Ritual tools: Athame

What is it? An athame (knife or dagger) is a double edged, dull blade usually with a black or dark handle.

What is it made of? While the blade is almost always made of metal or wood, you can also get bone athames - although the use of these in wicca is quite controversial. The handle of the athame is usually made of metal or dark wood and can have symbols or patterns carved into it, or be wrapped in leather or dark cloth.

What is it used for? An athame is a purely ritual tools and is not to be used for cutting ( for cutting knifes see 'boline' section) nor for use outside the sacred circle, except in 'kitchen witch' tradition which encourages the regular usage of ritual tools to familiarise oneself with them. Generally the athame is used as an extension of the arm to aid in the raising and directing of energy when casting (or breaking) the sacred circle, or to represent the God during rituals. Sometimes energy raised may be channelled into the athame for later use, as the black or dark handle is said to attract and hold power. The athame may be substitued (or be a substitute for) the wand or sword in ritual or magic rites. According to the gardnerian traditoin the athame is the most important of the ritual tools.

Symbolism and Associations: The athame, being phallic in nature(just as the wand is also of phallic nature) is a symbol of the god, so it is often used in conjunction with the chalice or cauldron to symbolise procreation. The athame is also associated with the elements of fire and/or air.

Where to find them: Athames generally cannot be made at home due to thier components, although there is nothing stopping you making your own from a pointed stone by attaching a handle or wrapping one end in cloth or leather, alternatively you could buy one specifically made for ritual or just a regular dagger that has been dulled to prevent injury.