For those who have transitioned beyond a birth name or gender that no longer reflects their true identity, this ritual offers a compassionate and transformative way to honor the past while embracing the present. The Funeral for a Dead Name ritual is designed to help ease the inner turmoil that can often arise from lingering associations with a “dead name”—the name you were born with but have chosen to leave behind. This practice acknowledges that part of your journey, allowing you to honor who you were and celebrate who you are now.

In this working, we’ll recognize and pay tribute to the person you once were, as they played an essential role in bringing you to this current moment. By honoring the past self, we recognize the resilience, struggles, and experiences that contributed to your evolution. Many overlook this aspect of self-discovery, but through this ritual, you can acknowledge the efforts and hardships of your former self with compassion and gratitude, laying them to rest with dignity and respect.

To perform this working, I will need both your former and current names (please specify which is which when you provide them). This will allow me to fully honor the past and present aspects of your journey. You are also welcome to share details about your past self—the person you were before this transformation. What did they love, what passions did they hold, and how have these aspects influenced the person you are today? By bringing these elements to light, we acknowledge their contributions, paving the way for deeper healing and a greater sense of wholeness.

As part of the ritual, I will create a sacred space where your past self can be honored, and a symbolic funeral will be performed to lovingly lay that identity to rest. In doing so, we’ll release any residual feelings of conflict, guilt, or sorrow, and instead, allow peace and healing to take root. This process can help you reconnect with positive aspects of your past while embracing your current identity with renewed clarity and confidence.

Please note that while this ritual offers a path toward healing and self-acceptance, it is not a replacement for professional medical, therapeutic, or psychological support. Rather, it is an additional tool to aid you in stepping forward into your future with strength and purpose.