The Magic Knife

This knife will be used in almost all magical preparations, more so than your wand in the practice of this sort of magic I will be introducing you to.

What sort of knife you will need:

-Preferably a brand new and unused stainless steel knife with a wooden handle. Variations can be accepted as to the type of metal chosen, silver or other precious metal types are welcomed, however the stainless steel variety is more practical and resilient.

-It is highly important that the knife be new and unused, specifically chosen for the purpose of magic. It matters not it's appearance only that it be capable of the function. Should you feel akin to special design or uniqueness, this is perfectly acceptable.

-NO ONE ELSE may handle this knife. It is YOUR knife YOUR energy. Keep it secret, keep it safe, only show to those you trust. Store as directed.

-Do not confuse this knife with athame. An athame is for directing magical energy and symbolic actions. This knife will strictly be used for cutting herbs, threads, cloth, etc. as well as banishing, exorcising, enchanting and so on.

Proper athame.

-After purchasing or bargaining for you knife (do not haggle) wrap it in a white cotton or linen cloth and place it somewhere where it may lay undisturbed until the next full moon. A book on moon signs is greatly helpful for future practice.

-Next, you will need to find a space which is far away from civilization, at least to the point where you cannot hear traffic. Preferably near a form of running water, such as a stream, a hill and complete privacy.

-Clear an area of ground and gather wood for a fire. A method of lighting the fire will be necessary (be it matches or other means). If such a similar body of water, previously mentioned, is not available, bring with you a bowl of silver or pewter to filled with spring water. The more care you place in the performance in all actions in this ceremony and future ceremonies DOES make them more powerful so carry out the means by how ever you feel will bring more energy and positive outcome.

-Find a quiet spot to bury your knife to the hilt (do not stab the Earth as you may cause damage to the knife and the act itself is foreboding and so will be the invited energy). The handle should be pointed to the sky

-Kneel before it. Place your hands upon the ground on either side of the hilt. Face North and then proceed to say these words:

I conjure thee, O Knife of Steel, by the powers of the Earth. That thou shalt be of service to me in the magical art of herbalism.

-Count to thirty and then grip the handle with your strong hand (writing hand) and pull it from the earth. Now climb, with your knife, to the highest point in your vicinity (be it a mountain or hill or what you posses the strength and determination to accomplish). Hold your knife to the sky and facing East say these words:

I conjure thee, O Knife of Steel, by the powers of the Winds, that thou shalt be of service to me in the magical art of herbalism.

-Now for the fire you have prepared. Go back and set it aflame. Thrust the knife into the open flames while facing South (this is a CONTAINED FIRE, DO NOT SET THE GROUNDS AFLAME!) and say:

I conjure thee, O Knife of Steel, by the powers of the Flames, that thou shalt be of service to me in the magical art of herbalism.

-Now go to the stream (or bowl of water) and dip the blade while facing West and say:

I conjure thee, O Knife of Steel, by the powers of the Water, that thou shalt be of service to me in the magical art of herbalism.

Then wrap the knife in a clean white cotton linen or cloth and quench the fire with the water from the stream or bowl. Return home and keep the knife safely hidden until needed.

Our next lesson will be the carving of the wand.

Source:

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham