Choosing a Nightside Name

[Aislin Ni MorRhiaghan]

* This is actually a revision of an article I did some time ago. *


Choosing a Nightside Name

Aislin Ni MorRhiaghan © January 2008

Choosing a magickal name is a very important step towards establishing a separate identity, something that is easily recognised by the spirits and ancients and an integral part of sacred space. Many use this separate name for meditation, magickal workings, ritual, and for a spiritual identity but do not use it elsewhere. Many Nightkind also take this path to separating their nightside lives from their dayside lives. Even though our natures are always with us and our energies remain the same regardless of whether we are at work, a nightside function, or in circle a separate identity helps us to recognise that it is something special and maintains the pillar of discretion.

Just as someone should never choose a magickal name with negative connotations, someone should also consider the character of the name they choose to be identified as in the nightside world as well. Choosing a name of a mentor is common in some circles, as it gives honor and shows a close tie to the one who assist us in our walk. Some may choose the name of their chosen household with some affiliation. An ancestral name or spirit guide name is also not uncommon. All would certainly carry a certain amount of positive energy and weight. Someone is less likely to misbehave using the name of a mentor, loved one, or guide.

Some choose their names from works of fiction and while it was more common in the mid 80’s ~ early 90’s (such as using the names of Anne Rice, Poppy Z Brite, or Lost Boy’s characters), doing so may hinder someone more often as help them. Someone presenting theirself as Lestat or Marius should strongly consider that they may be viewed as a role player, or have a lack of seriousness regarding their alledged nature. These names also have other connotations. Marius is Greek and strongly associated with the ocean and seaways. It’s not always a bad thing to choose a name from fictional characters, however it is a bad idea to choose a name and not know if there is further history behind it. The author chose it for a reason and it’s likely that there are more meanings that what is inferred within the character. Always research a name before claiming it as your own. Sometimes if a name speaks to us, there are reasons behind it.
Knowing the power of words is an important part for any form of energy work, especially for Nightkind.

Choosing a name of a deity is another manner of association and identity, but it is equally important to know the history and character of the name. Since many of us tend to run in gothic circles, it is not uncommon for members of the nightside community to choose names associated with death, deep emotions, or chaos. Such notions are fine but keep in mind that a peaceable person not eager to embark upon challenges may not wish to choose a name like Loki or Nemesis. They offer conflicting energies. A name should flatter the person and reflect something about them.



In the old days when one was taken as a ward they were expected to have contrived a magickal identity that separated them from their day to day existence and allowed them to access their higher self. If that ward was sired they were given their name by their sire. Occassionally a house, coven, tribe, or adra affiliation was added as a surname. They were expected to keep this name private and be addressed only as their new name at darkside functions. It was not under any circumstances to be used during dayside functions or out of accordance with magickal working.

It’s said that our spirit has a name written in our heart and it is this name that opens the door to our transformation to something beyond the mundane. This name is an energy that moves through us and triggers vibrational shifts. We are usually first aware of that name when we are young and moving through our awakening. Our spiritual name is the name of our higher self. Our nightside name is usually a reflection of that. When we are given names by our adra it is because our auras are heard as well as seen and the name is a translation of the vibration that is heard.

Magickal names may be created in a few different ways, although they are not synonymous with a Nightside name. They may be given by mentors and/or adras. They may be created from using a few different names or even parts of the dayside name. They may be created numerologically, or through casting ogham or runes or even a pendulum. Skrying with candles and reading the smoke is another manner of creating a name.

Using a pendulum and a pendulum board (if you’ve never seen one it somewhat resembles a ouija but is designed to work with a pendulum. They may be made with stone, wood, or glass.) hold the pendulum completely still over the board. Concentrate on letting it translate your personal vibration into a name. Tell it to reveal your higher name. Hold the pendulum as still as you can and allow it to move in one direction or another. Keep an eye on which direction it moves, notice where the strongest response is for the first letter. It should settle above one letter and spin or move in circles over the first letter. Continue to ask it to show you the letters until it stops moving. It will repeat with the second letter and so on until the name has been revealed. Keep in mind that sometimes these names do not have vowels because many of the old languages didn’t use them even though they were pronounced with them. You may end up with something that looks like this: ASLN and have to figure out what the missing bits are. That may be achieved through meditation or dreamwork.

Skrying for a name can be done numerous ways. I use candles and sometimes crystals. A simple way to do it is to take a white bowl and add spring water. Light a candle of whatever color speaks to you at the moment (except of course white). Let a little wax melt and pour some of it into the water. The water should be very cool if not cold so that the wax solidifies immediately. Notice any letters the wax forms and write them down. When you feel it has done its job, snuff out the candle and dump the water. Examine the letters and see what you get.


Another way of doing it with candles is to sit a tall taper in a cauldron. Light it and put out the lights. You should be able to still see the smoke. Concentrate on your name and peer into the smoke. The smoke should be swirling and forming shapes. As you look into the smoke visualize your name forming through it. You should be in a semi~meditative state that allows you to access your higher self. In some cases you may see your name actually spelled out in the smoke or you may receive a vision of the name being given to you, hearing someone speak your name, or seeing the name written on something that either belongs to you or is given to you.

