I don't think it is necessary to name your crystal ball, at all. I name things. It is what I do. It just came naturally to me. As does personalizing my crystal ball. I name and personalize lots of things that have nothing to do with divination, like my grandfather clock! I certainly don't name my tarot decks, though I have heard people on the forum that have done so! I think it is to each their own and that is what we will all find out as we go through the books. Some suggestions will be fine, others won't click at all. I don't think it is necessary to get all cutsie about it. For me it works. And I shared. But for everyone to suddenly go out and name their crystal balls that they have had for years and never thought of doing would be silly, IMO. For me it is part of the bonding process, but if it doesn't work for others, then don't even bother. We will all have our own individual experiences with this! Besides, I actually like Mute. It works! If he starts to work for you, maybe you will change your mind and call him Chatterball!
How many are planning to bathe their crystal balls in salt water, according to Ted? How many are planning to put them in the moonlight for 2 weeks to cleanse them? Or roll them all over your body to heal you? Miranda might get a night in the moonlight, but other than that, she will be polished, as needed, with water and cloth, and shined with a jewelers cloth that I bought specifically for her. And that is it. Keep her safe and private and some place where she isn't reflecting light like a magnifying glass and burning down my house! Thus, she may get covered with a cloth, even though she is in a dark place. Ophelia will be the same.
I have been told my several people that our house is enchanting. It looks like a basic house from the outside, but inside we have broke the rules of conformity and often it is like stepping into another century. For my husband and I it has worked to name things~maybe because we have no children. So, when I say put something next to Pip, or Humphrey, or move Sophia and Hawthorne, we know what we are talking about. It is just our lifestyle! But it won't be everyones! So, all that being said, it is certainly an individual choice, but not a necessity to name one's crystal ball!!