiritual milestone. Not everyone feels the need to take a craft name but some people do so eh, different strokes for different folks I guess. Personally Sage Rainsong is as close to craft name as I get. For me it is a metaphor for the kind of person that I am trying to be. (I could go into more detail if you want)

Oh yes - very helpful. If others who post after you are as helpful and thorough in their descriptions, I'll definitely get a good understanding of how pagans handle this issue and what it means to them.
(I'm glad you don't mind the questions... I know most come around asking questions when they're newbie pagans and so forth, and I've noticed a bit of irritation at times when I ask certain questions and the person I'm asking seems not to understand why I'd be asking, considering that I'm a very happy Celtic Christian with no possibility of becoming pagan. I think maybe it's perceived as a waste of time - though I could be wrong. It's not a waste to me; I think it's good to understand things about other people and other ways of thought. Even if you disagree or if you just don't want to do the same things, or whatever the situation. I believe in learning for the sake of understanding - and for the sheer pleasure of stretching the brain a bit!)

And actually - yes, I *would* like it if you'd elaborate. How is your spiritual name a metaphor for the kind of person you want to be? That statement baffled me... my immediate thought was along the lines of "Huh? Wanting to be like sage? Wanting to be like rain? Music?"

I can't quite see what qualities would be ones a human being would need to have or want to have. I mean, sage... is sage. To me, it means Native Americans smudging things (still no clear idea of how that would hint at a human quality) or me making my delicious roasted chicken with sage and tarragon. LOL!

Mind giving me the extended-explanation version?

[Sage Rainsong]

Mind giving me the extended-explanation version?

It's always good to find out about religions other than you own I agree that it is never a waste of time. Anyway on to my name. When I say Sage I mean the wise man type of sage. So that is fairly self explanitory. Rainsong has to do with my animist beliefs. I believe that everything is divine and has a spirit of sorts. Why I chose the song part? The song represents a sort of blissful harmony.Also I always feel very spiritually connected to the clouds and rain for some reason. It makes me all contemplative and stuff; so that is why I chose rain as opposed to say the sun or ocean. So to sum it up in an overly poetic way I want to be a wise sage that is in blissful harmony with nature. Does that make sense?

[moonbride]

It's always good to find out about religions other than you own I agree that it is never a waste of time. Anyway on to my name. When I say Sage I mean the wise man type of sage. So that is fairly self explanitory. Rainsong has to do with my animist beliefs. I believe that everything is divine and has a spirit of sorts. Why I chose the song part? The song represents a sort of blissful harmony.Also I always feel very spiritually connected to the clouds and rain for some reason. It makes me all contemplative and stuff; so that is why I chose rain as opposed to say the sun or ocean. So to sum it up in an overly poetic way I want to be a wise sage that is in blissful harmony with nature. Does that make sense?

It sounds like you've really given your name a lot of thought and what you just said was really beautiful. Love it!

[Aleannah]

as you evolve, you outgrow what that name meant to you. So, just put the energy out there that a new name come to you, and it will. You'll know it when you see it in print or hear it. Best wishes to you on your growth! :hugz:

[StephanieAine]

It's always good to find out about religions other than you own I agree that it is never a waste of time. Anyway on to my name. When I say Sage I mean the wise man type of sage. So that is fairly self explanitory. Rainsong has to do with my animist beliefs. I believe that everything is divine and has a spirit of sorts. Why I chose the song part? The song represents a sort of blissful harmony.Also I always feel very spiritually connected to the clouds and rain for some reason. It makes me all contemplative and stuff; so that is why I chose rain as opposed to say the sun or ocean. So to sum it up in an overly poetic way I want to be a wise sage that is in blissful harmony with nature. Does that make sense?


