MOONCHILD'S BOOK OF SHADOWS

Tools


The Athame		Broom or Besom
An athame is a blunt double edged blade used to cast the magick circle, call the elements, and is part of many an opening ritual, handfasting (wedding) or initiation rite. It can be associated with the element of Fire and the South or of Air and the East depending on the ritual.		The traditional besom is made of ash, birch and willow because of the attributes of those woods, but it can be made of just about any wood available.It is used for protection and in ritual for physically and magickally cleaning an area that will be used for sacred space.
		To cleanse your ritual area, start in the centre and moving deosil sweep the circle from the centre to the outer edges, all the while envisioning and chanting that negativity is being swept out and the circle is being purified.



The athamé is never used for cutting instead a Boline is used for cutting cords, herbs and carving candles. It consists of a small, straight or cresent-shaped blade and a handle, which is traditionally white in colour.

Back		Next

The Athame