An old post from July 11, 2023.
You may be wondering why I have different names. Here and in ADF, I go by Foxlyn or Fox for short. On my blogspot, you’ll see Kristy or KTW. In years past it was Witchfire, Mooneyes, Self Portrait, Hearth Foxlynx…
Magikal Names. Not required, but coming up with one can be fun and inspiring! They can even be given to you by gods, spirits, teachers/mentors, clergy, or you can come up with your own.
They can be derived from favorite spiritual things, like animals, stones, places, experiences, mythological characters, historical people, deities, numerology, etc. Just know that there are a lot of generic pagan names include big powerful animals, like ravens, crows, owls, wolves, and bears. Think outside of the box. There are a lot of other other important animals, too. I’d argue that all animals are powerful, even sea slugs and those critters that live on our skin. Do some research, some meditation, see what inspires. There’s a lot of other fierce, intelligent, majestic, and magikal critters out there.
Or deities names, which I personally think is cringe as fuck and arrogant (I will never call you by a Deity's name, even if it’s your birth/legal name, and your parents gave it to you—I will call you by a nickname, last name, or the first letter). Although something like (deity)son/dottir/daughter is fine, because that means you’re a child of that deity, you’re not calling yourself that deity’s name.
If you don't mind having a generic pagan name or really love that deity name, go for it, this is your personal spiritual path, I’m just a stranger. But if you're using a deity or spirit name, be mindful of the weight that can carry.
Names may change as you change, which is perfectly normal. My spiritual names changed as I healed and grew.
Magikal names are like an author's pen name or a nickname. There's different kinds of names--magikal, working, coven, religious, craft, etc. Some names people share, others may just be for the coven/group, and some are just between that person and their Entities/powers/guides just because. While others may believe that if someone learns their true name then that gives another power over them.
I don't care who knows my magikal names. There’s many other ways to find and curse a person than using a name.
Here's a little about my Magikal Names:
My first magikal name I had for 19 years, and came up with it in 7th or 8th grade. I was a witch and my birth element was fire, so Witchfire was born (I remember I was sitting at the kitchen table at my dad’s, trying to come up with a name for my dream journal).
As I evolved, I outgrew it, which was a very weird feeling…outgrowing a name that I had for so long. But it was no longer fitting. I was still a witch, but new chapter.
Hearth Foxlynx was another, albeit short lived name, but it served its purpose. That was the combo of being a Hearth Keeper* for Hestia-Vesta and being transformed into a fox-lynx by Freyja and Skadi in trance one time. I love both of those creatures anyway. Fox is a guide of mine. Lynx was also--I think it's called a 'play on words'?-- since I'm psychic.
Lynx = Links = psychic link. (As of April 2025, in some circles, I still go by Foxlynx.)
Now I'm Foxlyn Wren. If I could afford to legally change it I would. My birth name has a lot of trauma attached and I hate it. However I'm in love with the name Foxlyn (Fox for short), and it makes my Inner Child very happy!
Although only other pagans and spiritual folk call me Fox/Foxlyn/Lynx. Most others just call me by trauma-filled, popular, commonly misspelled birthname, much to my chagrin. Gods, I hate my birthname. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to legally change it?
Also my Kindreds don’t usually use my Magikal or birthnames either. They usually just call me by my Title/Job, so Priestess, Oracle, Witch/Völva, Seiðkona, and so on. Or if I’m a child, They’ll call me Daughter.
That’s a little bit about Magikal Names and mine. There are books on the subject, if yall’re interested in learning more—like they may go more into the history of such names, and might be better at helping you find or come up with your own.
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* As of July 10, 2023, I learned that Hearth Keeping is a thing in ADF. The term hearth keeping/er isn't unique by any means, I imagine that many devotees/followers of Hearth Deities or Hearth Witches probably use the term for themselves. I just found it funny.
Hestia-Vesta started calling me that in 2014-15. It was a title, a job. Vesta has Her Vestals and on my path, Hestia has Her Hearth Keepers, I'm grateful to be part of both priesthoods.
I've also had other ADF members say that Hearth Culture would be perfect for me over the years, too. Of course I googled at the time but never really found anything about it. Now, not only am I one of my Hearth Mother’s Hearth Keepers, but also one in ADF.
Thanks for all of the Hearts, Follows, Subscribing, Purchases, Bookings, and Recommendations. I really do appreciate the support.
Trust in Sunna. Trust in Joy. Follow the Bees…
~ Priestess Foxlyn
I offer psychic readings if interested. I’m a Psychic Medium who can channel Deities, Spirits, and the Dead—human and animal. These entities may use pendulums, cards, runes, automatic writing/typing/drawing, possession, or energies to answer your questions. I accept venmo and trade. Click the link above for more information.
Readings will be offered on my Etsy soon. (my Etsy is currently on a break.)
Until then, you can email me at foxtorchphoto18@gmail.com
On April 26th, If you’re in the area of Dayton, Ohio, I’ll be at Kettering Polen Farm for Dayton Pagan Coalition’s Psychic Faire. If you’re also a local vendor, psychic, or healer, there may still be spots available.