Book Question~

[ravensong]

What do the poeple in this community think of the book "The New Book of Magical Names" by Phoenix McFarland?

It's the first book about magical names that I've come across and I'm wondering if it's good or not. Good as in accurate :) It's a Llwellyn book so that made me a little leery...

Any comments appreciated :) Thanks!!

Comments

[saya_bella]

In reguards to what brock_tn said:
I wouldn't say someone is doing it wrong because they want to look something up. I've not read the specific book this topic addresses but I've read many name books that I've used for my short stories. They are very helpful if you have an idea or meaning you want to portray but you don't want to just give the name of an object (or what have you). Its nice to stray away from the normal stuff and try to find something more creative.

I do, however, think that just opening a book and finding something that "sounds cool" is wrong. I would say try to have an idea in mind or know what you want before hand. Flipping though pages, writting down what you think might work, than narrowing it down to one name is the lazy way about things. (or at least that's how I feel)

Granted that is Llewellyn I would be wary. If you find a name in there you like I would double check to see if it actually means what they say it means.

[ravensong]

My name is Willow, I already know my name. I just thought it was interesting that there was a book about magical names =-P But yes, I do sometimes use name books when trying to determine a character's name, what name would suit him/her best etc. Especially if I'm doing a period piece and need a name that was popular in that era.

In general, I'm wary of anything published by Llewellyn. I try to steer clear from them as much as I can but sometimes...curiosity gets the better of me. Which is why I ask for outside opinions or double check the info presented to me in said books, ya know?

[saya_bella]

Sorry if I worded my reply wrong, I was trying to speak more general. =3 I guess I just got caught up in phrases.

Its nice to hear someone else uses these books for stories too. I took an armfull of name books out of the library about 2 weeks ago and the librarian asked me if I was pregnant because I "dont look like it". lol

[ravensong]

I've been using the book mentioned in this post to help come up with some of my characters names for my current NaNo novel :) It's been great help that way!!

[peskipiksi]

[ravensong]

See this is what I wondering. Thanks!

[wakingwater]

To be honest, I'm not quite sure what to take on the entirety of magical names. I had one girlfriend a couple years ago who would stare at me to no end (she was also Wiccan) and just mutter.. "That's not your real name."

Is a magical name something you have, from within, or is it something a community gives you?

Butting in...

[hexeengel]

Potentially, all of the above. I've written an article/essay about it, if you'd like to see it. My email's in my profile, just drop me a line :)

Re: Butting in...

[ravensong]

Thanks for replying and answering that. I kept forgetting to come back and reply =-P

But I myself would be interested in reading that article. willowmoon09@hotmail.com or just shoot me a message via LJ if you like :)

[ravensong]

All my magical names have come from within, not from communities but they can come from either or both.

Also I do not believe another person can tell you what your name is or isn't. I believe that's something only the actual person will know...