The Athame Or Ritual Dagger: Definition, Use, And Buying Tips.
If you think that a witch's arsenal is limited to her cauldron and wand, you're completely wrong! One of the most useful tools in magic is the athame, an essential dagger in many rituals. We invite you to discover the definition and use of this accessory, as well as some buying tips.
What is an athame?
A athamé is a kind of knife used in the field of magic and, particularly, in Wicca. It is more specifically a ritual dagger, which is also documented to be used during ceremonies by the Egyptians and Celts.
This magical accessory is most often described as a knife with a black handle, although in reality, its handle is not always of this color. This dagger generally has a sharp double-edged blade.
What is an athame used for?
Despite its resemblance to a knife, an athame is not used to cut plants or ingredients during magical rituals. In fact, many modern witches prefer to use a sickle to harvest medicinal or aromatic plants, just as druids did in the past.
Unlike a regular knife or sickle, the ritual dagger, which symbolizes the element of fire (or sometimes the element of air), is used by witches to trace a pentacle or a circle of magic, invoke spirits, and channel magical energy.
This accessory is particularly useful for creating protective zones and drawing symbols on various surfaces, including in the air, to ward off demons and other malevolent spirits during ceremonies. Its usage is somewhat comparable to that of the Tibetan and Nepalese phurba.
Symbolically, this instrument is associated with the masculine principle of the Horned God, the element of fire (or air in some traditions), and the east cardinal point.
Good to know
In different magical traditions and currents, it is said that an athame must be consecrated before being used for the first time. The rituals of consecration vary from one tradition to another but should not be neglected.
How to choose the right athame?
Each athame is unique. This dagger is a personal instrument, specific to each witch. Therefore, you must choose it carefully and never lend it to another person.
Online esoteric shops and physical stores specializing in occult sciences offer a wide selection of daggers.
To choose the right one for you, rely primarily on your intuition and personal feelings. Don't judge it solely based on its appearance! The choice of this magical tool is primarily a matter of affinity and handling.
In the realm of athames, you will find blades made of different materials. However, remember that metal is forbidden for any magical practices involving fairies. For such rituals, you will need to use a wooden, horn, or bone dagger. The blade of this instrument does not need to be very sharp since its use is primarily symbolic.
