The Circle Is Open,
The Book Is Over
Every time I pick up my athame, I like to stop and think about the millions of people over the centuries who have wielded their blades as magical instruments. In those moments I’m linked to prehistoric humankind, the great pagan religions of ancient Europe, and medieval conjurers. The athame is more than just a link to the past; it’s a vital and very much a living part of Witchcraft today.
When I gather with other Witches at festivals, talk often turns to our athames. Sometimes we sound like proud parents discussing our children during such moments. “My athame was made by so and so,” someone might chime in. Another person will tell of how they just knew their athame was perfect the first time they picked it up. Witches take pride in many things, but the athame always seems to be their most prized magical possession.
I love my chalices, deity statues, and even my broom, but I’ve never wanted to sleep next to those things. I’ve wanted to take my athame with me everywhere, and only the good sense of my wife has stopped that from happening over the years. Our blades often reflect aspects of our personalities too. Some of the most powerful Witches I know use very basic athames, but that always seems to reflect who they are. A truly powerful Witch needs no extra adornment.
If there’s one thing you take from this book, I hope it’s the knowledge that your athame, and your use of it, really comes down to you. There are traditions, history, and lore about knives and athames, but what truly makes a tool is how we use it individually as Witches. In the long-term scheme of things, there is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to the athame, but only what’s right for you, the individual Witch.
In my twenty years of Witchcraft, I’ve gone from being wary of the athame to falling in love with it. My athames are now among my most prized possessions, and when I pass from this earth I hope that another Witch will pick them up so that a little bit of my energy might remain in the magick circle. Happy conjuring!