What's in a (Sith) name?

 

The time comes in the life of every Sith when they are faced with what I believe to be the first of many tests. To choose a name is not something one ought not take lightly.
Our everyday name other people use is the real mask we wear and our connection to the ‘mundane’ and the mediocrity of others. It is a tool at our disposal; a misdirect for those not quite sharp enough to see past it. 

One's birth name is imposed before we have even formed a sense of self. It is an imposition; a mark. It is an attempt to dominate and tie us to the people whose machinations we are stuck in.
Therefore, it behooves one as one embarks on this path to decide who one wishes to be not in defiance of the circumstances of one's birth, but rather to re-define how one faces a world as a being who is whole. 

Mystery religions and groups urge every initiate to adopt their own 'secret' or 'ritual' names. In sympathetic magick, to know the name of a thing is to know its essence. So it is with a Sith's name; As we create this new identity, we nurture and name our newfound power. Therefore, we should always be careful when sharing it, and with whom.
A Sith name isn't born out of a whim to sound 'cool', or even 'edgy', though I am sure many have been the result of this vapid, empty pursuit.
Yet, are those names not buried in the sands of time? Have their works not turned to dust?

To move forward, it is good to look back at those whose names still inspire awe; at Nihilus, Sidious, Bane, and so on.
Their names were forged in fire, and they were baptised in blood. Deeds must follow names; Deeds must honour names---or both will be forgotten.

Just as the title of Darth is the ultimate defiance and mark of greatness, so a Sith's name announces one's commitment to the path. To claim it is to ignite a fire as old as the stars themselves.

When choosing this name ask oneself the reason for doing so. Is it simply for the purpose of belonging? Or are one’s goals and aims deeper than mere approval? For if it is just to join the throng, one might as well remain part of the group in which one was born.
Don’t differentiate yourself. Don’t stand out. Remain comfortable, and be utterly forgotten. 

But if your aims are higher and you think yourself capable of more; if you claim to be outstanding — consider a name. 

Dig deep inside yourself; take that which has torn you down and use it. Take that which has angered you and make it into your sword. Into your armour. Wear it with pride. As Bane once did, and many after him.
And it will never again be used to hurt you. 

Whenever people shout it, you will turn and laugh. If they seek to open the wound once more, their swords will be turned against them, and they shall be as ashes in your wake.