- Image by Arcadiareptiles via Flickr
An athame is a double-edged dagger used in Wiccan ceremonies.
The athame traditionally has a black handle, a sharp point and the double-edge.
The knife is one of many tools used in Wiccan rituals is used to channel energy and is not intended for physical cutting. Athames tend not even to be used to cut herbs, flowers, wax or other components sometimes used in rituals as the white-handled boline knife is used instead.
The athame is associated with the elements of air and fire. The blade is masculine in nature and sometimes paired with the feminine chalice. The act of placing the shaft of the blade in the cup of the chalice can be used to represent the act of intercourse.
Some academics suggest that Gerald Gardner introduce of the modern athame can be attributed to French version of the Key of Solomon and Grillot de Givry’s Witchcraft, Magic and Alchemy (1931).
In Pure Spirit
Do you own an athame? What does it mean to you?
The Athame is a tool, which extends the power of the hand, so using a finger can work just as well, but, the knife as said represents the elements of air and fire, does not cut, but is magickal never the less and is a visual aid to magickal workings.