does anyone know where to get an athame?

[Jade wiccan93 justcrazybbe]

[glow=red,2,300][/glow] HI I NEED TO GET AN ATHAME, WHICH IS A WHITE HANDLED DAGGER USED 4 RITUALS. CAN ANYONE HELP ME?

[*Gypsy*]

Hi Wiccan93,
What is an Athame?

The Athame (pronounced ath-a-may or ath-a-me) is a traditionally black handled dual edged knife used in rituals. It should be dull for it is not actually used for cutting anything (though you may, like me use it to inscribe things, so I keep a slight point on mine). It may take you a while (as with acquiring most tools) to find the right athame for you. The athame is used to invoke and banish things that are unwanted or needed in the circle. It is considered to be an extension of your power hand. It is a ritual object, for only ritual use - never cut anything like food or herbs (or yourself!) with the blade.

Athame's come in many forms, mine is a silver one with a sleeve I keep it in on my Alter, it has carvings on the handle.
Just ask your Mom and see if she will help you find the right one for you.
Tell her to look on Ebay and she if she can get you a nice one for cheap.
I love Ebay for stuff like this.
I have seen ones with pearl handles, just look around occult shops carry them too.
just get what is right for you, don't worry if some book said get only this kind...that is not true.
as you grow in your knowlage you will want more than just one.....I have 8 and I use for special things.
you will keep it on you alter

A Witches Athame adds to all witchcraft rituals. As a magickal tool, it may not be used as weapon or it will lose its potency.
Blessed Be Gypsy

[estatigua (Tiggy)]

Just have one more thing to add to Gypsy's complete discription of Athame & that is if you have a metal or wooden handle you might like to etch your Craft name onto the blade or carve it into the wooden handle, makes it even more personal.
BB Estatigua x

[Fallen]

Also, until you get one of your own you can use a regular house knife. The only thing I would recomend is that you purify it before you use it (as you would do with all your Magickal tools). When I was a novice, before I aquired my own tools I used what was handy to me. Really there is nothing wrong with this, it's just when you finally get your own athame it has a special meaning for you, it's your own and you have it specifically for magick use so it enhances it's power. But for anyone without the money to go out and purchase their tools right away, use what you have available to you. By blessing or purifying your tools, even a regular kitchen knife becomes a tool of magick.

Anyway, just wanted to add that. Blessed Be.
~Fallen~

[deathcost aka karen]

I hear sum of ur fanstasy athame will do, since they r more artistic will do. It's up 2 the handle wat u want on them that matters since ur buildin fr. another persons idea & re-vampin on it so that it feels comfortable 2 u. Its wat is ur personality or character wants & feels comfortable w. In the wiccan faith u r 2 find ur own identity, b creative w urself that's where the real power comes fr. ur innerself. If u feel like u hav 2 sharpen it bcuz u feel it can give u ease then do so but u hav 2 keep in mind the wiccan rede. That's #1 on ur agenda. The whole point is wat ur comfortable w 2 do ur wiccan duties.

[Daydreamer]

One teacher of mine said that he personally associated the atheme, or knife with wisdom. You have to have intelligence to use tools and use them correctly. Therefore, he always kept his atheme sharp, the sharper the tool, the sharper the mind. It's up to you how you want to keep your tools, but always put thought into what you do. As for what to use, I like the idea of a kitchen knife, it's part of my daily life just like my beliefs. I am about to purchase a new atheme - a pair of scissors! they are made to be both scissors and a knife (sharpened on both sides). They fit my personality. Find something that fits your personality, something that feels right. Don't worry about the rest.

If your looking for a good place to buy an atheme, try a Ren. fair - that's where I'm getting mine.

[Stormsong]

I like flea markets and garage sales to find unusual things for my tools an alter, My athema is an antique the handle was well worn so I used a few coats of enamel paint from the hardware store..but as its been said its focus the real tool is You.. use whats available until the right things happens along.

Namaste'
Stormsong

[*Gypsy*]

Merry Meet Stormsong,
Your very right~
BB Gypsy

[chemalfait]

and even a tool of magic can be used in the kitchen;-)
Blessings
Henry

[dragonsteve]

Hi jade.

I believe that the athama as been covered pritty well,

But i find it strange that no one mentioned the white handled knife. In the craft Witchs are known to have two knifes.

The second not used as part of a ritual and as no magical us. But more has a work tool. For say, carving runes, for harvesting herbs and plants, As others have all ready said the athame should not be used for cutting. That is the job of the white handlad knife, with a single blade. Good luck finding,

[*Gypsy*]

you are so right Dragon,Thank you for posting this.

[ladyjay]

when all else fails make one. I did

[starr]

We have a store in So. California called Pyschic Eye that carries them, you may be able to purchase this online through them.