|
|
Post by lyradora on Nov 19, 2013 18:53:36 GMT -8
I am very new to journey work, so I guess my question is one of etiquette. Is it impolite to ask a being's name? I have encountered several beings whom I cannot identify (no helpful iconography). There is that whole issue of names having power, so I am not sure if I should just come out and ask "Who are you?" or if I should wait or …? Suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Post by spookymuffin on Nov 19, 2013 19:57:35 GMT -8
I was trained with the magical principle that giving out one's name in the Otherworld is risky business so I've typically approached the subject of names carefully. If it comes up I might ask, "What can I call you?" and I have an innocuous name that I can give them until a more trusting relationship has formed. Of course if they volunteer a name then that's what you should use. It's pretty impolite to arbitrarily name an entity that has the ability to make its name known to you and I've known people who have annoyed spirits by doing this.
|
|
lorna
New Member
Posts: 19
|
Post by lorna on Dec 3, 2013 10:39:10 GMT -8
I've found as a general rule gods are more forthcoming with their names / titles than spirits of the land, possibly because they're more used to interacting with humans?
It's definitely considered rude to assume somebody you met who looks or sounds like a named deity or spirit is this person unless they state that directly.
Many of the spirits I work with haven't volunteered names but do allow me to use epithets such as 'Lady Ivy.' In a similar way when you look at the names of deities they're descriptive titles, not names- such as Belisama - most shining one, Brigantia - high one, Gwyn ap Nudd- white son of mist.
For me it's more important to get to know a spirit and build a relationship than name or identify them.
|
|
|
|
Post by lyradora on Dec 3, 2013 18:16:38 GMT -8
Thanks.  I keep a journal of all my journeywork, and I've gotten in the habit of using descriptors for these beings instead of proper names (e.g., The Veiled Woman, The Woman in Black). It works. but I am still curious …. |
|
I keep a journal of all my journeywork, and I've gotten in the habit of using descriptors for these beings instead of proper names (e.g., The Veiled Woman, The Woman in Black). It works. but I am still curious ….