Atháme

A ceremonial knife or dagger. The term is most used by Wiccans, but is generally understood by most occult practitioners. Pronunciations vary from “ATH-uh-me” to “ah-THA-me” to “ah-THAM”, to other variations, but the first two are most common.

Ceremonial magicians are also prone to using such implements, but don’t usually use the word “atháme” to describe them. Regardless, both groups use them for much the same purpose: to focus and direct magickal energy.

The canonical Wiccan atháme is supposed to be double-edged and have a black handle, but many modern practitioners use knives of other types, from single-edged or with other-colored handles, to carven knives made of wood or other materials, to kitchen knives or Swiss Army knives. Some people refrain from using their athámes in any type of daily task, reserving them solely for ritual use, while others use them casually for mundane needs as well. Regardless, it’s a bad idea to touch anyone’s atháme (or any other of their ritual items) without first getting their permission.