Ceremonial Athame
By Joy J. Fine
Athame is the name given to a double edged knife that is used in ceremonies related to witchcraft. The blade of which is usually made of iron or steel. Rarely the blade is made of something more unusual like copper or very infrequently it is made from a piece of deer antler. Depending on which beliefs you follow you may think that if they are not made of metal they are more wand like than knife like. Sometimes the blade or the handle has designs carved into it. This is not always the case as it depends on the preference of the holder of the blade.
Those you use an Athame, particularly those who follow the practice of Wicca, believe that the blade must never be used especially it must not be used to draw blood. There are some who feel this so strongly that they dull the blade or break the point off so that it cannot even accidently be used in this manner. But others feel that he Athame is their personal weapon, and so must be kept sharp. It should also be looked after carefully. They will protect it by covering is with wax. The wax should be left on the blade overnight and then polished the next morning. This is thought to help protect the blade from moisture.
One question for those who want to own an Athame is by what means should they come to it. Some believe that as it is their own personal magical tool they should be the one to pick it out. It must match to their personality and power. Others feel that if it is bought for them by someone they are close to, someone that they respect, they are more likely to use it successfully. The fact is that both are right. The place the blade originates must be where the future owner is comfortable and so that can be by making their own purchase or excepting it as a gift. Practitioners of witchcraft will often have one custom made so the handle fits their hand, the designs mean something to them and the blade has the exact curve they want.
This personal tool of magic is used first and foremost as a means to guide energy. It does not serve the purpose of cutting anything, like herbs, as part of the rituals. A different type of knife is used for that. If the Athame is being used as a masculine force it is seen as a phallic tool but used as a feminine force it is seen as a symbol of fertility and creativity. The only time that the knife may be used as part of daily life is when the witch feels the need to make the knife their own; to gain familiarity with it by using it daily
If you want to use a knife you already own and make it into your Athame that can be done by using a consecration ritual. This is usually done when there is a knife the practitioner is very fond of a certain knife and would prefer not to have it replaced by a new one.
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