Pagan Journeys

Pagan Journeys => Pagan Chat => Topic started by: thegeekwitch on June 17, 2011, 09:31:38 PM

Title: Pagan Names
Post by: thegeekwitch on June 17, 2011, 09:31:38 PM
I've begun to feel a real shift away from what I've been referring to as my pagan name for probably the last few months. 

'Tahlea Moonwater' is beginning to feel nothing to me now.  I originally came up with the name because I didn't feel my real name (Terri) was very spiritual or pagany, and I love the moon, and water is my element.  This name has been my alter-ego for close to 10 years and now I'm feeling myself being drawn away from it.

I guess I kind of feel like the name is my 'past' - it represents a very amateur Pagan to me (14-15 years old), whereas I like to think I've come a bit further on my path and I'm more knowledgeable than I once was.  I think about things like people asking me questions at the start compared to how I answer those same questions now, and I have much more confidence in answering questions about my path than I did earlier on.

Has anyone else had this experience?  I'd still like to have an alternative name when it comes to my craft, but I'm not feeling or sensing that "Tahlea Moonwater" is it any more.
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: Tirya on June 17, 2011, 09:36:29 PM
I've had that experience - not necessarily my "pagan name", but my dance name. I changed it last year, because it was no longer who I was. My new dance name represents who I am now, considering what my life has become, and what dance has become as a part of that life.

http://www.paganjourneys.com/index.php?topic=341.msg9594#msg9594 is the journal entry where I go babbling on about it.
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: dragonspring on June 17, 2011, 09:36:56 PM
I can see how a name chosen when one is so young might lose its appeal.  I was much older when I chose my craft name and really can't imagine changing it.  It has become a large part of my identity both within myself and in the community.  Besides, I don't think my dragon guide would care much for me changing it.
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: Ghost Wolf on June 17, 2011, 09:40:04 PM
A change of name can reflect a change in our life experience.It is not unusual to change one's name if one has outgrown it. I couldn't imagine changing mine, but you never know.
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: AmberRaven on June 18, 2011, 08:46:46 AM
In my experience, you may have many "pagan" names given to you over the years. Expecially as you tend to grow spiritually
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: thegeekwitch on June 27, 2011, 06:43:52 AM
How did everyone else come about finding their names?  I'm really interested - I know that meditation and connection with the gods and goddesses might help with that name, but to be completely honest I rarely have time for that kind of thing (let alone the QUIET time to be able to just sit down and try).
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: AmberRaven on June 27, 2011, 10:24:53 AM
Honestly, I was given all of my craft names during mediations. My online or public names are ones I've chosen and they are different then my magical name given to me which is only used in coven
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: BronwynWolf on June 27, 2011, 03:57:46 PM
I'm Welsh...partly, anyhow, and it just felt right.
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: dragonspring on June 27, 2011, 05:31:52 PM
I meditated on mine and it made sense because of a lot of things.  At the time, I didn't realize the real significance of the "dragon" though.  Several years later, some experienced people in a coven situation challenged my choice and they told me that a name containing Deity or magical beings can be somewhat challenging at times.  They were correct but I declined to change my name - it is part of who I am now.  I participated in a naming ceremony and dedication this past weekend. I have been thinking that I might need to do something similar very soon. 
Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: Ghost Wolf on June 27, 2011, 05:42:45 PM
That was a beautiful and powerful ceremony. The birds were heralding as we departed the meditation circle and followed all the way back to the sacred fire.
Title: [deleted]
Post by: WhitePhoenix on July 30, 2011, 03:29:46 AM
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Title: Re: Pagan Names
Post by: Mongo on September 14, 2011, 11:35:40 PM
Kitiara is actually my real first name. My dad got it out of a Dragon Lance novel, and I've always felt it sounded quite witchy, so I've kept it.

Which is funny since she (the Kitiara in the book) had a lot of disdain for spell chuckers.  :D