Swords in magick

Does anybody know anything about using swords instead of athames?
I've heard we can do it i just wanted to know if its true or not.
If true, can i make my own? If not, thanks anyway :)

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http://www.spellsofmagic.com/read_post.html?post=280125

Thank you for the link, i didn't see that post.

Athame is a Wiccan term. The rest of us just call it a ritual dagger, "blade" or knife. I see swords as nothing more than a supersized version. Anything elongated, especially with a point, is used to direct energy. And I really do mean anything. The symbolism is the same as an arrow really.

I personally do not use them in magick, but I know that plenty of ceremonial magicians do.

Seeing that most people do not know how to blacksmith, I don't think you can make one yourself. The dull wooden or metal athame is, in my opinion, ridiculous. Just use a wand or staff if you don't want a sharp object.

Swords as ritual tools are generally used in a threatening way. Swords, unlike knives, have only one purpose -- to fight with. Knives on the other hand are far more versatile as a tool. But swords have a symbolic side to them that knives/daggers do not, and that's the same symbolism you find in tarot.

WhiteRav3n I'd disagree that the sword is just a weapon. I've used a heavy sword to chop down trees and to cut through brush, like a machete. A sword is for more than attacking, it is also used for defense. I'd say that, while unwieldy due to size, a sword would or could be appropriate for a defensive spell or a warrior's oath, and others. But I do agree that it can be too aggressive for other types of spells, especially if it has been used to shed blood.

In general, the athame is the tool of the individual while the sword is the tool of a coven. Both represent the Element of Air as seen in the Tarot. It is the tool of the intellect and clarity of purpose. And both are used to direct energy flow during a ritual.