Ah! Okay! Yes, it makes perfect sense.
The reason I automatically thought of 'sage' as in *chicken* (LOL!!!) is because I was looking at your name as a whole, and when taking the three words together - the other two words seemed to indicate that the word 'sage' would belong in a similar category. "Rain" is obviously a natural element... precipitation causing growth... and although "song" isn't like that, it is in a *way,* at least it is in connection with the word "rain." Once you stick them together to form "rainsong" it becomes another idea: water falling to the ground, pattering on the earth and on tin roofs that carry the sound further, for example. That "rainsong" of water on a tin roof is a natural thing. My automatic thought was that "sage" must be there in relation to the rainsong... maybe because of the growth of sage after a heavy rain, or maybe because of the way rain intensifies the scent of various plants. Here in Arizona, every time it rains the creosote in the air is overwhelming... so overwhelming that I can't tell if there's sage in the air, but since it does grow out here, chances are that it does intensify. So it would have made sense to me.

I think that if your name had been something like "Sage Eveningsong" or "Sage Loregiver" I would have thought of both kinds of sages rather than just the plant variety.

Then again, I've been pretty dense in the last several hours. In another thread I was called SIMPLE (ROFL - you've had it, RoseKitten; I'm on the warpath!) because I missed a *completely* obvious reference to the phrase "when pigs fly" - and I still can't believe I didn't realize it right away! So I'm not surprised I'd forget that the word sage may not refer to plants just because another "nature word" is right beside it. <smacks forehead>

Anyway - thank you for the explanation; I think your thought process with the name choice is both interesting and meaningful. I like it. :-)

[RubyRose]

I have several names I go by online. I tend to keep my real pagan name secret.

[LostSheep]

Why do you have to have a different name? Is there something less spiritually fulfilling about just using your actual birth name?

As a Christian I don't relate much to the concept of taking a new name, other than the naming that we believe will occur in Heaven (according to Scripture, later, God will tell us the name He has given us, and it will be a name only known between God and the person... sort of like a 'true name' concept, with the added aspect of having a name that only God uses when He speaks to you. It reminds me a bit of the pet names I've given my daughter).

Then again - in some branches of the Church (for instance, the Roman branch), children are given a saint's name or other name at their christening (I think it's during the christening, but I'm not entirely sure because Protestants don't christen). But still, that kind of naming isn't something chosen by the person; it's just like a birth name... it's given by someone else and it's just an additional feature of your legal birth certificate name. I know that nuns and priests take different names - so that would be the very closest example of choosing a new spiritual name that I can possibly think of.


There's the Pope, though, isn't there ....

[LostSheep]

Incidentally, if anyone would like to read anything into my name feel free.

LS,
can never resist a good parable.

[Meadhbh]

You can, in fact bacause you are in the middle of a self confessed mild identity crisis that might be the root of it. We use your names till we out grow them thats pagan and every day names. So your indentity crisis may come from the fact that you are moving into a new part of your life. Theres no need to be in a hurry when finding a new name though. When the right one comes to you you'll know.

[alwaysfallingup]

I've never used a magickal name. I think it's because for the last several years, a lot of my personal work was focused on loving myself for who I am, and accepting the things about myself that I had always felt were unacceptable or hateful. One of those things was a dislike for my given name. But as I moved closer and closer to true self love and acceptance, I became more and more proud of the name I was given at birth, and what it represents. So, over the years, I suppose my REAL name has become my MAGICKAL name through a process of making it my own, and not just something I'm called.

[Psycmoe]

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to change your name. You evolve, don't you? As does your spirituality; as does your path. It's commendable, really.

When I first began this journey conciously, I chose a name, and then I grew out of that name. For a while, I had another, and then I grew out of that one. Now I go by my legal name, because it suits who I am, and I no longer feel the need to seperate my "real" and spiritual lives. Psycmoe is just an internet handle I've grown fond of, so if you see it around anwhere else, know that it's actually me :D.

I've always felt that part of being pagan is being willing to evolve yourself spritually, and recognize that evolution conciously. So... good for you.

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

Yes, well, the fact that I'm outgrowing my name at all is kind of unnerving. I'm the kind of person who adjusts perfectly well to normal everyday things, but if some sort of personal thing changes, it puts me WAY out of it.

So, I guess I'll go with what most of you are saying and wait for my new name to come to me, but for some reason I'm gravitating a little towards Final Fantasy--maybe because the creators tend to pick nature-based names for their characters. Cloud, Squall, Yuna ('moon' in Okinawan), Tifa keeps catching my attention for some reason, and other characters whose names DON'T instantly come to mind.

