Athames and Witchcraft

Disclaimer

This is NOT a page about Wiccans or neo-pagans, and I do not advocate the belief that Wiccans are Satan-worshippers and/or baby-killers. I am well aware that they are not. This is a starting point for historical research into the great witch craze of 1100-1700 AD. And please, don't ask me for spells.

Athames

An athame is a witch's personal magical knife. It is traditionally double-bladed with a black hilt, and fashioned of iron or steel. The blade may be magnetic, and magical symbols are enscribed on the hilt. An athame was presented to a new witch on the evening of her initiation. This magical knife was used to draw magic circles, mix sacred salt and water at the Sabbat, and to control summoned spirits.

A woodcut in the 1555 edition of History of the Northern Peoples depicts a witch controlling a mob of energetic demons. In one hand, she holds a sheaf of magical herbs aloft. In the other hand, she wields her gleaming athame (Masello 158).

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Athames and Witchcraft is copyright 1997-1998 to Shantell Powell.