What Is Your God-Given Name?

In the Bible, some the Patriarchs’ names were changed when they encountered God. God gave them a new name, a new identity. In the New Testament, Jesus gave Simon (to hear, listen; reputation) a new name, Peter (rock). Abram (meaning “my father is great”) became Abraham (“father of many nations”). Jacob (“supplanter”) became Israel (“he shall be a prince of God”). His birth name referred to Jacob’s sin of tricking his twin brother into giving up his birthright. But after his encounter with the angel of God, Jacob was no longer defined by his sin (ego), his past. He no longer identified with his failure or the labels that others gave him. But he found a new identity in God’s promises.

My daughter’s birth name, Athena, was a good name, given in honor of Pallas Athena, a great feminine archetype. It was also very compatible with her natal astrology, and her full name added up to 22, a very powerful number numerologically. However, when she encountered God, she changed her name to Unity. I respect that and call her by her new name. And she calls me by my God-given name, Eli.

What is your real name, your God-given name, the name God gave you when he created your soul? If you look at the names of people in the Bible whom God bestowed a new name on and the names of angels, archangels, masters, and cosmic beings, you’ll notice three things: 1) some of them have “el” in them, meaning God (e.g., El Morya, Gabriel, and Israel); 2) some of them are the names of virtues (e.g., Charity, Hope, and Purity); and some are the full or partial name of their last embodiment or a key embodiment (e.g., Padre Pio, Lanello, and Magda).

So, with these three clues, close your eyes and enter into a meditative state and say, “my God-given name is <your name>.” If that resonates with you as the truth, then it probably is. If not, then say, “my God-given name is < > El < >” See if any word comes to mind to fill in the blank. It could be something you hear with your inner ear or something you see with your inner eye. I saw my name Eli written in flames when I meditated. If you know who you were in a past embodiment, meditate on that name and say, “My God-given name is <past name>.” If that name or a shortened form of it resonates with you, that could be it. If none of these work, then meditate on your qualities. Pick out your one chief quality and say, “My God-given name is <Virtue>.”

Don't be discouraged if nothing comes to mind. After all, your God-given name, just like your birth name, is not who you are. It's just a label, indicating the divine destiny of your soul. Simon became the rock or cornerstone of Christianity. Jacob became the prince of God's kingdom on Earth. Abram became the father of many nations. If you know your divine destiny, that's another clue to your God-given name. If it is to bring happiness to others, your God-given name just might be Joy.