(^118) A Wiccan Bible
The Three-Fold Name
Another matter that does sometimes occur during the coven or household Initia-
tion is the giving of a new name, that being the name of the coven or the household. By
this we see the principle of the last name being carried forward much the way it is done
in marriage and thus respecting much of what was discussed previously as to the nature
of three.
First name Wiccaning Given
Second name Self-Dedication Taken
Third name Initiation Given and Taken
So then, should one receive the name Golden at their Wiccaning, take the name
Crow at their Self-Dedication, and then be initiated into a the household named Coy-
ote, their three-fold name would be: Golden Crow Coyote.
Know that although this convention of a three-part Wiccan name is in play in the
Wiccan community, it is neither mandated nor even very popular. Usually when you
see a person with a three-part name, they just thought it sounded cute and has no
reference to Wiccaning, Dedication, or Initiation. That is fine, too. However, it does
not express the pride of family (Initiation), the Dedication of Self (Dedication), or
commitment that one’s community has for the individual (Wiccaning).
The Varar
Prior to the Rite of Initiation, the initiate should have reviewed the coven rules.
These rules are sometimes called the varar. They are to a coven/household Initiation
what a prenuptial agreement is to a marriage. While many might shriek at reading the
word ‘prenuptial,’ no one should be initiated into a coven or household without first
clearly understanding what is expected of him or her. While I have heard many times
that such matters are not parts of the Pagan path, that a person’s word is his or her
bond, there is certainly historic documentation of such bonds being sacred to ancient
Pagan folk. In fact, the word varar comes from the goddess Var of Norse mythology
who listens to vows and agreements. She is also the one who punishes those who break
such agreements.
If the coven/household should keep a group Book of Shadows, the varar should be
placed there. If the household is founded by a couple that has formed a couple’s Book
of Shadows, the varar is placed there as well. Should each member of that coven or
household keep a book of shadows of its own, they too should receive a copy of the
varar for inclusion in their book of shadows. Remember that this is not just a coven’s
promise to the initiate, it is also that initiate’s promise to the coven. Let the varar spell
out as much of that bi-directional agreement as possible. Should coven/household mem-
bers later find themselves at odds with each other, the first matter of that dispute should
be addressed by examining the varar.
o WB Chap 07.p65 118 7/11/2003, 5:52 PM
barré
(Barré)
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