One of the most exotic attractions of Paganism must be the ability to dub yourself something mystical or fantastic. "Lady AmberRose." "Lord Merlin RavensKin." "Poppy WaterHawk." "Thorsson BrightHammer."

It is indeed empowering to rename yourself. Choosing a name, however, entails more than stringing together impressive syllables. How do you go about finding a Craft name? Perhaps more importantly, why should you choose one - or why should you not?

A name is a powerful thing. In some cultures a mother will whisper her child's true name in his or her ear at birth, then never tell another person that name. In effect, it is a way to protect the child, for in many cultures knowing the true name of someone or something is to have power over it. By not revealing the secret name, the mother keeps the child safe.

In magical traditions, this caution also exists. If you are working within a tradition, they will probably ask you at some point to choose a name to be used within circles, a secret name used only by your group. This stems from a need to use pseudonyms, so that if you do let someone's name slip to a non-initiate, so one will be able to identify them.

Names are also used to evoke certain traits or correspondences. In this case, a name is chosen to attract certain energies into your life and spiritual path. Names can reflect the deeper parts of our souls, the precious inner selves that we open up to the Divine.

Now that you have some idea what names are used for, let's take a look at how to find one.

The most important rule to remember is that you must feel confident speaking the name aloud. A name might look quite impressive on paper, but when the time comes to use it aloud while invoking a quarter, for example, you might feel a little foolish... especially if you are practising with others. Make sure the name is easily spoken, and sounds true to the ear.

Where do you find this name? Perhaps there is a name that has had a special draw for you all your life. Perhaps you have always wished you'd been named Amber, or Rose, or Jordan. If so, why not take it on in a ritual fashion? Borrow a baby name book from the library, one that goes into the cultural origins and meanings of the names, and flip through it. A name often means something in a different language: Margaret means "Pearl"; David means "Beloved", for example.

Perhaps you feel inspired to take your name from Nature. Look at flower names and their meanings. Do some research on herbs, plants and trees, and look up their medicinal or magical correspondences. "Oak" stands for strength in many cultures. "Ash" is the wood of the World Tree which forms the axis mundi in Celtic and Norse culture. What about weather? "Sunshine" is a happy, warm name; "Snow" suggests a cooler, quieter light.

The animal kingdom offers a wide range of possibilities as well. Check out books which list various cultural associations with animals. Do you have a favourite animal? Do you constantly encounter representations of a certain beast or bird?

Or, you can do it backwards. Is there certain kind of trait you wish to evoke or emphasis in your personality? Do you wish to be wiser, more aware, more playful? Look up what plants or animals are associated with these traits. Make a list. Feel free to cross them all off if none appeal to you.

Many Pagans honour a deity by taking on a variation of the name of a god or goddess. Some people think this practice arrogant, but others consider it a way to identify as closely as possible with a chosen deity. Make sure you research the deity as completely as possible before you formally take on the name; better to find out sooner rather than later that the god/dess is associated with protection on one level, but destruction of established patterns on the other!

If you feel perfectly comfortable with your given name, why change it? Use it as long as you are comfortable doing so. However, another reason for taking on a Craft name is to differentiate your magical persona from your mundane persona. Like a different set of clothes used for ritual, or the dimming of electric lights and the use of candles, using a different name in ritual situations further reinforces that it is a time and place and action set apart from the everyday. Some people choose to use their Craft names in everyday life, some going so far as to legally change their names. If your province or state allows this, do not rush into it. As we grow and evolve in our search for truth, we outgrow old names and acquire new ones. If after several years you know deep inside that this new name is your true name, and you feel comfortable using it in daily life, then consider doing so. However, be warned that family and friends who have known you for your whole life as Mary might not take well to being told that you are now Ivy or Thorne. Use your discretion.

If you truly feel the need to rename yourself, and nothing is suggesting itself to you, don't despair and grab the nearest name. Take your time. Seek your name in meditation. Perhaps it will come in your dreams. Perhaps someone will "accidentally" call you by a different name on the street or in a restaurant. Perhaps you will trip across it in a book. Be open to the possibilities. It might take months, a year, or more. Be patient.

Some people change their Craft names like socks. Be aware that the commitment to a name is a serious one. A name carries with it a certain resonance and energy, and by constantly changing it you keep that energy unbalanced. A name is a key to identity; if you constantly change it, you will feel lost and adrift in ritual and in your spiritual search.

Be wary of the trap that many fall into: creating a long, impressive name as soon as you begin your study of life. Doing so is often revealed to be self-defeating as the individual grows and evolves in a direction very different from the ambitious name originally selected. Instead, choose a simple name that can be modified or added to as you achieve different goals and pass various tests in life. Also, know that the titles "Lady" and "Lord" are used to honour those who have achieved a certain degrees within initiatory traditions, and by using them you make exaggerated claims that might reflect poorly.

Finally, beware of choosing a name that is too popular. There are heaps of Morgans, Merlins, Taliesins, Ambers, and Ravens out there. Yes, one of those might contain exactly the idea that you're striving for, but why consign yourself to an overused name when you can use it as a basis for creating a completely unique variation? Sit down with a pen and paper and doodle, using the name as a starting point. Play with the spelling, the phonics, the pronunciation. Make it yours. Meld two names together - for example, Amber and Raven might become Ambven.

How do you take on your name? Most people will perform an official ritual to announce to the gods that they will henceforth be known by this name. It's only polite to introduce yourself, after all! Writing your own ritual is a very special way to use your new name for the very first time. Why not buy yourself a gift to celebrate? Consecrate it in the ritual, and then decide whether to wear it in ritual exclusively or all the time, to remind you of your commitment and the path that you tread.

(c) A. Murphy-Hiscock 2002. Originally published by PaganUniverse May 2002