Magickal Names
- Apr 15, 2023
- 5 min read
A magickal name (also called “witch name”) is a name chosen by a witch to represent themselves in relation to their practice. They may use this name publically, within their magickal community, when working with deities or spirits, or keep it personal to themselves.
Some witches choose a magickal name when they complete their Initiation while others choose to let a name develop or find them when they feel they are ready. Some decide to change their magickal name to reflect their current interests, some choose their magickal name as another form of protection, while others may choose not to take on a magickal name at all.
At the end of the day, a magickal name is a personal choice that can represent you and your practice. When, how, and whether or not to take on a magickal name are completely up to the individual witch!
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Let's explore the concept of magickal names!
The Purpose of a Magickal Name
There are a variety of reasons why one might choose to use a magickal name. Maybe they are afraid of getting caught and “outed”. Maybe they simply like the anonymity it provides. Maybe it means something to them. Or maybe, their magickal name is chosen for them by their Gods.
The magickal name can become part of your identity and, when used, is like donning your robes or protection items for a ceremony or ritual. It becomes who you are at that moment, and it is a reminder to yourself and those around you that this is a time separated from the mundane.
How to Choose a Magickal Name
Pick something that has meaning
It was speculated that the mottos people went by in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn had some significant meaning in their life. Names like Sapere Aude and Perdurabo sound mystical to those of us who do not speak Latin, but these names simply mean “Dare to be wise” and “I will last through”. If you are going to choose a magickal name for yourself, you can do so by choosing something that has meaning for you. If English is not your native language, choose something in your mother tongue for a deeper connection.
Pick something you like
Instead of picking something that has a deep meaning, you could always just pick something that you like. There is nothing wrong with this if it fits in with your practice! Just be sure you are not appropriating from other cultures and the name you choose does not have an alternate meaning that could be misinterpreted by others.
Use numerology
If you fancy numerology, you can use that to your advantage when choosing a magickal name. Figure out your birth number and then choose a name that has the same birth number. To figure out your birth number, add the digits in your date of birth together until you get a single digit.
For example.. November 8, 1991. So, let’s break that down into digits. 11 8 1991. Now you add them together.
1+1+8+1+9+9+1=30
Since we have a double-digit number, we then add those together as well.
3+0=3
This sample birth number is 3.
Do this with your birthday until you have a single digit. Then, when choosing a birth name, choose one that has the same numerological number as your birth number. You can do this by using the table here that has the alphabet and their corresponding values.
Wait for it to be chosen for you
If you do not want to choose a magickal name, you can wait for one to be chosen for you. This as easy as asking a friend or coven mate.
In Conclusion
A magickal name is not something that is required. It might be a requirement of certain traditions of Wicca and witchcraft.
Sources and Further Reading
Now Try It
This challenge is all about magickal names- but just like choosing a name, how you choose to take on this theme is up to you!
Still not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge…
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For those who are searching for a magickal name…
Have you felt drawn to claiming a magickal name for yourself? This is a great opportunity to begin or buckle down on your search!
Get out a journal and start making a list of symbols, sigils, deities, words, topics, animals, items, and more. This list can help you find any trends or key themes that could lead you to a great name!
Some Journal Prompts to help get your creativity flowing:
→ Do you have a favorite crystal, herb, or animal?
→ Do you identify as a certain as a certain type of witch?
→ Is there a particular path or tradition you follow (it could be spiritual, religious, or otherwise)?
→ Are there any deities, spirits, or higher powers that you work with?
→ Is there a magickal color that you relate to or want to embody?
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For those who have already found a magickal name…
If you are comfortable doing so, please feel free to share your magickal name and the story of how you came to find it (or how it found you)
You might reminisce on how you choose the name you did, offer tips or advice to those who are still looking for a name to connect with, or perhaps reflect on how your magickal name represents you as a person/your unique magickal path
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For those whom a magickal name isn’t for them…
Not every witch chooses to take on a magickal name (and that’s perfectly fine!). If you have chosen to not pursue a magickal name for any reason, feel free to share why that is!
Instead, you might consider sharing the other ways you like to represent yourself and your practice. What things (be it items, deities, symbols, sigils, etc) represent you?
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… And More!
The suggestions above are just that- simple suggestions! If you feel called to explore magickal names in another way, please feel free to do so!
As always, all witches are encouraged to embrace their own unique practice with how they explore the theme
I did mine. My last number is 4