posted June 04, 2004 09:12 AM         

i've always wondered about changing the name specifically to alter the vibration - if our souls have input into our chosen names then perhaps we have a lesson to learn that this vibration will assist with. then again, many women still change their surnames when they marry. but first names are more specific to our souls, i think.

do YOU like your name? does it feel right to YOU? that's really all that matters. i think that if you're meant to change it for soul reasons then you will know - either through a strong feeling that won't go away, or through a dream or something. don't worry about what other people think. if they can't remember to pronounce your name correctly, then that's their loss!

on a more personal note, i can specifically relate to your trouble with having an odd name. i've never met anyone else with my given name, and i always have to repeat mine at least three times and then spell it is your name a derivative of Hester? mine is, after my great-grandmother. it's close to yours, and also very unusual. interesting. your name also relates to the names of some of the older goddesses (Isis, Ishtar) as well as "star".

good luck with your choice.

and happy almost-birthday

posted June 04, 2004 11:45 AM         

Chances are, any changes will be subtle, at least at first.

I have had several names.
The one given at birth.
The change when adopted.
I use a completely different name in my work.
And I also have a name I use for writing, which I am seriously considering changing to legally, because I like its number so much.