And no, I'm NOT limiting my possible name to Final Fantasy :D. I don't think I'll tell anyone what my new name is, anyway. I guess I'm just thinking about them because they're the most familiar names.

Or that Final Fantasy kick I'm on is starting to take over my mind. :santasmil

[Siqoni]

I really don't have a Magical name so far. I have meditated, and Came up with Morgan Raven, but that seems, uh, mainstream or something. Along some more lines cam Raxena, but I haven't decided yet, if that name suits me or not.
Right now I need to find me an Identity, I think thats why I haven't been, Faithfull, to my religion as of lately.

[Grey]

I found out lately that I haven't been writing in my book of shadows. At first I thought I was just being lazy, but now I realized that I really have no name to call myself anymore. I don't detest my current one or anything, but I'm not thinking of myself as "Morrigan Wolfwind" anymore either--it's just been a steadily-growing blank spot in my mind. First I was "Morrigan Wolfwind," then I started dropping the "Wolfwind," and now... I'm not anyone.

It's like when you can only remember someone's face--you know, when you can remember what someone looks like and what their personality is, but you just can't remember their name for some reason. That's bothering me because this person-I-can't-quite-remember is myself, and I'm getting really nervous because I have no clue how to fix it.

Is this normal? I read somewhere that you CAN change your pagan name and it's all right to do so, but I'm sort of uneasy about it because I tend to have a mild identity crisis now (right now, in fact) and then.

If you were asking me, though I know your not, Id say your changing... and so that name no longer suits you. Ive personally never bothered with a written form of a craft name, as a mental concept seemed to be closer to what it was all about.. but I can tell you that these things can change over time.

Look at who you were when you were sixteen... and then again at twenty. Notice an appreciable difference? Pick any two times in your life over two years apart and look at how you grew...

would the same deep meaning apply to each of those times? Not likely. And so it is likely that now you are in a time of flux... and for a while nothing will quite sit right because you are morphing from what you were into what you will be.

And thats a good thing is it not?

*shakes head* I dont think you have anything at all to worry about.

[mystic_peacock]

I know names are very important to a lot of people, and I used to think it was important to me as well. But my magickal names were picked just to have one, until I realized that when I used a name I tried to match myself to fit the name.
Now I don't have a name with regards to religion and it works out just fine.

To me, my "energy stamp" is enough.

But if not having a name troubles you, then I hope you sort things out. A good long meditation might help, or a walk in nature :)

--Serra

[dragoncrone]

Maybe this is why Prince went by his Egyptian/Alchemy symbol for a couple of years - there was no name for who he was at that point.
If you're doodling around and come up with some arcane character, go with it.
It will be more unique than any name.

[Grey]

On the other hand... dont go the way of "prince" would be my advise.

[wolf]

As we grow and learn, we change. As we learn new lessons it is not unusual to have a changing of the guard, so to speak, with respect to our guides, guardians, and spiritual energies.

One of the means of acknowledging and celebrating this change is by changing one's name. Modern society isn't really keen on this, as names no longer really reflect who we are and what we do, nor, excepted in the limited ways of taking a spouse's name on marriage, do we change our names to celebrate life passages of other kinds.

Much to my surprise, I had this happen about three years ago or so ... of course, this was right after getting a fresh order of business cards in my old name ... and there was then a period of transition where I knew that my name was close, but not complete. The final piece fell into place at last, and I'm working at a very different level than before.

EDIT TO ADD: What I need to figure out is if it's worth $56 to re-register my car because my current vanity plate is in my old magickal name, and if I do pony up the bucks, do I get one for my current magickal name, which can change or something that reflects some other aspect of my life?

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

I think I'd like people to know that I'm no longer in a mild identity crisis. In fact, I've gotten surprisingly calm about this--it seems that I'm starting to both consciously and subconsciously bide my time until my new pagan name comes along.

Also, I've been constantly having dreams in which archery is involved, and I keep hitting just three or four inches away from the bullseye. Would that mean I'm getting closer to my "target"--my new name--in some way?

[MankyCat]

I don't have a magical name. I used to, but did change it when I outgrew the old. (Only did that once or twice). Then, one day, I realized I had outgrown the one I was using and didn't find any (and wasn't given any) that fit me. Instead, I felt deep down that I shouldn't have one in my practices.

