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Tools of Wiccan Ritual: the Athame

by Lisa Chamberlain

The Wiccan athame is a double-edged ritual knife and is used for directing energy, such as “cutting” unwanted energetic ties, drawing symbols in the air, drawing the sacred circle before ritual and closing it afterward. The athame is not necessarily very sharp, both for safety reasons and because traditionally, it doesn’t actually cut anything on the physical plane. The athame’s masculine, assertive qualities make it a powerful representation of the God.

Elemental debate

The athame is associated with both Fire and Air, depending on the tradition. Those who link it with Air are drawing from the symbolism of pre-Wiccan esoteric systems like that found in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which was a major influence on Wicca. Because sharpness is associated with intellect—the domain of Air—and because the athame directs energy through its movements in the air, this association feels the most authentic for many Wiccans.

Those who link it with fire point to the fact that knives are literally forged in fire, and that they are agents of transformation. (Of course, the latter can be said about the wand as well.) If you are an eclectic practitioner without a set tradition to follow, simply go with the association that makes intuitive sense for you.

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Appearance

The quintessential athame resembles a simple dagger. It has a black hilt, or handle, and is generally no longer than the length of one’s hand. (A long knife can be unwieldy and therefore dangerous, not to mention more difficult to store and/or travel with.) The handle is said to store a small amount of the magical energy raised in ritual for later use, such as in spellwork or charging other tools.

Athames can be found in shops specializing in Wicca and other “NeoPagan” spiritual traditions. Some have gorgeously ornate hilts carved with magical symbols and/or set with crystals. Others even have crystal blades. Indeed, an athame can be the most beautiful knife you’ve ever seen!

However, not all Wiccans prefer, or can afford, the more glamorous versions, and many will consecrate a simple kitchen knife instead. You can etch your own symbolic carvings into the handle if you go this route (being sure to wrap the blade securely first!), but it’s also fine to have a very plain athame.

To cut or not to cut

Although the athame is never used for actual cutting in orthodox Wicca, newer traditions make a few exceptions. These include harvesting herbs used in spellwork, shaping a new wand from the branch of a tree, and carving magical symbols into a candle for ritual use.

Some kitchen Witches may even use their athame to prepare magical foods, in which case they will use a more practical, single-edged knife. However, many practitioners choose to use a separate knife, called a boline, for these purposes. The boline is traditionally white-handled, and while still considered a magical tool, is not used in actual ritual.

Choosing your athame

As with any other ritual tool, the process of choosing one can be interesting and fun. If you’re in a coven, then obviously you’ll choose one that fits the coven’s requirements. If you’re solitary, you have more options. Either way, be sure to take a few moments with each knife you’re considering, and take note of how it feels in your hand. You may have to pick up several before you find the one that’s right for you, but when you do find it, you’ll know it.

Learn more about the Athame and other tools of Wiccan Ritual:

Wiccan Ritual Tools

 

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Wicca Living
Menu
  • Home
  • Getting Started
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Wicca, Witchcraft, and Magic
    • What is Wicca?
    • What is Witchcraft?
    • Are Wiccans Really Witches?
    • What is Paganism?
    • What is Magic? (And Magick?)
    • What’s the Difference Between Black Magic and White Magic?
    • Is Wicca Connected to Satanism?
    • What is Known of the History of Wicca?
    • Close
  • Wiccan Magic
    • A Beginners Guide to Wiccan Magic
    • Candle Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Candle Magic: A Wiccan Overview
      • Candle Magic Spell for Beginners
      • Magical Properties of Colors
      • Close
    • Crystal Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Crystal Magic: A Wiccan Overview
      • Crystal Magic Spell for Beginners
      • Magical Properties of Crystals and Other Minerals
      • Close
    • Herbal Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Herbal Magic: A Wiccan Overview
      • A Herbal Magic Spell for Beginners
      • Magical Properties of Herbs
      • Close
    • Oil Magic
      • A Beginners Guide to Magical Oils: Essential Oils Magic
      • How to Make Your Own Magical Oil Blends
      • Close
    • Moon Magic
    • The Book of Shadows: A Modern Grimoire
    • Magic and the Law of Attraction
    • Wiccan Guide to Tarot
    • The Ancient Runes
    • Close
  • Core Wiccan Beliefs
    • Introduction to the Core Wiccan Beliefs
    • Deities of Wicca
      • The Wiccan Goddess and God
      • Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother, and Crone
      • The Oak King and the Holly King: Aspects of the God
      • Working with Ancient Deities
      • Close
    • The Classical Elements in Wicca
      • The Earth Element
      • The Water Element
      • The Fire Element
      • The Air Element
      • The Spirit Element (Akasha)
      • Close
    • The Wiccan Rede
    • The Threefold Law
    • Close
  • Wiccan Ritual
    • An Introduction to Wiccan Rituals
    • Tools of Magic: Ritual Tools and the Wiccan Altar
      • Wiccan Altar
      • Athame
      • Bell
      • Boline
      • Broom (Besom)
      • Cauldron
      • Chalice
      • Incense
      • Pentacle
      • Wand
      • Close
    • Setting Up the Altar and Casting the Circle
    • The Book of Shadows: A Modern Grimoire
    • Clearing and Charging Your Ritual Tools
    • Clothing and Ritual Attire
    • Close
  • Wheel of the Year
    • The Wiccan Sabbats
      • Yule (Winter Solstice)
      • Imbolc
      • Ostara (Spring Equinox)
      • Beltane
      • Litha (Summer Solstice)
      • Lammas / Lughnasadh
      • Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
      • Samhain
      • Close
    • Wiccan Esbats
    • Close
  • Wiccan Paths
    • Wiccan Traditions
    • Covens, Circles, and Solitary Practitioners
    • Wiccan Initiation and Self-Dedication
    • Close
  • Learn More
    • About
    • Recommended Reading List
    • Free Wicca Audiobooks
    • Books by Lisa Chamberlain
    • Contact
    • Close