Some Neo-Pagan and Wiccan traditions incorporate the practice of a person taking on a magickal name. Also called a "craft name," this is a name other than the name that was given to you by your parents when you were born. This can happen when a person is initiated into their hereditary tradition, it can happen as part of a spiritual dedication or awakening, or it can happen as part of a life change or healing event. Some people choose a new name as a way of keeping their spiritual lives private or separate from their day-to-day existence.

In some name changing ceremonies, a spiritual teacher will give the initiate or student their new name. Other times, a person will find their new name as a result of working with a spirit guide or totem animal, or perhaps by doing a ritual like a vision quest. People find their magickal names through all sorts of connections and forms of significance and it will vary depending on your beliefs and spiritual tradition.

Totem Animals: Some people take on a magickal name by adopting the name of their totem animal. Go to any Pagan gathering and you'll find that names like Bear, Raven, Wolf, Hawk and Dragon aren't uncommon at all. I've also met people named Otter, Mouse, Dog, Toad and Lion.

Nature and the Cosmos: Some people take their magickal names different elements of nature and the universe. There are many names possible from plants and flowers, as well as rocks, trees, stones and the solar system. Willow, Morning Glory, Rose, Holly, Ivy, Sage, Oak and Ash are just a few plant names that are popular. I've also met Thornes, Opals, Ambers, Stars, Moons, Rivers, Trees and Meadows.

Frequently you will find names that combine an adjective and a noun, and these can be written as one word or two. Laughing Bear, FireHawk, Blue Raven, WindDancer. Some people use these written as a single word as their name, and some use their regular given first name with their new magickal name in place of their last name.

Intentions/Qualities: I'm starting to meet more people, especially younger Pagans, who have chosen their magickal names by taking on a quality or trait that they wish to embody for the time being. Honesty, Freedom, Peace, Truth, Hope, Honor, Echo, Serenity... what characteristic would you like to accentuate?