The Athame/Sword

The origins of the word athame have been lost to history. It may come from the term Arthana, which refers to a knife. Another theory is that athame comes from an Arabic word al-adhamme (bloodletter), a sacred knife in the Moorish tradition. In either case, there are magickal manuscripts dating to the 1200’s that imply the use of ritual knives in magick and special knives were certainly used in ancient offerings.

Modern Wiccans use the knife to represent the male aspect of the Divine and as a symbol of the will both good and ill. Some Wiccans do not use their knives for anything other than spellcraft and ritual, while others feel that the more they use the tool the more potent it becomes. There is also a strong belief that an athame used to physically harm another will never again be functional in magick.

The athame is used for commanding and manipulating power. This knife is usually double edged and dull as it does not actually cut anything on the physical plane. It is used for directing energy in a dimension where real knives are useless.

The athame stands for intellect, right thinking and calculation. The athame and wand are basically interchangeable; his is more a matter of style and preference than of actual reasoning.

Blessed Be
Fairy Star

The Science of Magic

This science is far older than astronomy, biology or even chemistry. It is a byproduct of the oldest science. What causes the sea to rise and fall, the birth and death of all living things, the seasons to turn?

Magic, to bring about needed change by the use of natural energies. Early humans discovered they were affected by electricity, magnetism and gravity long before those terms were used. People in early times sensed connections between them and the earth. They found forces residing within animals, stones and plants. They felt the energy within their own bodies.

Experimentation, inspiration and error evolved into a tool of personal power that had the potential to both harm and help. Magic was born. Magic’s power springs from the earth itself. It resides within the rocks, trees and winds, in water, our bodies and in flames. Directing these forces is the practice of magic.

Magic is an act of love, a method to bring order and light into your life. The basic unrelenting rule of all magic: Harm none. This includes yourself.

There are a lot of people who become involved in magic because they think it is a great weapon to use against their unfaithful friends and their nagging boss. If you wish to harm, hurt or even kill others magic is not for you. Also the other side of that coin, if you wish to force a man or a woman to fall in love with you magic is not for you.

Practicing harmful magic arouses the most dangerous and the darkest aspects of the inner being. By unlocking a forceful stream of negative energy from the inside, the misuser curses themselves. Sooner of later this one hex never fails to hit home. Think again if you’re planning to use magic in this way.

Before performing any ritual for a friend, make sure that you ask them if they want you to. Always abide by their wishes. Working positive magic for another person who does not wish you to is manipulative. Ask before mixing up those herbs.

The power to work in magic is within our bodies. It is not dangerous, evil or satanic, nor is it supernatural. Many rituals are ineffective because the magician wasn’t concentrating on the work. Or they simply needed something but did not want it. In either case, personal power was not transferred to the brew, so it was ineffective.

Concentrate on the work you are doing. If you are able to form a clear mental picture during preparations as well as during the rite itself you will project a positive effect. Magical visualization is the best way to concentrate on your goal.

Magic is not instantaneous. You can’s snap your fingers or wiggle your nose and expect everything in your live to all into place. You must back up your work with physical exertion.
Magic is truly an all-involving art. If you are willing to expend physic energy, you must also be prepared to exert physical energy. Your magical needs will be transformed into solid reality when you do.

Blessed Be
Fairy Star