To use a skrying mirror and a candle. Sit in a completely dark room. Light a candle near the mirror. It should still be dark enough in the mirror so that no distinct shapes are seen. You may feel as if you’re falling into the mirror. This is also a way of meeting your higher self or your true self. Your true reflection may be seen in the mirror. When you are able to get a good visualization of your true self ask it what its name is so that you may honor it by wearing this name. Almost without fail it will give you your true name.

Runes are one of the oldest European alphabets and used in much of Western and Northern Europe. Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, and generally all of the British Isles had some form of runic alphabet. They differ in appearance in small ways but they are used nearly exactly the same way. The alphabet of Ireland is one of the few exceptions in that it was a complicated pattern of letters dedicated to specific trees and tree energies called the ogham. To use these ancient alphabets to find your name place them in a bag. If you’re using runes a bag of animal hide or fur is preferred, as is casting on fur. Choose one rune at a time and place them side by side on the fur. Translate them into letters. If a particular rune stands out you may opt to only work with that name and its translations. For instance if you should pull the tyr rune you will likely use the connations attached to it to help formulate a name. Using the ogham is a little different but with the same principle. These are sticks, usually willow, and have the symbols carved into them. They look like lines crossing other lines but they represent tree names which in turn represent sounds. Choose one ogham at a time. Line them up side by side. Translate them.

Nightside names should be kept secret and only used at darkside events. When you choose your name be sure that it agrees with you on all levels. It should be flattering to your disposition, mentality, spirituality, and overall nature. It should reveal something of yourself but still leave a little mystery. Remember that if you choose to use your magickal name that it’s best to use a variation of it not the exact one.

[Berinvonn]

[EzikielTempted]

Another wonderful article, I must say. Something I've always wanted to be a part of was a naming ceremony. I've chosen the name that I use within most magical workings, and have yet to solidify it with a ritual claiming the mysteries of that name.

Thanks for posting. Those of us with less conceptualized ramblings (my notebooks. ) are privileged to be able to read yours. The ramblings, I mean...

[deacongray]

I think that is a wonderful idea. I have always enjoyed such rituals.

[LadyDarkAdora]

Also - it is good to state that your nightside name may change with time. it is simply progression within yourself and your path.

Your name may no longer represent who you are as a being.

Living previous lives, also means that our names have changed frequently, whether it be a birth given name or a spiritual/nightside chosen or given name.

[The Madame X]

[Claude_de_Serriere]

Very interesting article. I wonder whether there is also a secret name. One that only the bearer and very few know, as I have heard was the case among some Native American tribes.

[The Madame X]

Good question Claude.
That Tradition does not only apply to some Native American tribes, but can be observed in many spiritual and magical traditions.

I just bumped up a Thread that deals with taking on nightside names. On page 3, we mention a more private name that we may have, some refer to it as the Spirit'Name, Magical-Name or even as their True-Name.

Such magical names may be delivered in visions or dreams. It is often the name by which our Astral guides or even the Ancients may address us by and often the name by which we announce ourselves during individual or group magical workings. The term True Name is often used because it is believed that is the name that identifies our soul regardless of our physical incarnations, staying with us from our primordial inception to the disintegration of our core soul.

From my experience with such names I find that they are often primal, mono or dual syllable sounds, with singular or composite nature geared or abstract meanings. Retrieving Soul-Names can be an impossible prospect for most having to find a person that may guide them thru the discovery process or access it for them, while others find their Soul-Names very clearly in the forefront of their minds.

[Claude_de_Serriere]

Again, very interesting Madame X. I wonder whether that True Name is to be known only by the person who has it, and no one else. I also remember reading that such names had to be hidden, because they actually "were" the person, not just represented her, and so could be used in incantations against her. Which goes back to words being vibrations which is energy - quantic physics meeting magic.

[Taris]

They say knowing the true name gives a semblance of power over someone. I personally use my "True" or "Hidden" name in the community either in full or in part (Taris only being part of it).

I am just not creative enough to give myself a "nightside" name and most prolly wouldnt feel right to me considering Ive been Taris to everyone for so long lol.

[deacongray]

Did any of you particapate in naming ritual?

[LadyDarkAdora]

I just had my naming ceremony. It was done the same night we did the Blood Moon Ritual. The ceremony was fit just for me. It made my heart dance and my lips never ceasing to smile as I claimed my name to my goddess Lilith.

I would like to thank everyone's support that was at the ritual. You all made it very special by being there for me. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Much love.

[Taris]

I never have participated in a ritual outside of solitary or with my ex.

Congrats Lady I am glad the experience was enjoyable for you and that it went well and was a great experience.

[Eilyn]

The one who helped me through my awakening said I should have a name. He also told me I should be my own "light. We went with Eilyn. Though it's not my "hidden" name.
I have never been part of a real naming ceremony, though that is interesting to me.

[Yami Hikari]

Mine came as a result of some bonds that are very important to me and to honor those bonds, I wouldn't be against finding my name through ceremony for curiosity's sake, I'm just not sure if I'd like to give up being "Yami ".
-Yami Hikari no Kuuki