Now I do have a soul name that my guardians call me, but is different and not something I use or will use for spell casting. It's just a name, just like the one I use in normal life or the different ones I have used in games or on forums. (Doesn't mean I got around telling it to everyone, but that's more because I don't see what the use of doing so would be.)

I haven't had a magical name for approx 5+ years. I personally don't like labelling myself because I'm always changing. And that label has too many connotations that will be applied to you or that you will start taken on the traits of. Not to mention, I never felt that having a magical name really aided in my spellcrafting. It seemed to be just an extra unnecessary concern or another small weight placed on me. I feel the same about labeling my particular path (though I use witch for ease sake... and not meaning the mainstream "Charmed" or white lighter variety).

When casting, I am just me. No label. Just me. I don't even like using other peoples names when I'm casting for them. Instead I just focus on them. Just them, and nothing more.

There's a lot of power to be had in "just being".

[serenarian]

Names change as we change. The last four years have been such a transitionary period for me, and in that time I've gone through four magickal names - although all variations of the same thing. I interpret that as finding the true magic/goddess inside me and trying to find the perfect fit.

[Faelon_Moon_Hawk]

I found out lately that I haven't been writing in my book of shadows. At first I thought I was just being lazy, but now I realized that I really have no name to call myself anymore. I don't detest my current one or anything, but I'm not thinking of myself as "Morrigan Wolfwind" anymore either--it's just been a steadily-growing blank spot in my mind. First I was "Morrigan Wolfwind," then I started dropping the "Wolfwind," and now... I'm not anyone.

It's like when you can only remember someone's face--you know, when you can remember what someone looks like and what their personality is, but you just can't remember their name for some reason. That's bothering me because this person-I-can't-quite-remember is myself, and I'm getting really nervous because I have no clue how to fix it.

Is this normal? I read somewhere that you CAN change your pagan name and it's all right to do so, but I'm sort of uneasy about it because I tend to have a mild identity crisis now (right now, in fact) and then.

My name has changed as me and my path have. I started off as just Moonhawk. Then I added Faelon on...now...well now i've found another name that is just between me and the gods. But Faelon Moonhawk is still my online witchy handle and my public craft name. Don't worry..you'll find your new name :)

[CrystalDragon22]

I think its completely normal. I think that as we evolve in our personal/religous lives, that our names have to evolve with us. The name I have now I picked up from a dream...it is the name that they were calling me in that dream so I feel that's what its supposed to be. Main point....do whatever you feel most comfortable with.

[SilentDreams]

I've never found a need for a different name than my given one.(Well, at least not for my spirituality)

So, not having one, or feeling disconnected with your current one isn't all that odd to me. Nor do I feel you "need"/"have" to get another. Is your birth name okay for now? And what is the bigger issue. Not liking your original spiritual name or not being able to identify with a new one?

Sorry, I just don't understand the need/appeal of a spiritual name so I have questions.

[Tranquility]

I think that a lot of people really do get caught up in naming things. . . I wouldn't worry about it too much, because naming simply detracts from the essence of something. We try to give physical boundaries and borders to something limitless and infite - such as a person, or a god.

If you are meant to have another name, i'm sure it will become obvious soon. Maybe you should meditate on the changes that have been occuring recently. Regarding your post, crows are certainly messengers of transformation.. so possibly there is another thing to contemplate. It simply sounds like a transition period.. with lots of changes going on, so I wouldn't worry too much! Good luck, and best of all - take life easy.

[Layla]

I am in the same position myself right now. My old craft name Rainbow sort of faded off and a new one has yet to come to me in the same manner that Rainbow did.

Layla is an identity? But not a true name that strikes me to my soul.

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

So, not having one, or feeling disconnected with your current one isn't all that odd to me. Nor do I feel you "need"/"have" to get another. Is your birth name okay for now? And what is the bigger issue. Not liking your original spiritual name or not being able to identify with a new one?

My issue was that I wasn't able to identify myself with a new name, but my birth name's fine for now. I guess I was really just trying out the whole "different-name-different-mindset" thing, and growing out of it might have actually disappointed me more than anything else.