Witches Athame: Your Ritual Blade

One of the most iconic witch tools, the witches witches athame, is often misunderstood. Understandably, outsiders—and even many practitioners—struggle with the wide range of traditions surrounding it.

Many witches consider the witches athame the “male” counterpart to the wand’s “female” energy though wands have been linked to both male and female energy. I can see why. Generally, it aligns with the masculine forces of fire or air.

These ritual knives are double-edged and symbolize a witch’s willpower. Some blades stay unsharpened to honor the “do no harm” philosophy. If you prefer sharp edges, then by all means, have them.

Others note the double edges remind us that our will cuts both ways. That resonates with me, but your blade doesn’t have to be double-edged. Personally, I like double edges—they feel better balanced.

We keep a few of these blades in our metaphysical shop, but we have a big selection of athames here on the site.

Some traditions also use a sword during ceremonies, either instead of or alongside the witches athame. Let’s not confuse the witches athame with the boline, though.

Blades like this medieval boline or Druidic boline mainly harvests herbs.

Choosing Your Witches Athame

A witches athame is a deeply personal choice, much like your altar. Therefore, it becomes an extension of your energy.

An expensive blade won’t necessarily outperform a cheaper one. Instead, choose the one that truly calls to you. For instance, I’m eclectic—a blend of Celtic, Greek, voodoo, and hoodoo—and my blade reflects that with a Greek, Damascus-style design.

Additionally, consider the size carefully. Some witches have larger or smaller hands, while others need a compact size for travel altars. You’ll want plenty of space if you plan to display it openly. However, some prefer to stow their athame until it’s needed. Others even keep smaller versions specifically for traveling. In fact, it’s not unusual for witches to own more than one ritual blade.

What Is a Witches Athame Used For?

Next, let’s dive into how a witches athame is typically used, along with my personal method for supercharging one. Traditionally, most paths forbid using it to cut flesh or physical objects—it’s meant for energy work only. Furthermore, some traditions even destroy the blade if it is misused.

Of course, Hollywood loves to get this wrong, often portraying us with “sacrificial blades.” One of the most sacred uses is during the Great Rite, where the athame is dipped into a chalice of wine to symbolize the sacred union of goddess and god.

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Opening and Closing Portals

There are many ways to “call corners” and cast magical circles. Calling corners, for example, involves summoning elemental energies or spiritual guardians from each cardinal direction. You might even call upon spirits, angels, or dragons.

To invoke the pentagram, use your charged witches athame to draw a counterclockwise pentacle in the air. However, it definitely takes practice. Honestly, it didn’t come easily for me at first.

To close the portal, simply draw the pentagram clockwise. Practicing with pen and paper beforehand can save you from botching the movement during ritual.

I’ll explore calling corners and casting circles more deeply in another post.

Charging Other Items

Personally, I love supercharging magical items for our shop. Charging with an athame, in particular, feels like adding that final, vital spark.

Before any magical working, I make sure my athame is properly charged, following the method I’ll explain soon. I hold it with both hands—dominant hand first, off-hand second—then touch the blade to my forehead and heart. This simple act bonds the blade to my will and passion.

Then, while channeling energy, I point the athame like a laser at the item. Poppets, petitions, totems—they all get an incredible boost this way.

Additionally, I use this method to consecrate ritual items like water, incense, tarot cards, jewelry, and protective wards.

Witches Athames: Directing, Dividing, or Cutting Energy

Typically, witches athames are used to draw the circumference of a magical circle, especially useful during outdoor rituals. If a circle is already cast, however, some witches use the athame to carefully cut open a doorway, pass through, and reseal it afterward.

You’ve probably heard of cord-cutting spells, right? Athames are perfect for severing energetic cords and cutting spiritual ties, making them powerful tools for energy work.

Consecrating & Supercharging Your Witches Athame

Now for one of my favorite parts: how I consecrate and supercharge my witches athame.

I charge all my witch tools regularly. Typically, I recharge them every two weeks or after a few uses, especially the athame since it plays a key role in charging other tools.

To do this, I use enchanted sage, dragon’s blood, and myrrh resin—each burned over charcoal disks. Importantly, I enchant each ingredient beforehand: sage for cleansing, dragon’s blood for potency, and myrrh to amplify the effects. It’s important to enchant everything individually, then enchant the mix or item as a whole.

First, I wash the blade thoroughly. Then, I grind the herbs clockwise and prepare the charcoal. Afterward, I create sacred space and gather everything I need.

To begin charging, sit comfortably, holding the athame—tip in your dominant hand and handle in your off-hand. Then, draw energy from the environment, blend it with your own, and channel it directly through the blade.

Visualize the blade glowing intensely with energy. Tell it to awaken. Touch the tip to your forehead (“I dedicate this to my will”), then your heart (“I bind you to my passion”).

Soon, you will notice the blade’s aura strengthening clearly in your mind’s eye.

Finally, light the charcoal, sprinkle the herb mixture, and thoroughly bathe your athame in the smoke. Take your time and focus.

Once complete, you’ll feel a noticeable surge in your blade’s power. When charging other items, simply hold the athame, reconnect mind and heart, then project energy like a focused laser.

Hold the tip of the blade close to the item, visualize it igniting with magical flame—and enjoy the powerful results.

Happy enchanting and charging, folks. Blessings!