This post is inspired by Question #13 from this list.

I’ve never used a magical name. A friend once suggested a magical name for me, Ing. It seemed quite apt to me, given that it’s another name for the god Freyr and often is associated with his role of promoter of the piece and maintenance of the prosperity of the land. In many ways, that image of Freyr is something I can identify with and aspire to. If I had ended up joining that friend’s coven, I probably would have taken her recommendation and adopted Ing as my magical name. If I ever feel the need to adopt a magical name, I will probably give that one some serious consideration.

However, my personal practice does not call for a magical name. Freyja calls me by my real name as do my former covenmates and my husband and working partner. It works for us, and I don’t feel a compulsion to take on an alias.

I certainly don’t feel the need to take on an alias for my safety, which is a common reason cited for the use of magical names. I am fortunate that I have enough relative privilege that I don’t need to keep my witchy life and, say, my professional life separate. In fact, I’ve been able to discuss my magical and spiritual beliefs at work quite comfortably in the past.

I get why a lot of people adopt magical names. I just don’t feel like those reason apply to me, personally. So I’m just Jarred in circle and out.