Boline – a witch’s utility knife
Druidic Boline With Leather Sheath
A boline (aka bolline/boleen) is a witch’s utility knife! Unlike the athame, which is not used to cut things on the physical plane, a boline is used to cut whatever may need cutting on the physical plane in preparation for (and during) a ritual or ceremony including cords, herbs, and ribbon. Additionally, the boline is used to carve candles or runes. Although it is up for debate as to whether a boline traditionally had a curved or a straight blade, the crescent shaped, sickle-like bolines are popular with modern witches. The handle of the boline is usually white, which makes it easy to tell apart from your athame if you decide you want a boline with a straight blade rather than a curved one. Those following the path of the Kitchen Witch may have no need of a boline, as the Kitchen Witch tradition encourages the use of your regular ceremonial tools for mundane purposes, negating the need for a separate ritual knife.
Regardless of your path, a boline makes an excellent addition to any witch’s altar!
Looking for a boline, athame or swords for your ritual practice? Our webstore offers dozens to choose from!
Athame: a witch’s ritual knife
Full Moon Goddess Athame
Check a witch’s cupboard, and usually you will find an athame (generally pronounced AH-tha-may) among his/her ritual tools or on his/her altar. Simply put, an athame is a ceremonial knife used by Wiccans and other witches for directing energy during a ceremony, ritual or spell. Athames also represent the masculine (god) energy, and is used to signify the Great Rite when combined with a female representation such as a chalice.
An athame is often used interchangeably with a wand. The option to select a wand or an athame for your purpose is generally a question of preference more than it is protocol. Both are used to project your energy for a particular intention, and to harness and direct the energies of other implements you are utilizing. As with most things in magick, let your intuition be your guide when making a determination as to which you prefer. Personally, I have both an athame and a wand. Sometimes I am compelled to use one, sometimes I am compelled to use the other. As long as I honor those feelings, it always works out for the best! Continue reading Athame: a witch’s ritual knife
Author Isaac Bonewits passes over to the Summerlands (1949 – 2010)
Issac Bonewits
Neopagan author Issac Bonewits passed away today (8/12/2010) after a short struggle with cancer. Born Phillip Emmons Isaac Bonewits on 10/1/1949 in Royal Oak Michigan, Issac Bonewits was a druid priest, writer, teacher, and psychic, as well as a self proclaimed ne’er-do-well and trouble-maker.
Continue reading Author Isaac Bonewits passes over to the Summerlands (1949 – 2010)
13 Preambles of Wicca by H.P. Thomas Moore
In addition to the “Wiccan Rede” there are also 13 articles that are followed. These preambles as they are called aid in attuning the self and becoming one with the earth and the spiritual world through study, self exploration and action. Each has lessons that are learned and not all are easy to complete. It is the drive to complete them and the knowledge that is rewarded as well as the spiritual alignment that makes them worth while. What follows is the list of the 13 Preambles, as well as a deeper understanding of each. Continue reading 13 Preambles of Wicca by H.P. Thomas Moore
The Charge of the Goddess by Doreen Valiente
There are several versions of the goddess charge, the most well known version being that of Doreen Valiente inspired by Gerald Gardner’s work version the 1950s. The Charge is an inspirational poem found in many Wiccan traditions, which is told in the first person from the perspective of the Great Mother. In it one finds promises from the divine, and instructions on how to conduct ones life. Continue reading The Charge of the Goddess by Doreen Valiente
The Spiritual Message of Failed Relationships
In my line of work, as a spiritual adviser, I find so many people complaining about their “string of failed relationships.” They complain about this as if it is something wrong, something that is wrong with them, or something that could be avoided if only they made better choices. This isn’t the case. You are SUPPOSED to have a string of failed relationships that lead to whomever you are ultimately supposed to be with. If they weren’t failed relationships, you would still be in them. Which would mean you would be unavailable for the relationship(s) you are meant to experience in the future.
Life isn’t about the destination, it is about the journey. You likely have heard this saying before, but this time I want you to contemplate it. Consider it, hold it, understand it. Really grasp what it means, all of the implications expressed in such a simple statement. Enjoy each relationship for what it is. Learn what you should, teach what you can, and have fun! And when it is over, be grateful for the time you had and the lessons exchanged in the process.
Please share a link to this post with others, I believe it contains a simple yet powerful message!
~Anyanka
Healing Spells for Beginners class
The 3rd Monday of every month (until further notice) I will be hosting a class entitled “Healing Spells for Beginners” in my office at 2pm. No longer available. If you wish to arrange a private class, please contact me directly. Continue reading Healing Spells for Beginners class
Messages from Isis – a meditation breakthrough
I have working on my meditations intensely for the last month, with increasing success. I believe I mentioned, in a previous post, that I have been seeing what I thought may be the goddess Isis during my meditations, but she had not yet spoken to me to confirm. That is, until Thursday, May6th, 2010. The experience of this meditation is what I will share with you today.
Continue reading Messages from Isis – a meditation breakthrough
Consciousness in a bottle? How a drink can increase your consciousness.
How on earth could a drink increase your consciousness? Let me start by telling you how I was introduced to it, and the body changes I experienced, then I would like to share how it has raised my awareness and consciousness.
Continue reading Consciousness in a bottle? How a drink can increase your consciousness.
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna ~ Burning Times lyrics
BURNING TIMES/CHANT
-Charles Murphy 1980
In the cool of the evening, they used to gather, ‘neath stars in
the meadow, circled near an old oak tree.
At the times appointed by the seasons of the Earth, and the phases
of the moon.
In the center of them stood a woman, equal with the others, and
respected for her worth.
One of the many we call the Witches, the teachers and the keepers
of the wisdom of the Earth
The people grew through the knowledge she gave them, herbs to heal
their bodies, spells to make their spirits whole.
Hear them chanting healing incantations, calling forth the Wise
Ones, celebrating in dance and song
Continue reading Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna ~ Burning Times lyrics
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