namesandspiritguides

Magickal Names
In many cultures, people were not named until adulthood. Giving a child a "false name" to protect them from bad spirits until one was chosen (or self-chosen) for them in adulthood. In other societies the mother would be the only person who would know the child's real name. This all comes from the concept that a person's true name has power, and knowing that name can give others and bad spirits power over them. Names also are our prime identification with the world. Most of us did not choose our name. Many people for various reasons change their given name (officially or unofficially) to something they find more appropriate or more descriptive of themselves. Being to name ourselves gives us a certain power over our identity. Being able to select the right name announces a comfort and a knowledge of our own selves.
Choosing a magical name (or Craft name) is based on the above premises. It is an announcement of dedication to the Path, a magical switch and protection, and searching for the right name means knowing and searching the self. Some people choose to keep their magical name secret from all but the closest coveners or associates, while others use their magical names with all pagans or in daily life. What you reveal depends on how much power you think you name holds. You may find that your "legal" name serves you. If your name does not come to you, try meditations, prayer, divination or even looking at various names of animals, god/Des�s and trees. Don't worry, it may take you a very long while to find your name. Just keep looking and it will come. Once you know your name, I suggest having a naming ritual (can also be done during dedication/initiation rituals) to announce your new name to the God/Des�s. Use your new name during all your ritual Work.

Spirit Guides
Many pagans have a patron spirit that watches over them and helps them during meditation and other Work. It is not unusual to meet "spirits" while dreaming or meditating. One particular spirit may come to you over an over again and make it clear that it has selected you to guide. Oftentimes guides are in forms of animals. A God or Goddess may also elect to be your spirit guide, and this also is not uncommon. If you want to meet your guide, I suggest you try to use a contact meditation like the following: (ground and cast a simple circle) Go to your "safe place" I asked you to create in past classes. When you are there, decide to venture out of your haven, into a dark forest. Feel the forest swallow you in darkness until your sight is useless. You can only feel branches of trees pull at your clothing as you pass, and the sounds of your feet crushing the undergrowth. Wander around like this until you are lost in the forest and have no sense of were your "safe place" lies. When you realize you are hopelessly lost, stop walking. You feel a slight panic from being disorientated. Listen now: what is that noise you hear? Is it the sound of footsteps approaches? Wingbeats or the steps of an animal? Wait and listen as it approaches. You can just see a darker form moving in the blackness...what is it like? Closer it comes until you can make out the spirit's shape. Will it guide you back to your haven? Ask. If it refuses, ask it to relay your plea to your true spirit guide and bid it well. Continue walking until another noise comes. If the spirit will guide you back, allow it to lead you through the woods. When you return to the safe place, ask it any question you would like, and see what message it brings. When you are done with the meeting, thank the spirit (or give it a gift in your meditation) and slowly return to the present. (If you wish to end your meditation at any time, open your eyes).

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