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Need input on picking a Wiccaning name for my baby

Hello everyone! My infant son's wiccaning is coming up next month, and I am still a bit at odds as what to name him. I know I want it to have to do with Rainbows, and before you think this sounds all fluffy-bunny :) Its because there was a rainbow arching over the hospital the day he was born:

Our ancestry is Native American, Irish, and Germanic.

So far, the best I've come up with is Bilrost. Which I love, but would like to pick the brains of some fellow pagans to see if anyone knows any other rainbow references or terms.

***EDIT: Due to the overwhelming number of off-subject posting, I am closing the discussion. This does not reflect on any one user. I think my husband and I have decided to just go with what came to our hearts first - so, using our family's pagan-surname, our son will be called by the Gods: Bilrost Eartheart. Thank you to all those who lent their minds to this discussion, and may you and yours blessed be.

Tags: baby, bilrost, naming, rainbow, wiccaning

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Thomas on May 31, 2011 at 11:56am

Yes please. Let's try to steer away from THIS negativity, alright?

Permalink Reply by Maylin Darkwolf on May 30, 2011 at 8:26pm

I think he should come up with his own name in the wiccan community when he is of the right age, I dont think there is a point in giving a wiccan/witch name to someone who might change it and if he did change it, it might hurt your feelings.
A wiccan/witch name is a name that holds meaning to the holder of that name it comes from with in them. I dont think it should come from other people even if you are his mother you get to pick his non wiccan name, let him find his name for the community. But this is only my opinion, agree or not it is somthing to think upon.

Permalink Reply by Emairelhd on May 30, 2011 at 9:35pm

Well I certainly respect your opinion, and the polite way you explained it :)

However, appointing a spiritual name for your baby is a HUGE part of a Wiccaning. Names are a very powerful way of calling and directing energy, this is particularly important to families that do a lot of family ritual and magick; its a way to include children who are too young to participate. And I know I'm not alone on this - but as parents we can't wait till he is older and can pick his own name! It would be a rare thing for a witch to get their feelings hurt when their child changes names, it is such an honor to have raised your child to become a independent and self-identifying tiny human. And, the child will likely change their own spirit name again in adulthood, which is what you are talking about there - picking one for yourself based on your higher/inner self.

I don't know if this is true, but I'm speculating here that you were not raised pagan, and perhaps found the path when you got older? Cus it paganism is a lot different at a child's level, and it changes and evolves with the child as they grow.

Thanks for your input! Blessed be!

Permalink Reply by Chrissylynn~Starlight Butterfly on May 31, 2011 at 9:13am

I think that is a wonderful idea. I know I personally changed my name after only a few years - I feel for me it was a growing thing too. When I picked my name the first time I was drawn to it, but did ask someone the same question what happens if years down the line I feel a need to change it and everyone in the coven I was with said, that meant I had grown and it was perfectly fine.

My original name was Dealande : which means butterfly- in my personal life I was making many changes and coming out of a cocoon and so it was fitting. I recently changed it to Starlight Butterfly (a little change- but still very much the same)

Your son may do the very same. He may choose to keep it or change it slightly. Either way, it will always be a part of him and I am sure he will be honored and love to hear the story of why you choose it.

many blessing to you and to your precious boy.

Permalink Reply by Emairelhd on May 31, 2011 at 9:21am

agreed! and many blessings to you as well!

Permalink Reply by John Thomas on May 31, 2011 at 11:49am

"I don't know if this is true, but I'm speculating here that you were not raised pagan, and perhaps found the path when you got older? Cus it paganism is a lot different at a child's level, and it changes and evolves with the child as they grow."

Emairelhd,
Would it be possible for you to be a little politer and kinder to the people that you have asked advice from?

Blessed be You! And thanks for your enthusiasm!

Permalink Reply by Emairelhd on May 31, 2011 at 1:23pm

I do not believe i was being impolite in the least. I did not know if it was true or not, there is really no way for me to know that...?? Her reply was very based on an adult concept, soooo, it was only natural for me to let her see the same situation from a different angle. Paganism is different at a child level. There is nothing unkind about explaining that to those who haven't been there to see it that way - in fact, its helpful and enlightening.

I'm am sorry if I have somehow set you against me by my previous "negativity" comment to another user. I think that it is a kind of "hurtful-helping" to take a situation (like naming) and think of the worst possible outcome (people will think he's gay...*gasp*; people will make fun of him!; etc) and then offer that up as "advise". Especially when the context is not considered in the least (in this case - baby, and fact that its a spirit name only).

I do apologize if you were offended in whatever way this offended you, because I honestly don't know; but it seems that Starlight Butterfly, to whom the comment was intended, was not offended in the least. I shall earnestly try in the future to speak more plainly so there is no further confusion of my intention.

Permalink Reply by Maylin Darkwolf on May 30, 2011 at 10:08pm

Ah, yes you would be right, I was not raised pagan, and I can see your point then after reading your explanation. :3