The Athame

The athame (pronounced ah-that-may) is normally a dark or black handled, double-sided knife or dagger. The athame is normally dull, for it is not used to cut. The athame is used to direct energy and is often employed when casting circle. Symbols and words are sometimes engraved on the handle, but it is not necessary.
The athame is the tool of the East and is associated with the element of Air. In some traditions it is the tool of Fire.
The athame is phallic in nature and is therefore a masculine tool and linked to the God.