Alexandrian Book of Shadows
Consecrating a Sword or Athame

Lay sword (or athame) on pentacle, preferably by, and touching, another, consecrated weapon. The man asperges them with consecrated salt and water, whereupon the woman picks up the weapon to be consecrated and passes it through the imcense smoke and replaces it on the pentacle. Both lay their right hands upon the weapon and press down, saying:

I conjure thee, O Sword (Athame), by these Names, Abrahach, Abrach, Abracadabra, that thou servest me for a strength and defence in all magical operations against all mine enemies, visible and invisible. I conjure thee anew by the Holy Name Aradia and by the Holy Name Cernunnos; I conjure thee, O Sword (Athame), that thou servest me for a protection in all adversities; so aid me now!

Again the man asperges and the woman censes, and the weapon is returned to the pentacle, saying:

"I conjure thee, O Sword (Athame) of Steel, by the Great Gods and Gentle Goddesses, by the virtue of the heavens, of the stars and of the spirits who preside over them, that thou mayest receive such virtue that I may obtain the end I desire in all things wherein I shall use thee, by the power of Aradia and Cernunnos.

The Partner gives the Fivefold kiss unto the owner of the weapon. If the owner is not present, or if the weapon is jointly owned by them both, the man will give the Fivefold kiss to the woman. For the final kiss upon the mouth, the weapon is suspended between their breasts, held there by the pressure of their embrace. As they seperate, the owner of the weapon immediately uses it to recast the Circle, but without words.

Notes: If possible, lay sword with an already consecrated sword or athame. It should, if possible, be consecrated by both a man and a woman, both of whom are initiated, and both naked as drawn swords. During consecration, press down on sword hard with consecrated sword or athame. If possible partake of Cakes and Wine first, then Magus should sprinkle with water, Witch should cense in First Conjuration, then sprinkle and cense and conjure again with Second Conjuration. If true sword and athame are available, a sword and athame can be consecrated at the same time in which case Magus should press with sword on sword, and Witch with athame on athame, and new sword and athame should touch. In any case, when finished the weapon should be handed to new owner with Fivefold Salute, and should be pressed against the body for a time to get the aura; and it should be in as close connection as possible to the naked body for at least a month, i.e. kept under pillow, etc. Do not allow anyone to touch or handle any of your tools until thoroughly impregnated with your aura; say six months or as near as possible. But a pair working together may own the same tools, which will be impregnated with the aura of both.

NOTES:

• published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's The Witches Way
• They say it comes from GBG's BOS (Text B/C version)
• They say that he derived it from The Greater Key of Solomon, but had dropped the Hebrew and other magical names by text B (they were in text A).
• See Key of Solomon Book 2, Chapt. VIII. 1st conjuration follows the text closely, but 2nd and instructions differ.
• The Farrars say that GBG's text A version can be found in The Key of Solomon and High Magic's Aid

Consecrating Other Working Tools
(except a sword or athame

Place tool on pentacle, and lay right hand(s) on it, saying:

Aradia and Cernunnos, deign to bless and to consecrate this White-Hilted knife (or whatever) that it may obtain the necessary virtue through you for all acts of love and beauty.

Magus sprinkles, Witch censes. Then say:

Aradia and Cernunnos, bless this instrument prepared in your honour. (if Scourge or Cords, add ... that it may serve for a good cause and end and for your glory.)

Again Magus sprinkles and Witch censes. (Hand tool to new owner as you would a sword or athame, with a Fivefold Salute.)

All these weapons should be presented to the new owner with Salute. If a Witch Queen, the downward pointing triangle as in the first Degree Initiation. (I rephrased the previous sentence, as the Farrar's version is untypeable. --Sekhet) End ceremony with Fivefold Salute. The new owner should immediately use the new instruments, i.e. form Circle with Sword, then Athame, incise something with White-Handled knife, exhibit Pentacle to Four Quarters, cense to Four Quarters, use Cords and Scourge; and should continue to use all of them in a Circle as often as possible, for some time.

To mark out a new Circle, stick sword or athame in ground, make a loop in cord, and slip over; then, using cord, mark out a circle, and later mark it with point of sword or athame. Always renew the Circle with sword or athame when about to use, but have it marked so that you always retrace it in same place. Remember the Circle is a protection, a guard against evil influences, and to prevent power created from dispersing; but the Witch, not being evil, may enter and leave freely. But in Art Magic, it is a barrier against forces raised, and when once in the Magus may not leave without great danger. If any great danger is manifested it would be advisable to take refuge in the Circle; but ordinarily sword or athame in hand is perfect protection against anything. Those who make these tools must be purified, clean and properly prepared. When not in use, all tools and weapons should be put away in a secret place; and it is good that this should be near your sleeping place, and that you handle them each night before retiring.

NOTES:

• published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's The Witches' Way
• They say it comes from GBG's BOS (Text B/C)
• They say GBG's original (text A) may be found in The Key of Solomon and in High Magic's Aid.