Music diva Madonna is marking her adoption of "punk rock" religion Kabbalah by changing her name to no other than - Esther.
The well known Material Girl was named after her mother who died when the singer was young and said she wanted to be attached to the "energy" of a new name.
During an interview to be broadcast in the United States on Friday, the Catholic born singer said that since following the teachings of the Jewish mystical faith Kabbalah - whose principles she said were very "punk rock" and anti-establishment - Madonna has learned to follow new directions.
Adopted by gurus of popular culture, the Kabbalah, an ancient Hebrew mystical system of thought, embodies the mystical side of Judaism and teaches one to embrace small sparks of daily experiences and the seemingly insignificant moments of life.
One of the key changes to date has been her name, "I was named after my mother. My mother died when she was very young, of cancer, and I wanted to attach myself to another name.
"This is in no way a negation of who my mother is. I wanted to attach myself to the energy of a different name." (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
