THE GODDESS AND MAGICK
The Athame
The Athame is a magickal knife used to direct energy raised during rites and spellwork. It is usually a double-edged knife with a black or dark colored handle and is not generally used for mundane cutting. Athames are sometimes engraved with magickal symbols, but this is up to the individual. The knife absorbs power from you and the area around you. A sword is sometimes used as an Athame, as it has all the qualities of a knife. Because of their size, however, swords tend to be cumbersome to use indoors. Stories about magickal swords abound in literature and folklore.
For many witches the Athame is linked with the Element of fire and the direction of South. Its straight phallic shape links it with the male energy and the God.