I've read a lot of books and been on a lot of sites and I can't find
an explanation for why the handles have to be black any help on this would be greatly appreciated
2007-01-10 18:20:28 · 8 answers · asked by becki h 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I always thought it was black to tell the difference between it and a boline.
(a boline is what you use for chopping and collecting herbs and should have a white handle)
An athame should only be used for energy magic, but Mine is actually a dark copper with brown-red leather wrappings on the handle. My boline is carved out of an antler.
My husband says: Literally translated, athame means black handled double bladed knife. Also, black is for defense, and white is for creation. He has been studying for 15+ years on this...
2007-01-10 18:37:46 · answer #1 · answered by TiGeR 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't really HAVE to be black.
I was taught there were a few reasons for the black handle. The two that made the most sense to me were
1) Many traditions use a matching athame with a white handle for a boline instead of the classic crescent Moon blade. The black handle helps distinguish between the two, even if they're both sheathed.
2) Black is a neutral color that won't "tinge" the intent of what you're doing. It also absorbs and holds energy.
2007-01-11 02:28:04 · answer #2 · answered by Khalin Ironcrow 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a Solitary Hedgewitch and my Athame hasn't got a black handle. In witchcraft there are NO rules to say what is right and what is wrong. Do what is right for you.
Blessed Be!
Marcus X
2007-01-11 02:30:30 · answer #3 · answered by The Alchemist 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
all these rules are stupid. Intent is the only thing that matters, you could use a bread knife from the kitchen if you wanted. Why do people keep making rules and try to turn wicca into some sort of mainstream religion where you have to do what you are told. The whole point of paganism is freedom " do what thou whilt" and nature, do what feels right for you and use any bloody coloured handle. Don't give in to the controllers
2007-01-11 05:27:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tradition. I'm a solitary hedgewitch and use a knife that means something to me, my husbands bayonet. I don't believe anything 'has' to be the way other people say it should be. It should be whatever you think it should be
2007-01-11 06:22:00 · answer #5 · answered by pixiefeet@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen plenty of athemes with ivory, brass, and one even gold. It depends on the taste of the user and the intent of the ritual.
2007-01-11 02:28:42 · answer #6 · answered by Scott M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They don't have to be, the black color is symbolic of truth and of dispelling negative forces.It's merely traditional.
2007-01-11 02:26:02 · answer #7 · answered by Prophet ENSLAVEMENTALITY (pbuh) 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
can't help sorry
2007-01-11 03:40:14 · answer #8 · answered by busman320 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