What it's All About:
In this episode, I’ll explore the symbolism and significance of the athame,. While seemingly a simple tool, the athame carries profound symbolic weight and plays a crucial role in ritualistic practices.
I’ll even try to unravel the layers of meaning associated with the athame. Join me as I uncover the rich symbolism of the athame and its importance in spiritual rituals, offering insights into its historical significance and modern-day applications. Whether you're a practitioner or simply intrigued by mystical symbolism, this episode invites you to deepen your understanding of the profound significance of the athame in spiritual practices.
Songs Featured:
Spirit Guide Background Music by Samuel F. Johanns from Pixabay
Dream Symbol Background Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay
Links Mentioned:
Polls:
Choose a New Logo Poll:
Choose an Old Music from the Goddess’ Vault Beltaine Episode:
Get in Touch Through Social Media:
Spirit Guide of the Week:
Mahes or Maahes
Dream Symbol: (There are four)
Black
Shapeshifting or Zoomorphism
Stallion
Lose
Transcript:
(03:50)
Welcome to another episode of the Music from the Goddess’ Vault Podcast. I am you host, Midnight Starr. You just heard a new song by Sharon Knight called Secrets, from her new album Undertow. The topic of today’s show is all about the Athame. Before we begin today's episode, I have some quick updates and announcements to share with you. Two surveys are awaiting your attention. Firstly, select a fresh logo for the show, with the victor determined by your vote. The logo you choose as the winner must maintain its position for three consecutive months to become the new representation of the podcast. You can cast your vote by accessing the link provided in the show notes or by scanning the QR code on the Substack blog and page. I need to tell you about a mistake I made regarding the logo poll. If you haven't been following my social media or blog, you might have missed it. I gave the wrong link to the poll. But don't worry, I've fixed it now. You can find the correct link in the show notes. Thanks for your patience! In the second poll, select which of my past episodes you'd like to listen to again. Once more, click the link and cast your vote.
Keep in mind, these polls are open for just one month, so make sure to vote right now.
To receive updates about upcoming episodes, you can subscribe to my newsletter at musicgoddessvault.substack.com. Select either a monthly plan for $7, an annual plan for $70, or sign up for free. Join our community and stay in touch! Do you have any ideas for future show topics? Reach out to me on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, Mastodon, Threads, bluesky, or visit my blog at goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home. I'm excited to hear your suggestions! Now for the topic: Athames. If you are a pagan, you already know what that is. But why do we need an Athame in our rituals and spells? I am going to discuss all I can about this ritual knife. Before we proceed, let's enjoy another song: Ritual by Trobar de Morte.
(12:50)
The history of the Athame, or ritual knife, is relatively modern. Its earliest known use traces back to the practices of the Hermetic Order of the Dawn, but it didn't receive significant attention until Gerald Gardner introduced it in his works, particularly High Magic's Aid and Witchcraft Today, However, Gardner's descriptions were somewhat vague, merely referring to it as a "witch's knife" without elaborating on its purpose. It wasn't until the late 1970s and early 1980s, notably with the publication of Starhawk's influential book The Spiral Dance, that the Athame was thoroughly explored and described. Starhawk characterized it as a traditional double-bladed knife with a black handle, providing clearer insight into its symbolism and significance within Wiccan practices. Today, the definition of an Athame has broadened, and any knife can serve this purpose. You can pick ones that feel right for you. Besides, practitioners have the flexibility to choose tools that resonate with them personally. In fact, some practitioners opt to use their fingers instead of a physical blade, emphasizing the symbolic connection over material objects. I'll go deeper into the Athame’s significance after Wiccan Dance by Magicfolk.
(18:51)
Time for another Spirit Guide of the Week. I’m back in Egypt to talk about the God Mahes.
