Ritual tools: Boline

What is it? The Boline (sometimes spelled bolline) is a sharp knife with a straight or cresent shaped blade and usually a white handle.

What is it made from? While the blade is traditionally made of steel the handle can be made from any number of materials.

What is it used for? Unlike the athame, the boline is used for pracitcal work, like cutting herbs and cords and carving candles, ect. In some traditions (one of which is kitchen witchery) where it is encouraged to use your tools outside of ritual, the boline is not neccesary.

Symbolism and association: Being of a phallic nature it is generally associated with the Gods, while its curved blade is reminscent of the sickles that were used to harvest crops in days gone by.

Where to find them: In the case of a boline pretty much any sharp white or light handled knife will do, of course in saying that, a knife of nautral materials is always prefferable.