The athame

Another of the most basic tools used in the rituals is Athame. Somehow it gets to be often ignored, even if it's more than useful. I will let you decide on your own if you need it or not. After all the choice is yours.

What is Athame and how it looks like?

The athame is the sacred dagger, used in rituals and for protection. Usually, its end is dull, however, you can use any kind of knife here. Traditionally it's totally black, but again - anything that feels correct for you would do. My personal have the colour of ancient bronze with silver. It can be decorated in any way you want, or be simple.

Why would I need it and how to use it?

They can be used for several reasons, most importantly for protection. You can use it to cast the fiery circle, you can protect yourself from spirits, especially if they are enchanted. Spirits naturally are aware knives might hurt them, even if they are dull. Every sacred item has its form in the astral too, and they don't have to be dull there. So they wouldn't try to attack or do anything once you hold the dagger. They can be used to work with elements of fire because the daggers and athame are connected to it too. You can use them in protection rituals, and the ritual of rising your own power. They symbolise your own power and strength. So they will do nicely with this kind of ritual too.

Personally, I choose Athame over the wand. You can also use it for spell casting instead of a wand, and it seems to be more respected by spirits. My own athame is bronze, I had enchanted it several times either with fire and sun energy or by painting Enochian sigils at the blade itself to exorcism the beings. I used it in spells and rituals and for my own self-protection, especially from negative spirits. So as I mentioned before - the choice is yours.

Below you will find the most important correspondences

Correspondences

Element: Fire

Day time: Noon

Planet: Mars

Symbolism: Strength, Power, Protection

Uses: Protection, Exorcism, Removing negative energy, Rituals, Spells casting, self-protection, working with elements of fire, astral battles and sparrings. Can be also used as an offering for war-related spirits.