He is the sun god of war. He is also called Lord of Massacre, Wielder of Knives, Scarlet Lord, Avenger of Wrongs, The Initiator, Helper of the Wise, Manifester of Will, and Lord of Slaughter. He also represents protection, the weather, knives, lotuses, triumphs over enemies, and is the god of sacred places. Mahes’ name is translated to mean “one who can see in front.” In most representations, he is shown with the head of a lion atop a man’s body, often seen carrying either a knife or a sword. At times, he was depicted as a lion consuming a captive. Depending on the interpretation, Mahes is either the son of Ra and Bastet or Sekhmet, or the son of Bast and Ptah. As the Avenger of Wrongs, Mahes ensures justice by punishing those who violate Ma’at's rules. He also protects innocent souls and judges the damned. I couldn’t find anything to honor Mahes on your altar. So you are on your own. That is it for now. Stay tuned for another spirit guide of the week.
(25:35)
That was Leslie Hudson with Carving Knife. The athame symbolizes the masculine aspect of divinity or the God within Wiccan belief systems. The athame's phallic shape, along with its association with the element of air, aligns it with assertive, active, and penetrating energies. This symbolism reflects its pivotal role in channeling and directing intention during Wiccan rituals. It is often used to cast circles, define sacred space, or direct energy towards specific intentions. The act of dipping the athame into a chalice filled with water symbolizes a union of masculine and feminine energies. It represents the harmonious balance between the God and the Goddess, or between active and passive forces. This ritual shows how the masculine and feminine energies work together, like how the God and Goddess balance each other out. It reminds us how important it is to have balance in magic. Overall, the athame serves as a potent symbol for Wiccans. It embodies the practitioner's ability to manipulate energy and align with the natural forces of the universe in their spiritual practice. For those who aren't Wiccan or Pagan but wish to become one, or for those who are new to the path, there are tons of resources available on the web.I do have a few in the show notes as well, if you want to start your research there first. But, just a reminder, that you don’t necessarily need an Athame for your ritual. You can use an ordinary kitchen knife, or even your fingers. The most important thing about doing a ritual or spell is the intention you’re putting out there.Now, let's switch gears and enjoy Chalice to Blade by Crow Women.
(31:10)
Here's another dream symbol to interpret. Today there are four: Black, Shapeshifting or Zoomorphism, Stallion, and Lose In dreams, the presence of black signifies the realm of the unfamiliar, the subconscious, hazard, mystery, shadows, the end of life, grieving, refusal, hostility, or spite. If your dream had something black, but it had a sense of joy, it might suggest underlying spirituality and divine attributes. Dreaming in black and white indicates the necessity for greater objectivity in shaping your decisions. Dreaming of shapeshifting into an animal implies a diminishing of societal norms, constraints, and an emergence of primal freedom and instinct. Seeing a stallion in your dream signifies qualities such as strength, vigor, masculinity, bravery, and autonomy. Dreaming of riding a stallion suggests that you have gained or will gain both strength and courage. And to dream of losing something may imply that you have accidentally misplaced an item or overlooked its absence. Alternatively, it could symbolize missed chances, past relationships, or neglecting a part of your identity. If you want a dream symbol to interpret and maybe have a dream symbol featured, I will mention the contact information at the end of this show. So keep dreaming.
(36:12)
This is another one from worldoftales.com. It’s a Danish folktale called It is Quite True!
(40:59)
Before the folktale you heard Black Hole by Harold Sanford Featuring Cloud the Pagan Rapper. That is it for this show. Again, I am your host, Midnight Starr. Before I finish up this episode, let me quickly remind you of a few things you need to do. Right now, there are two polls happening. Please make sure to go and vote in both of them. First, I'm searching for a new logo and would appreciate your input in picking the top one. You can find the options either in the show notes or by scanning the QR code on my blog and Substack page. Along with that, you then have the option to select a past episode of this podcast you’d like to listen to again. To join, use the link in the show notes or scan the QR cod on my blog and substack page. This poll will still continue after the logo poll ends. You have a full month to make your choices, so feel free to take action without delay! Do you have any suggestions for show topics, questions about spirit guides, or particular dream symbols you'd like me to cover? Don't hesitate to contact me via my website at goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home or connect with me on various social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram, Mastodon, Thread, and Bluesky. I’ll be happy to hear your suggestions! Stay ahead of the game and be among the first to receive the latest episodes by subscribing to my newsletter at musicgoddessvault.substack.com! Before I close out today's episode, let's take in the entrancing tune of Good Beltaine Fire by Alexander James Adams. Blessed be.