Pagan Nature Names?

Question

Ok, so I see alot of Wiccans and Druids around with these nature-based name. I've been a Druid for a little over 5 years now, and have always wondered about them. Is it a requirement of the religion? What is the process through which one gains this new name?

Answer 1

Many people use alternative names in the Pagan community. It's not necessary or a requirement.

Once upon a time it was dangerous to be Pagan- you could be killed for it, your property seized, etc. and the government was all about it. So having an alternative name not only protected you but the people who might be tortured into turning you in too- not that everyone did even then. Alot of folks also like to take on a new name when they enter a new phase of life. For example, when you get married you might take on your spouses name, when you get your PhD you can call yourself Doctor Somebody, etc. Modern Pagan names serve the same purpose.

You want your name to reflect who you are, to honor those things you respect. Names have a certain power in themselves. People who love nature and/or can see a bit of themselves in a certain plant, animal or natural occurance or feature might choose to incorporate that into their name. Also, they might do this if they wish to cultivate characteristics of that plant, animal, natural occurance or feature in themselves. Likewise, people might choose names of heros, Gods, sacred places and events for the same purpose.

If you think your current name reflects you and the place you are at in your life perfectly, you don't need a Pagan name.

Here's an example- My name is Robin, I like it. My mother gave it to me. It's a noble bird, it's cute and I'm cute. It's a harbinger of warm weather and I was born on the first day of summer. It migrates in the winter- I wish I could afford to! It's generally friendly, and brown and red. I have brown hair and a rosey compexion. Robin suits me fine and I never really felt the need for another name.
BUT- My Matron Goddess is Eos, the Goddess of the Dawn. When I graduated from College and began basically a whole new life, and began to be much more active in the Pagan community, since I finally had the time and money to really be involved, I felt the desire to incorporate Her into my own name. So I took on the name Morningbird. It's not a fancy name, but it suits me. I'm not a fancy person.

Answer 2

It depends on whether or not you're part of a group of Druids, doesn't it? Most of the groups I know give you a new name (usually a secret name for use within the group, at least) when you are installed into the group.

Since you're asking this question, I'll assume that you're a solitary Druid (hopefully without being insulting or sounding condescending.) In that case, might I suggest that you pick a nature-based name that feels appropriate to you and rename yourself as part of one of your Druidic (re-)dedication ceremonies?

If memory serves, you can perform a (re-)dedication ceremony at the vernal equinox or at Beltane or at Samhain within the Druidic rites.

Answer 3

I myself just went through a transformation ceremony - something to mark a major change in my life. I think that many folks when they participate in this type of ceremony (or even without one - just when they have a new life they want to affirm, like when they took on a new religion or reached a certain level like catholics do) people like to choose a new name that kind of signifies the new person they are working to become.

I am sure there are naming ceremonies around - I have one that i do for babies actually, but it would work equally well for adults - or you can just do it yourself. Pick a name - any name - and then light some candles and ring the Timbali to get the attention of the spirits (or whatever you do for this) and declare yourself reborn with a new name 3 times. End your ceremony and that should do it.

Peace!

Answer 4

No it isn't a requirement. It's not really necessary, the reason it came about was so members of a coven in medievil times couldn't identify one another to the Inquisition. They'd have to say,"Yeah, I went to the sabbat and "star fairie" or "red wolf" was there." Not, "Yeah I went to the sabbat and Elizabeth Montgomery, or Richard Johnson was there". The process by which these names are usually selected is by intuition, a name-finding quest is usually done around the time of initiation or dedication, though if in a coven, sometimes the leaders of a coven give the names.

Answer 5

I went through this process a long time ago when I was a practicing Wiccan. I believe it went something like picking a name that always appealed to you then adding certain prefixes and suffixes from this book depending upon the charactor of the person then walla the name is born. Mine was Isairah I liked the name Sara and they helped me ad letters to it in order to make it mine. I hope I did it right but I am sure it will be found in one of your books somewhere. Sorry I couldnt be of more help

Answer 6

The stuff from Lady Pixie Moondrop is a hoot - a rather accurate skewering of some of the over-the-top things that some people do.

As to it being a requirement, it's a resounding "No." A lot of people do, but it's certainly not a requirement. Some people see it as being a form of "street cred", perhaps, but in recent years, I could care less.

Answer 7

It's up to you. Most don't actually change their legal name, they just create a new name that represents themselves in what they believe. Usually it's a good descriptive of themselves. Such as mine, "quietwater". I'm generally very quiet, and water is a part of my nature in that I'm a Scorpio, and deal very well in emotional situations. By that, I mean I help people deal with hard situations such as death in the family, or separations, or sometimes when a person just needs something to lift them up a little from something depressing.
If you want to add or create another name that you can go by, just find something that gives meaning to the path you follow.

Answer 8

It's not a requirement of a Wiccan to take on a new name, though some do. Personally, I didn't. I'm still me, I don't need a new name.

Answer 9

I had been worshiping my deities for quite a few years when I decided to formally dedicate my life to them. Before the ceremony I searched long and hard for a name that I felt would reflect my dedication to them. I finally settled on "Thama". In the part of my ritual when I was going to declare my new name, my deities gave me a name! I was very surprised and honored. It isn't something that I would have even thought about yet it fit perfect. The name that they gave me is my most precious gift. It is something only between them and me and I have never felt the need to share something so personal. I silently use the name in every ritual and meditation. It is one of the things that I use when trying to connect to my deities and when I want to get in touch with my inner self.

Answer 10

Some feel their name is inspired, some are given one, and some just make it up. Actually a lot just make it up. But if it connects you with nature and you like it then hey that's fine.