Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear Friends,

When I have the opportunity to speak to novice witches, I am often asked the same questions. One of the most common recurring questions I hear from those just beginning to dip their toes in the vast waters of Wicca is, “So how do I select a witch name anyway?” A witch name, or magickal name, is as individual and unique as the practitioner. There are some common elements and themes however, that many witches I know have used in selecting their magickal names.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there is really no right or wrong way to go about selecting your witch name. Many witches go without a magickal name for months or even years. Your witch name should be something that brings you personal satisfaction, pleasure and power. It is not a decision to be made hastily, and you’ll feel much better in the end if you take your time and don’t rush into the decision. Taking a magickal name is a moment of rebirth and should be a time of celebration and peace, not of stress or confusion.

I know some witches who prefer not to use a magickal name at all. They choose to use their birth name and sometimes, a type of magical “title,” such as “Joanne the Spiritwitch” or “Gretta the Moonwitch.” If a magickal name just doesn’t feel “right” to you, then please don’t feel you have to use one. A witch’s name is meant to enhance the powers of ritual and meditation, so if it doesn’t feel natural to you to use one, then do what feels right to you. One thing about our magic rituals is the ability to personalize them based on our individual preferences, strengths and sources of power.

Numerology is something that many of us hold near and dear, and many witches choose their names based on the power of numbers. You may want to figure out what your number is based on your birth name and select a magickal name that results in the same number. Some witches choose their names to result in a particular number that speaks to them personally. Choosing a name based solely on its meaning is another popular way to go about selecting a magickal name. I have known witches who have taken the literal translations of their birth names and incorporated them into their witch names. Others taken a name that pays tribute to a particular deity that the witch feels a strong affinity for. Still others base their names off of magickal symbols, magickal creatures, or elements or creatures of nature. You may prefer to select a name consciously, or you may prefer to wait for a name to come to you in meditation, during ritual or in a dream.

There are several types of initiation ceremonies that involve taking a magickal name and dedication oneself to the Wiccan path, though these are not necessary. Whether you are a solitary practitioner or part of a coven, if you feel the draw or need to partake in an initiation ceremony, then please do so. Formal initiation ceremonies that include taking a witch name are an integral part of many groups and covens, and many solitary practitioners choose to hold their own formal or informal initiation and/or naming ceremonies.

If you belong to a group or coven, your magickal name may be consistently used among your fellow practitioners, or it may be used only during rituals and rites. Solitary practitioners may choose to use their names during ritual, as well as when writing in their Book of Shadows or among like-minded friends. Still other witches choose to keep their magickal names private, never sharing them with anyone in the outside world.

Whatever type of name you decide to use, and however and wherever it comes to you, always remember that a name can be just as powerful a tool as any of the sacred objects we hold so dear. Use it wisely and with pure intentions and you will be greatly rewarded.

Brightest Blessings,

Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”