athame

English - English

Definition of athame in English English dictionary

A ceremonial double-edged dagger, used in Wicca and related neopagan religions

(ah-thah'-may) -- n A blade or knife used as a ritual tool; usually, a knife with two sharp edges; (a) tool associated with the East, symbolizing and enhancing the power to choose, to analyze, to define, to separate one thing from another; (b) in some Traditions, used as a phallic symbol When a Witch chooses not to use a blade because, for example, of its association with weaponry, she or he may substitute a feather, a bone, or like object, or use her own hand

black handled, double edged dagger Principally used to cast and dissolve the circle, for which purposes it is interchangeable with the magic sword A tool of the "Element" of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others

a specific dagger or an especially crafted knife dedicated for use in magickal rites and rituals

The primary tool of the Witch, the Athame is traditionally a knife with a straight double blade and a black handle suitable for carving The Athame is used in salutes to gods, goddesses and the Ancient Ones, and for a variety of other purposes None of these purposes, interestingly enough, include the traditional function of a knife as a tool See Boline As a penetrating tool, the Athame represents the masculine aspect of divinity, just as the Chalice represents the feminine aspect The term, of unknown origin, was first seen in Medieval grimoires

A witches ritual knife used to direct energy This knife is never used to cut anything

An athame is a metal knife, usually double bladed and dark handled, which is used within circle and rituals to direct energy, as well as being a symbolic piece, for example when the athame is placed into the cauldron or dish of salt

A ritual blade used in Witchcraft, Wicca, the equivalent of the Ritual Sword Usually a double bladed knife with a black handle Used for energy direction i e Circle Casting, Banishing

The ritual dagger of Witches used in ceromony, an athame is usually black handled and double edged The two edges represent the balance in all things The blade itself is sometimes etched with magickal symbols which have personal meanings for the user