The Bolline

The bolline, or bolleen, is the white-handled knife. It was made white-handled to distinguish it from the athame during the burning times, when all the Tools had to look like ordinary household objects and so could not be kept separate or be permanently inscribed. I still paint the symbols on my athame & bolline with inks, newly each time, just as they used to in those times.

Sometimes sickle shaped, it is often called the herb knife, because it is used for cutting ritual herbs in the circle. It is the practical knife, also used for inscribing magickal symbols on candles, carving and all other jobs within circle which should not be performed by the athame.

Some Pagans traditions dictate that the white handled knife be used only within the magic circle. This would, of course, limit its usefulness. It seems to me that using it solely for ritual purposes (such as harvesting flowers from the garden to place on the altar during ritual) confirms the tool's sacralness and so allows its use out of "sacred space."

Bolline Blessing

You are welcome to use my blessing, and adapt it to your own style. Just please don't take it and publish it elsewhere without saying that I wrote it, okay?

Cast circle about yourself and call the four watchtowers. Sit in front of your altar with the bolline at the center of your working space. Calm and center yourself, reach out your mind to the Lord and Lady. When you are ready, focus on your bolline and say:

"I bless this bolline with the salt of the Earth that it be purified and cleansed for use in the sacred circle."
Sprinkle salt over the bolline.

"I bless this bolline with the symbol of Air that it be purified and cleansed for use in the sacred circle."
Cense the bolline.

"I bless this bolline with the solar Fire that it be purified and cleansed for use in the sacred circle."
Pass the blade through a candle flame.

"I bless this bolline with the waters of the Mother that it be purified and cleansed for use in the sacred circle."
Sprinkle water on the bolline.

Now, to the Goddess and God, say:
"I consecrate this bolline in the names of the Goddess and the God, that it may be a blessed and sacred tool in Their service.
In love and in trust,
In peace and in wisdom,
I bless this tool of my faith,
So mote it be."