I’m one of those weird people that actually believes in magic.
I’m not talking stagecraft, although as a gentleman warlock of a certain persuasion I do value the importance of pageantry. No, I mean magic. Sorcery. As in altering circumstances or events in the “real world” in accordance with one’s will, using methods outside our culture’s current scientific worldview. You know… light some candles. Chant over some herbs. Howl at the moon. Call on spirits. Make an offering. Sprinkle something. Burn something. Bury something. Rinse & repeat.
You get the idea.
This means that I’m already at least a little different than the average fifty-something white dude in North America, gay or otherwise. And that’s all before you take my name into consideration. Well, for some that’s just a bridge too far. Even for some Pagans.
I exist within particular subset within the Neo-Pagan community in that I have a name which most people rightly assume is different than what was given to me at birth. Inspired by a series of dreams and visionary experiences, this three-part name is a reminder of my magical nature, and that living that fully is alignment with my core self. I chose to use this name publicly to remind myself that my personal calling is to be a priest of Witchcraft above all else. And that is something that I am 24/7. All day. Every day. I am “Storm” whether I am casting a circle or shopping for groceries, whether I am teaching a class or getting my car serviced.
Most reactions are positive, though I do receive a few raised eyebrows and even a strange look or two, from time to time. It’s only online that people feel comfortable being rude about it. I have received, shall we say, some colorful jabs from those who disapprove. (“With a name like that, I can’t take him seriously.” “He sounds like a cosplayer.” “Why do Witches have such awful-sounding names?”) Trust me, I have probably heard it all. In fact, I have heard statements like these (and worse!) for so long that a few years ago I finally decided to strike back and write a book about the practice and my journey with it.
The Witch’s Name: Crafting Identities of Magical Power by Storm Faerywolf. Foreword by Mat Auryn. Coming March 2026 from Crossed Crow Books.
I can forgive the non-magical folk for their lack of understanding, if not their compassion. I offer decidedly less wiggle-room to the magically inclined, who should know a bit better.
There is a powerful magic in the names we use for ourselves and each other, and taking on a new name is a common practice in many religions, not just Witchcraft. To take a new name is, in a very real sense, to forge a new identity.
Our consciousness is shaped by many factors, not the least of which is the culmination of the stories we tell ourselves. While there are never any guarantees, if we believe, for example, that we are smart, happy, and successful, chances are we will be, at least by our own standards. Conversely, if we believe that we are losers and unworthy of love, we too are likely to manifest that into our lives. This isn’t to imply that unfortunate people have only themselves to blame, but to consider the impact our personal beliefs may have on the collective circumstances of our lives. If we feel weak and ineffectual, we are less likely to be able to see and take advantage of potential opportunities were we to see ourselves as strong and resilient.
The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves are intrinsically tied to the names we go by. When considering our birthnames, we have spent years identifying with it, along with whatever emotional baggage that may be attached. There may be many reasons why a person might change their name, but most ultimately end up being about living in greater alignment with an inner truth.
As a spiritual device, taking on a magical name allows us an opportunity to redefine ourselves, on our own terms. We might take a name inspired from many sources: mythology, nature, anthropology, and even works of fiction. We take names in order to tap into the powers that they hold. In the cases of mythology and fiction (two sides of the same coin, in my opinion) we might adopt a name of a deity, hero, or even a character that inspires us on some level. Similar when taking inspiration from nature. Certain herbs, pants, animals, stones, and other natural features might symbolically speak to us, reminding us of both strengths as well as challenges that we may feel characterize or describe an aspect of our inner being. By taking these name-elements into our own we are effectively grasping the current of power it holds and weaving it into our own story. It might reflect a talent we possess or something more aspirational, like a beacon, guiding us toward our goal.
A magical name can, like mine, be used publicly, or it might only be used within the context of a particular tradition, coven, or circle. Many practitioners might have multiple names, depending on the context of the groups in which they are used. Some might even have a name that is known only to themselves and perhaps to the spirits with whom they work.
When taking on a new name, I would suggest repeating the name over and over in order to “get a feel” for it. After you pronounce it, how do you feel? Do you feel silly? Embarrassed? Powerful? Proud? Don’t give up if you feel the former… you might just need time to get used to it. Take your time with the process. It’s not a race. If you would take a car out for a test drive, you can give at least as much attention to something as personal as a name.
To formally claim such a name can come in many forms. Participants in established traditions may have specific rituals that are enacted when receiving (or bestowing!) such names. Outside of this forma structure, you may wish to perform a rite to “officially” claim it, or you may just have a quiet inner knowing that this name represents “the real you.”
When I first chose my magical name (actually, when the name chose me) I felt a bit silly. I mean, I am still a product of this society, and I am aware of how outlandish my name can sound, especially to non-magical folk. But I had personal gnosis around it. Dreams and visions and a spirit contact that all were quite meaningful and poignant are woven into the name and keep be tethered to those experiences and the powers they offered me. By taking this name, especially in the face of ridicule, I was claiming a power that society said I had no right to. Just another day for a queer Witch. Today, when I speak my name, it is with a sense of pride and potency. It is a magical spell that I have cast upon myself, and indeed keep casting it, each and every time I use it.
What is the power that your name brings you? Do you feel power when you speak it aloud? Do you feel pride, elation, magic? Even if you keep your magical name a secret, it represents the core of your spiritual and magical power, reminding us to live up to the ideals upon which it has been drawn. May you always speak it with pride and power.
If you would like to learn more about the process of divining for and ritually claiming a magical name, check out my book, The Witch’s Name: Crafting Identities of Magical Powerwhich is being re-released as a revised and expanded edition by Crossed Crow Books, coming in March 2026. With new material about choosing names for covens and familiars as well as a foreword by Mat Auryn. (Pre-orders are open now!)
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