Boline Meaning and magickal uses
Also called White-handled knife, Herb knife
The witch's working knife, used for cutting herbs, cords and carving candles.
- Intentions
- Creativity, Prosperity, Grounding
- Element
- Earth
- Planet
- The Moon
- On the altar
- Right side, beside the athame
- Made of
- Steel, often curved, with a white handle
How to use it
- Harvest herbs
Use the boline to cut herbs from your garden for spellwork. Thank the plant, take only what you need, and never cut more than a third of it at once.
- Carve your candles
Use the tip to scratch a word, rune or symbol into a candle before you dress and light it. It turns a plain candle into one made for your exact purpose.
- Cut cord and ribbon
Measure and cut cords for knot magick or ribbon for a charm bag. Keeping a knife just for this keeps your craft tidy and intentional.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Old grimoires describe a white-handled knife for cutting and engraving alongside the black-handled athame for ritual. Its traditional crescent shape recalls the sickle the druids were said to use to cut mistletoe, as Pliny the Elder described. Modern witches keep the two knives apart so the athame stays purely a ritual tool.
The witch's working knife, used for cutting herbs, cords and carving candles.
- Intentions: Creativity, Prosperity, Grounding
- Element: Earth
- Planet: The Moon
- On the altar: Right side, beside the athame
- Made of: Steel, often curved, with a white handle
Safety: It is a working blade, so keep it sharp, sheathed and away from children. Cut away from your body.
How to use it
- Harvest herbs. Use the boline to cut herbs from your garden for spellwork. Thank the plant, take only what you need, and never cut more than a third of it at once.
- Carve your candles. Use the tip to scratch a word, rune or symbol into a candle before you dress and light it. It turns a plain candle into one made for your exact purpose.
- Cut cord and ribbon. Measure and cut cords for knot magick or ribbon for a charm bag. Keeping a knife just for this keeps your craft tidy and intentional.
Works well with: Rosemary, Garden Sage, Waxing Crescent, White Candle
Folklore
Old grimoires describe a white-handled knife for cutting and engraving alongside the black-handled athame for ritual. Its traditional crescent shape recalls the sickle the druids were said to use to cut mistletoe, as Pliny the Elder described. Modern witches keep the two knives apart so the athame stays purely a ritual tool.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.