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Athames are ritual knives used in witchcraft, Wicca, and other neopagan religions. They’re used to symbolically cut ties and absorb and direct spiritual energy. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about athames, their symbolism and usage, and how to cleanse and charge them, plus how to choose the best one for you and your practice.
Things You Should Know
- Athames are knives used as ritual tools in Wicca and witchcraft to direct energy, cast circles, and cut spiritual ties.
- Athames are considered masculine tools and often represent the Wiccan god in rituals.
- Athames are traditionally double-edged and represent the duality of the universe, like good and evil.
Steps
How to Cleanse and Charge an Athame
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Cleanse your athame to get rid of any negative energy it holds. Cleansing is an important aspect of Wicca and witchcraft, as negative or unwanted energy can affect your tool’s magical performance. Cleanse your athame when you first receive it, if someone else has touched it, or any time you notice a change in energy. Here are some common cleansing techniques:
- Put it in salt. Salt absorbs energy, so place your athame in a bowl of it and leave it overnight, or mix salt in water and sprinkle it over the athame. Make sure the materials of your athame can handle salt beforehand.
- Lay it in sunlight or moonlight. Sunlight is a powerful natural cleanser, as it burns away any unwanted energy. Moonlight works similarly and is preferable for materials that may fade or be harmed by direct sunlight.
- Smudge it with cleansing herbs. Burn sage, rosemary, or lavender and wave the smoke over the athame to clear any unwanted energy.
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Charge your athame with your energy. After your athame has been cleansed, you need to fill it with your intention. Hold the athame in your hands and imagine your energy flowing into it. You can also speak your intention aloud or lay the athame in sunlight or moonlight for an extra magical boost.
Expert Q&A
Tips
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When casting a circle, imagine light or blue flames coming out of your athame to create the boundaries of the circle.Thanks
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When choosing an athame, make sure the size is proportionate to your other tools, like a chalice or wand.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://sciences.ucf.edu/anthropology/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2012/08/sloan_08spring_thesis-1.pdf
- ↑ https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=imwjournal
- ↑ https://sciences.ucf.edu/anthropology/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2012/08/sloan_08spring_thesis-1.pdf
- ↑ https://mythologian.net/athame-knife-dagger-meaning-symbol-importance-wicca/
- ↑ https://mythologian.net/athame-knife-dagger-meaning-symbol-importance-wicca/
- ↑ https://mythologian.net/athame-knife-dagger-meaning-symbol-importance-wicca/
- ↑ https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=imwjournal
- ↑ https://sciences.ucf.edu/anthropology/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2012/08/sloan_08spring_thesis-1.pdf
- ↑ https://mythologian.net/athame-knife-dagger-meaning-symbol-importance-wicca/