What's in a Name?

One of the first things I learned embarking on the beginning of this journey is that many people following Pagan paths adopt another name to be used within varying aspects of their spiritual path. I have also learned that for many, this name is not chosen but more decided upon by other "powers that be". I also know that some consider this to be a private thing while others are open to discussing this process openly. Although not exactly grieving, there is a process of working through the issue of transforming from Christianity to Paganism, so I have chosen to describe my process, more for myself than for anyone reading this, as I feel that these aspects are important for the tranformation of the person I am evolving into.

With that being said, it is important to note that I did some floundering around at first, trying on various hats but none of the names ever really seemed right. What I eventually concluded was, the naming process (for lack of a better term) cannot be rushed-there is a logical flow to it all, and when you are ready, it will come. I had learned that one process for the name is to use numerology. The basis for this is, having balance between name and birth number can be more spiritual for the individual. In my case, the name "Anemone" not only works with numerology but several other aspects of me. Anemone is a genus of about 120 species of flowering plants in the buttercup family. This is amazing because ironically, "Buttercup" is one of the nicknames the love of my life calls me, so in a sense, it is "me" for all practical purposes as well as spiritual ones! It is unclear whether I named myself or if I was "led" to this decision by another force, but whatever the case may be, the name just feels "right". Anemone is also called a windflower, hence the name for my blog "Petals on the Wind".