Names in witchcraft hold a lot of power. They identify you. They are your main identifier outside of your physical appearance. So it is safe to say that use in magick is a given. If someone has your name, they have access to you. So for me personally, I guard my given name closely, very few people, magickal OR mundane, have knowledge of my birth name and I plan on keeping it that way. This was in practice in my life long before I started practicing. My background in criminal circles mandated it from an early age and it became natural for me to use either an alias or nickname unless absolutely necessary. Once I started practicing magick I wanted to hide my name and identity for a few reasons. I have family that would no doubt cause issues if they knew about what I do, plus I already knew the type of access people could have to you with no more information than your name. So I decided to pick a name to go by in this world. Then I realized that that too could be used to identify and lock onto me. So here is how I went about this. I decided to choose a public name. This is what you all know me as. I did still want it to have meaning so I did not randomly pick. My name was derived from a familial matriarch, as well as an archetypal deity and plant  to which I relate heavily. Next I decided that the name I will use while performing my practice should be the highest guarded name of mine. That lead to these safety measures. I chose a name that was in symbol form and unable to be pronounced, thanks to Prince for the inspo. It has also never been written down or drawn in any way on any device or with any medium other than in my mind’s eye. This is so that no one can stumble upon it, I cannot be tricked into sharing it nor will I be able to accidentally spill the beans. I then went on to put up shields and protections on all 4 of my personal identifiers (the 3 names and my physical appearance). I have had great results as since starting my practice I have had a few incidents where things got messy with people and I have never once had a successful working against me (not to be confused with FOR me or BY me). Everyone has their own preferences and ways to do things but I am a strong believer in if you stay ready you don’t have to get ready. With that said I hope you at least give it some thought. Don’t forget, witches do NOT need a picture, a strand of hair etc. If you can be identified you can be attacked. Protection and a strong defense can be your best offense.