Athame
An athame ( that or that , very rarely that ) is a ceremonial knife or a dagger used for magical purposes . As such, it traditionally has two cutting edges and mostly a black or dark handle.
Dissemination and use
In Europe athamen are often used as a ritual object by modern witches who refer to medieval , Germanic or Celtic customs.
The athame, also known as the witches ' ceremonial knife , is associated with magic , the occult and esoteric . The ritual dagger is an important object of the Wicca cult. Contrary to what is often assumed, the athame is not used on a practical level for cutting or even as a weapon , but has a strong symbolic function. It is supposed to bundle and direct magical forces, cut and merge energies or serve to call upon or summon higher beings. The black shaft prescribed by many traditions is based on the theory of absorption , according to which part of the directed energy is swallowed via the blade .
Dedication rituals, ceremonial signs and inscriptions on the athame are said to strengthen its magical powers and those of its wearer. It is also used to draw circles of ban. Depending on the tradition of the practicing witch, the athame stands for the element air or fire. Some athamas are worn on a collar like an amulet.
The Wicca cult also knows another knife, usually distinguished from the athame by a white handle , which is used for practical purposes, for carving magic wands and collecting herbs and is called bolline.
Legal situation in Germany
Knives with a fixed blade over 12 cm or with a blade of any length sharpened on both sides fall under the Weapons Act in Germany . According to Section 42a, Paragraph 1, No. 3 of the Weapons Act, they may only be used if there is a legitimate interest. Performing at public events (Christmas markets, rifle festivals, etc.) is prohibited in accordance with Section 42 (1) of the Weapons Act and constitutes a criminal offense in accordance with Section 52 (3) no.
literature
- Cunningham, Scott (2001): Wicca. An introduction to white magic. 1st edition Munich: Ullstein-Taschenbuchverl.
- Witches of the old way. Practical Magic and the Mysteries of Transcendence and Power (2002). [Munich]: Ansata.