How to Bless an Athame
An athame ( pronounced ah-tehm or aa-thah-may) is a dull, double-edged knife used in modern pagan rituals. Tradition holds that the handle be black, though many modern covens and sects have abandoned this in favor of handles which suit the owner of the blade. Its chief purpose in most rites is as a masculine deity symbol and as a conduit through which to direct energy. In the so called "Kitchen" witchcraft tradition, it is also used to cut herbs and food. This is the exception and not the rule, the majority of traditions keep the knife dull and use it only symbolically.
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Things You'll Need
- Essential oil (recommend a solar-affiliated herb such as goldenseal, or a protective compound such as Dragon's blood)
- White wax marking pencil
Instructions
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1
Cast your circle. As with any magickal work, blessings should be done within sacred space.
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2
Purify the athame and any other tools you will be using in your rite. Any carvings or ornamentation of the handle should be done at this stage.
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3
Use the marking pencil to inscribe blessings, runes or names of deities on the *blade* of the athame. Many traditions chant, pray or invoke energies at this point.
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4
Anoint the athame with your essential oil. Some sects also cense or asperge it at this point. This can be incorporated into step 3 if desired.
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5
Charge your athame. Give thanks to whatever energies you used, close your circle.
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Tips & Warnings
White marking pencils can be found in sewing supply, hardware and craft stores under various names. Chalk is an acceptable (though somewhat messy) substitute.
Some traditions keep special cases or cloths to cover their athame in between uses. These can either be purchased or self-made, either is considered acceptable by most modern traditions.
Goldenseal contains Berberine and should not be used by pregnant women.
As with any herb or oil, be sure that no one who will be handling the tool is allergic to whichever oil you use.
