A rose by any other name

10 points to the Shakespeare lovers who finished that quote in their heads! Now to topic: Craft names. Also known as Magic(k) names or shadow names. Why would a person want a craft name? If you're still in the broom closet, you can keep your real identity secret when practicing with others or when online. Some people feel a stronger connection to their deities or their work when they use a craft name. Some covens give their members a craft name, or allow them to pick one at various stages of learning. Some people even have multiple craft names! One for the general public, one for their deities, one for their coven.

Do you have to have a craft name? No! You don't have to go picking a name out of a hat just yet. If you feel more comfortable using your own name then do it. I see it this way, what you do on your path, is your choice. No one can tell you you're doing it wrong because they aren't you, they are not on your path. Some people see using a craft name as silly and "fluffy", clearly I don't agree. To each his own. Again, I say, do what feels comfortable to you.

Now, if after some thought you have decided you want a Craft name, there are many ways you can go about finding one. You can meditate and just let it come to you. You can search baby name sites. If you want to choose a name by its meaning, baby name sites are a great way to do that. They have search bars that allow you to choose the specifics. Bog/girl, meaning, origin, etc. Some people choose a name through numerology, wanting their birth name and craft name to match numerically. Name generators can be helpful too. You can also ask a deity to help you by sending you a sign, or you can write a bunch of names or words you like on a piece of paper and use a pendulum to pick. There are tons of ways to decide.

To help you a little more, I'm going to explain my chosen name. Lynx Raine Amunet. This name took me years to decide upon. I actually went through a few names before I felt 100% comfortable with my name. How did I finally decide this was my name? Lynx is my spirit animal. So, I honor it with my name. Raine is actually just a shortened form of my given middle name, Lorraine. I chose Amunet, the name of the Egyptian goddess, female counterpart of Amun, and a protector of secrets. Oddly enough, Lynx is thought to be an animal who knows many secrets. So together, the name just suits me. For a little extra effort, I checked the numerology behind my names also. Why did I decide to use a craft name? I chose a name to separate my religious life from my day to day life, to make my religious life that much more special, and because my given name is much too common. Also, it does come in handy when around other pagans, or when online, such as now.

My wife is currently trying to find her craft name. Her beliefs are very Egyptian based, and so I see her finding something to that aspect for her name. Of course, I could be wrong! Picking a name can be hard or easy, it may take years or minutes. You may pick the right name the first time, you may go through twenty before you decide. Whatever happens, I hope this helps you in some way. Good luck to you.

~Lynx

Willpower

Today, while I was taking a shower and doing a little cleansing ritual, I realized that my wife and I have not had a cigarette in a week. This was one of my goals I had set in an attempt to live a healthier life. When I found out I was pregnant with Ember, I quit. Sadly, I picked up the bad habit again as my wife has had a much harder time quitting. Kind of like an alcoholic in a liquor store, sometimes the temptation is just too strong. Finally though, my wife and I decided enough excuses, it's time to quit. So we smoked our last cigarette and agreed not to buy another pack. Its amazing what a person can accomplish with willpower. We haven't used any patches or pills, we did it "cold turkey". Hopefully, this is the end and neither of us lights up again!

The reason why I bring this up is because, in witchcraft, willpower comes into play a lot. When you do a spell, you are basically willing something to happen. You focus energy, you direct it, you wish, you concentrate, you will it. Sometimes, we find ourselves turning to magick to help us solve our problems before we have done all we can. You want a job? then look for one, use your willpower and get up, get out, apply anywhere and everywhere. Don't turn to a job spell, asking the gods to bless you with the perfect job, when you won't help yourself. You want to be healthier? Don't get out your candles just yet! Sit down, and make a list of things you can do to become healthier. Losing weight, quitting smoking, eating better, exercising, going to a doctor and getting a check up. What do YOU need to do before you turn to magick? Decide, and then do it. Tell yourself that nothing will stop you from achieving this goal, and if you gain a pound instead of losing, or a job place doesn't call back, don't give up! Try again.

If you think you really need to turn to magick, then take all that willpower and direct it into your spell. You are strong, and you can do anything you put your mind too. I know this post is probably sounding a little more like a motivational poster, but it is true. I see so many people say "I can't" and really they are just destroying themselves. They aren't giving themselves a chance. If you start doubting yourself, its like planting a weed in a beautiful garden. Its going to over take the garden and soon you aren't just thinking you can't do it, you aren't doing it.

Sorry I got a bit preachy. Guess I put a bit too much willpower in there. Ha ha, get it? alright, alright I'll stop torturing you. Hope you enjoyed the post.

~Lynx