At the beginning of the year, we celebrate the White Stone Ceremony, a sacred tradition of spiritual renewal and receiving a new name. At Unity of the Midlands, we will gather for a meditation as Rev. Dan delivers his inspiring message titled "All Things Have Become New." This powerful event invites everyone to embrace transformation and the gift of a new name, symbolizing purity, victory, and divine alignment.
I am writing a song to take us deeper into what it means to be made new and receive a new name. I’m calling my song “My New Name,” based on this verse in the Bible: Jesus is speaking through John the Beloved to the baby Christian churches, and I’ve added my own interpretation.
“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers (is victorious in reclaiming their true identity as a Christed Buddha being), I will give some of the hidden manna (divine nourishment that feeds the soul), and I will give a white stone (purity and victory), and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it (in the deep silence of your heart).” - Revelation 2:17
Lessons from an Aboriginal Tradition
I’ve been reflecting on an Australian Aboriginal tribe that continually lives on the land in harmony with each other and Nature. They recognize their own talents and the importance of sharing and developing what they have been given with each other, authentically. Each child is named at birth, and it is understood that they will outgrow their name and will choose a new name several times as their lives unfold in wisdom, creativity, and purpose. What name they choose is how they will be greeted and recognized. There’s no apology or agreement needed if a Composer changes her name to Great Composer or a Healer changes his name to Super Star Healer—it is accepted without question.
“There is an important connection between acknowledging one’s own self-worth and the celebration of personally bestowing a new name.” - Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan
How to Discover Your New Name
What have you learned this past year? What have you victoriously conquered? What can you acknowledge about yourself?
Beginning with the thought of where I’ve come from since last January, I reflect on what I stepped into last year, the initiations I walked through, and how I arrived at the other side. My faith has grown, and I insist on leaving old dismissive self-judgments and doubts behind. I choose to listen to the cocoon of spiritual creativity that is mine to bring. I'm grateful for the Angels of Abundance Ascension Academy that keeps me alive and fresh in my ascension journey.
Take some time in the deep silence with the Beloved Divine and acknowledge what you’ve done this past year. Listen for your new name and write it down in your journal.
If your mind feels too chatty, light a candle and connect with your Holy Christ Buddha Self by setting a clear intention and taking three deep breaths. As you listen, hold your pen in your non-dominant hand and begin writing what comes to you.