Taking a “Craft” Name and the Importance of Naming... A “Craft” name, is much like a title chosen to represent your spiritual path and where you may be on that journey. Sometimes this name comes from people close to you, but more frequently it is something personal that simply resonates with your spirit. As a person’s journey progresses, often to, do their names change. We all change throughout our lifetimes in both subtle and dramatic ways, and so having a dead craft name is completely normal. It’s healthy to know when something doesn’t fit anymore, and changing your name if and when you feel necessary is symbolic of your growth! A Craft name can be kept private, known only by yourself and the forces you work with, it can be used solely for meetings with your spiritual group or within the safety of a Circle, or, it can be public. In a lot of instances, people will have variations that they use on different levels, and for different purposes. Choosing a name in itself can be a journey. Give your options lots of thought, make notes, keep a record of words that seem to just “come to you” during this period of time. You may like to meditate or ask your Guides for suggestions, likewise you could ask your friends for their ideas! Consider the ways that you are drawn to your work, the things you are good at, the places you find your Magick, and the things you instinctively feel are sacred. It can take some people years to find something that fits, so don’t be disheartened if it takes time. Once you have found that fit it can be very encouraging, uplifting and empowering. Each time you consciously or subconsciously use this name as a representation of yourself, it will grow in power. In Ancient times especially, and even today in various cultures, Naming Ceremonies were and are very important. A person’s name carries identity and meaning. Often it was considered vital to keep a baby’s name secret until the Ceremony, to protect them on a spiritual level.
Today in our modern world, with the exception of the cultural naming rites held for young babies, we still have to register births by sending off official documentation to make a new child’s name legal, and a person can change their name at any stage of their lives by applying to the courts. Names are more than just what people call you, they are often who you become in a sense. Names truly do, hold power. In a Pagan environment, choosing a Craft name can either be celebrated as a big deal, or kept humble enough not to even be mentioned. For the individual, the symbolism of of growth and spiritual identity are 100% a big deal, however they may opt not to have a Naming Rite or celebration held in their honor, or even to have this milestone acknowledged at all!