Names .....

[SilverClaw]

In your experiences journeying or even in everyday life has a name been called out to you? Or rather you hear a name call to you ?

I just thought of this and thought I would ask. When my name Raven EagleClaw called to me it was the second most profound experience spiritually speaking I have ever had. Originally it was when my name called to me that turned me towards learning more about Shamanism ... funny how thing start :)

Anyways I think I have some of the feathers still to :) It was weird to me at the time the voice that called as it were ...

[Shanti]

Names have never been used by me or anything else in my experience.

[Simply Puzzled]

I'm am not trying to invalidate your experience in anyway, rather I'm just placing it culturally. I'm racking my brain, and I'm not remembering any instances of shamans assuming new "shamanic" names. It is possible that some traditions kept private names that weren't given to anthropologists, but we have no way of knowing.

Generally speaking, the practice of taking on a second "magical" name comes from Western traditions. Ceremonial magicians originally took Latin words or phrases as names, shortened into acronyms. This was picked up on by the emerging pagan community, though others say it comes from names witches gave to each other so that they couldn't reveal real names to their captors (something I dispute as ridiculous). As this practice "crossed the pond", pagans began to appropriate aspects of various Native cultures into their practice, and along with it came names such as Raven Eagleclaw.

I'm not suggesting the experience wasn't authentic, rather it was shaped by a cultural identity that allows for such a name, as opposed to, say, "Camel Pandafoot" which is going to get a lot more queer looks.

[SilverClaw]

I'm racking my brain, and I'm not remembering any instances of shamans assuming new "shamanic" names. It is possible that some traditions kept private names that weren't given to anthropologists, but we have no way of knowing. Ah ok well that is why I asked because I did not know. :)


I'm not suggesting the experience wasn't authentic, rather it was shaped by a cultural identity that allows for such a name, as opposed to, say, "Camel Pandafoot" which is going to get a lot more queer looks.My Name called to me when looking upon feathers and trying to figure something out, in my opinion it had nothing to do with cultures around me... This was not a name I made up, would have never thought of it.

[Shosha]

Anthropologists never got the last word on anything. They may come close, but let's be honest, what Shaman worth his/her salt is really going to blab every bit of their medicine to someone who is not in training?
I suppose though, not all branches on Shaman mght go through multiple names. Names, ultimately are a sacred thing. To know someone or something's name is to have power over them. Now I don't mean you can make them dance like a puppet, but think about it... aren't you just a little bit more persuaded by a business person who calls you by your first name? Aren't you more likely to call your kids and pets by their names than not? Especially when you're trying to have greater influence over them?
I don't tell everyone MY name. Neither my True Shamanic name nor my actual First name. That's privilaged information. On a VERY strict "need to know" basis.

:shrug: hope that all helped.

[tushka27]

In your experiences journeying or even in everyday life has a name been called out to you? Or rather you hear a name call to you ?

I just thought of this and thought I would ask. When my name Raven EagleClaw called to me it was the second most profound experience spiritually speaking I have ever had. Originally it was when my name called to me that turned me towards learning more about Shamanism ... funny how thing start :)

Anyways I think I have some of the feathers still to :) It was weird to me at the time the voice that called as it were ...

Go for it! If it is positive, gives confidence and strengthens your spiritual growth then it must be a great thing. Many people use tools like eagle feathers and strands of beads to help them focus, perhaps a special spiritual name could help you in the same manner.

[MonSno_LeeDra]

The only time I have really been called or spoken to with a specific name was when I journeyed and was told I am of the Wolf Clan and was introduced to the spirit dancers. Then it was simply a matter of Wolf here's the dancers, Dancer's here's Wolf.

After that Wolf came forth and led me into the dance with the other clan elders, ie bear, eagle, wolf, etc.

I have heard of people having hidden names and public names though. The hidden name is only what member's of the clan know them as and address them as. The public name is just that, the name those outside the clan address them as. Yet that is not really a shamanic thing but a cultural thing.

[NeoNomad]

I've often wanted a special "spiritual" name - to be either named by an elder with a stronger connections to the spirits than myself or to have that Name be delivered to me personally by the spirits or the gods themselves... Perhaps its the desire for it that blocks me from it.

Then I've thought to name myself - but there's too much pride and hubris that factor into that endevour. Besides - I don't feel qualified.

[BearDancing]

when an elder has gone throught the process of *getting* your name, it is a Spirit Name.........not specific to a shaman at all