Witches have magickal names for a few reasons:

– it can be a name that is sometimes used only in ritual circle (more commonly, people who are out of the broom closet use it within the Pagan community, at meetups, coven meetings, online, etc) 
– it may be a name used to disguise, if someone isn’t out of the broom closet 
– it could be a name that aids a person in getting into the ritual mindset 

In some traditions, a teacher or priestess will give you your magickal name, but for your first magickal name I think it’s important that you choose your own (or it chooses you). There are several ways to choose a name. 

Numerology

One way is to use numerology. Take the numbers of your birthday and add them up until you get one number. For example, 6/12/1980 would be 6+1+2+1+9+8+0 = 27, 2+7 = 9. This would be your birth number. Then, think of names that you like. Use a numerology table (below) and find the numbers associated with the letters in your ideas for names.

Add the numbers up for each one, until you have a single digit. Try to match your birth number. If you go along this route, you can change the spelling of the name that you really want, until the numbers match up. 

Ask the Gods

Another way is to find your name through asking the God/dess through meditation. In my opinion, this is the best way. Begin meditating with the intent of finding a name. Ask the God/dess for a name. S/he may even show you the symbolism around your new name. However, you probably want to make sure that you are okay with taking what s/he gives you. I used this for finding my magickal “last name” (there are LOTS of Ivys out there) and I wasn’t too excited about the name “Rainriver,” but she gave it to me, and showed me the symbolism, and kept it I did- for awhile at least. 

Attraction

The final name-choosing technique I want to share with you is to choose something that you are attracted to. Some people take the name of a god/dess, (personally, I don’t think taking the name of a deity is the way to go, but that’s just my opinion), some people choose a natural object, an animal, stone, etc. If you go this route, you may wanna stay away from the names that are generically associated with Witchcraft, like Raven, Stone, Moon, Silver, Willow. If it REALLY resonates with you, do it- but realize you might be one of three Willows in your coven.

These are just a few ways to find your magickal name, a jumping-off place to point you in the right direction. When you find your name, you’ll know. It will resonate with you deep inside, and you’ll know you made the right decision!