Some magickians choose to recognize and enhance this shift in consciousness by taking a new name for use only during ritual or only among other magickal folk. Assuming a new name is a message to your Younger Self/ Deep Mind that you have embraced a new facet of yourself. Being called by this name is a signal that you are to shift into that persona and make the inner preparations necessary to work magick. This is not a universal practice among magickians. The High Priest who initiated me used the name "Dave" in the circle or out of it. Many magickians prefer not to have a clear-cut distinction between their magickal and mundane personas, on the theory that it is harder to incorporate magick into their daily lives if that difference is emphasized.

You must decide for yourself whether a new, additional name will help or hinder your magickal growth. If you are uncertain, then I recommend that you experiment with it. Should you decide to try it, you may choose a name which describes and emphasizes your present strengths, or a name which represents qualities you would like to grow into.

If you are energetic, ambitious and enthusiastic, and want your name to reflect that, you might choose one associated with the element of Fire, which corresponds to those qualities. A man might choose a Fire-God name like Agni (Hindu), Hephaestus (Greek), or Helios (Roman). A woman might choose Vesta (Roman), Brigid (Teutonic/Celtic), or Bast (Egyptian). Alternatives include fiery herb names such as Cinnamon, Cayenne or Ginger. More direct still are Flame, Flambeau, Ember or Niedfyr. Related animal names would include Salamander, Dragontongue, and Red Mare. If you now express very little fire-energy in your life, then you might choose a fire-name to symbolize that more intensive aspect of yourself.

For many people, a lot of meditation and perhaps reading are necessary before the perfect name comes to light. If we are growing and changing, then it seems appropriate that we add or change names to reflect the new realities of our lives.

Your new name can come from a book of ancient mythology; or the vocabulary of another language important to you; or your power animal; or a sound you have heard in nature; or a list of herbs, flowers, or gemstones; or a fantasy novel; or a star chart; or an acronym; or the name of a person you admire; or anyplace else. The crucial thing is not the source, but how you feel about it.

Choose a name filled with power and magick. If it wears well, then carry it proudly. If it does not, then change it. Tell your friends and family when you would and would not like them to use it, and patiently remind them until they remember. Be sensitive to the changes you feel within when the name is used, and live in such a way that you do the name honor.