Choosing a Magickal, or Craft, name is something that each of us, at some point, will likely have to make a decision on. There are some who choose not to take a magickal name, rather choosing to stay with their mundane name in their practice. I would venture to say though that most Wiccans do indeed take a magickal name for themselves. This name may be used when addressing others of a like mind, or during rituals etc. But what is this name, and how does one arrive at it? Let's see.

"For many Wiccans, taking a new name is an outward symbol of her or his devotion to Wicca. It's seen as a part of the process of rebirth into the religion." My view on the naming is not by any means the only right one, but I will share it with you in the hopes that it helps you in determining the need for taking on a magickal name. In my way of thinking there are two sides of me. One is the mundane side that deals with physical issues such as a job, paying bills, relationships etc. Then there is the spiritual side of me that deals with my growth in, and practice of the Craft, my constant struggle to continue to grow as a spiritual being. While I recognize that these are not 2 completely separate entities, it is easier for me to view them separately as much as possible. When I made a major change in my life by choosing to follow the Wiccan path, it was like I was being reborn and changed. My whole outlook on spiritual, and physical matters, changed. It was like I was recreating myself. One way for me to signify this change was to "change" my name. While this wasn't practical on the physical realm, it was perfectly feasible in the spiritual realm. So I searched and searched for my magickal name, and once I found what I felt was perfect, I adopted it for myself. I now use my craft name in all my magickal and spiritual workings. As S.C. mentions, it's kind of like turning on a switch, and transforming between the physical and spiritual planes. While I don't know if this information will be of any help to you, I truly hope that it begins to help you see the purpose of the magickal name.

Now, do you have to choose a magickal name? Of course not, that is completely and totally an individual decision. You won't be less of a Wiccan if you choose not to have a magickal name. Conversely I'm no more of a Wiccan because I did. It's simply a matter of what you are more comfortable with.

Assuming that you decide to take on a magickal name, the next logical question is how do we find that name? There are a number of ways to find your magickal name. There are books that list options. You may choose to take the name of a particular deity you are closely familiar with. Yet another method is putting the names of a couple animals together that have qualities and traits that you wish to obtain. There is no right or wrong way to choose your magickal name, and I can tell you from experience that once you find it, you'll know it. I spent many days searching for my name, using various methods. Once the name Sundancer came up, I knew that was perfect for me and where I wanted to go in my spiritual walk.

Writing Assignment

If you already have a magickal name, record why you chose that name and what it signifies to you.

If you don't have a magickal name, and don't plan on taking one, record your reasons for that decision.

If you don't have a magickal name, but are searching for one, record what you want your name to signify, and why you feel the need to take one.