Collection: Athames

What Is an Athame?

An athame (pronounced a-THAH-may) is a ceremonial blade and one of the main ritual tools in Wicca, ceremonial magic, and modern witchcraft. A knife called an arthame appears in some versions of the Renaissance grimoire the Key of Solomon, and in the 1950s Gerald Gardner wrote that the athame was his coven's most important tool. The handle is traditionally black, and Gardnerian and Alexandrian covens still require that. The blade is often double-edged, though no tradition requires it.

What Is an Athame Used For?

An athame is used to direct energy, not to cut anything physical. Practitioners use it to cast and close the circle, to call the quarters, and to point intention during a working. It is one of the four elemental tools alongside the wand, the pentacle, and the chalice, and it stands for fire in most witchcraft traditions and for air in ceremonial magic. Our athame guide covers how to consecrate a new blade and how to use it in ritual.

Athame vs. Boline: What's the Difference?

An athame is for energy work, while a boline is the working knife. A boline traditionally has a white handle and a small straight or crescent blade, and it is used for physical tasks such as cutting herbs and cords and carving symbols into candles. Many practitioners keep one of each so the athame never touches anything physical.

What You'll Find Here

Damascus steel athames. Forged blades with the rippled pattern of folded steel, set in stag horn, bone, or rosewood handles. These range from the 6½-inch Bosom Damascus to the 13¾-inch Damascus Dirk.

Stainless steel athames. Medieval, Renaissance, Celtic, Greek, and Scottish styles, including the Sgian Dubh and two Scottish dirks, plus the Goddess Athame, the Eastern Dragon, and the 14-inch Black Medieval.

Stone athames. Selenite athames in crescent, chakra, and crystal styles from 6 to 10 inches, and a black Celtic soapstone athame. These are for practitioners who prefer a blade that isn't metal.

Small and pocket athames. Bosom athames, a 5¼-inch stag, a 4¾-inch skull, and a 6½-inch neck athame with a sheath, sized for travel, a small altar, or wearing in ritual.

Boline and ritual sword. A medieval boline for cutting herbs and carving candles, and the 18-inch Lord's Sword, which some covens use in place of the athame to cast the circle.

How Do You Choose an Athame?

Start with tradition. If you practice Gardnerian or Alexandrian Wicca, or follow a coven's rules, choose a black handle and a double-edged blade. If you're eclectic or solitary, choose the blade that feels right in your hand.

Then choose by material. Steel is the classic choice and lasts a lifetime. Damascus steel adds the folded-steel pattern. Selenite and soapstone suit practitioners who want a non-metal tool. Selenite is soft, so keep it dry and set it down gently.

Last, choose by size. A 4- to 7-inch athame fits a small altar or a travel kit. A 9- to 14-inch blade gives a longer reach for casting a circle in a full room.

Athame FAQ

What does an athame represent?
An athame represents fire in most witchcraft traditions and air in ceremonial magic. It is one of the four elemental tools, alongside the wand, the pentacle, and the chalice.

Is an athame supposed to be sharp?
No. An athame isn't used for physical cutting, so it doesn't need a sharp edge. Janet and Stewart Farrar even suggest dulling the point to prevent accidents in ritual. Handle and store any athame the way you would a kitchen knife.

Does an athame have to have a black handle?
A black handle is traditional and is required in Gardnerian and Alexandrian covens. Eclectic and solitary practitioners often choose stag, bone, wood, or stone instead.

What is the difference between an athame and a boline?
An athame directs energy and is never used to cut. A boline is a white-handled working knife for cutting herbs and cords and carving candles.

Can I use a selenite athame?
Yes. Selenite athames are a popular non-metal choice for circle casting and cleansing. Selenite is soft, about 2 on the Mohs scale, so keep it dry and away from harder tools.