The practice of candle magic used in most rituals and is relatively straightforward to learn. Choose a candle, light the wick, focus on intent, and see the result as if it has already happened.
The candle may be one of the oldest objects used in magic. In ancient times, after sunset, the candle flame lit a path in the darkness of night. It also symbolized a means of avoiding any possible negativity or evil that lurked in that darkness. To this day, those who practice candle magic (rituals) still believe fire holds spiritual qualities that help us maneuver between life's physical and spiritual aspects.
You can't perform a magic ritual without using all four elements any more than the human body can function without the four humors. Fire is one of the four elements used in ritual, with the other three being air, water, and earth. There is also a fourth element used in rituals, which is spirit. Symbolically speaking, a candle represents all five elements. The flame, of course, represents fire. The wick symbolizes the earth. The wax symbolizes water due to its ability to melt and flow. And your intention for the use of the candle represents spirit. Intention infuses energy and purpose into the candle itself. Over the years, candles have developed further symbolisms based on their color and alterations. For example, two taper candles represent two people. A pink candle represents romance and affection. A black candle helps one forgive and let go.
Since fire symbolizes light, which is only naturally available through the sun or moon's light, the flames from bonfires, torches, and candles are considered powerful tools against darkness and negativity. Ancient pagans believed they could channel the energies of light with intention through fire (candlelight). With intention thrown into the mix, one could honor the gods, communicate with someone who had crossed over, or send a message into the universe. By combining the fire element with the moon's cycles, a particular day of the week, direction (North, South, East, or West), herb, or oil, one's intentions could be specified and magnified.
Candles have existed since approximately 500 BC when the Romans began making dipped candles made from tallow (animal fat). Beeswax was too high in price to be a commodity. However, there is evidence that candles were made in China using whale fat during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). Candles were also popular in ancient Japan, Egypt, and India. In the Middle Ages, beeswax became a more common ingredient for making candles. Many Europeans preferred beeswax as it naturally purified the air and burned clean without smoking up the house.
Even though candles were known to be used by the ancients in pagan rituals, it wasn't until the 1100s that some religions, such as Christians and Buddhists, began lighting candles on ceremonial alters. In Catholicism, the candle became the symbol of Christ. Before the Second Vatican Council, altar candles were made of beeswax and given a spiritual meaning. The wax symbolized Christ's flesh. The wick is his soul, and the flame his divinity. Candles were lit at Buddhist altars to show signs of respect for Buddha and one's ancestors.
Choosing Candles & Colors
It is best to use brand-new candles, or the "magic" won't work. The size of a candle does not matter in candle magic. However, it is preferred that candles are small enough to burn down within three days. Why three days? Typically, you'll want spells (prayers) to work quickly, so a six-inch taper or votive candle works best in candle magic. Some folks like to use menorah candles (as shown above). Menorah candles are smaller (three to four inches tall) and are typically unscented and used in the menorah, the Jewish candelabrum used during Hanukkah, the Jewish alternative to Christmas. If you like, a small figure candle might be used to represent a person.
Additionally, words or names might be carved into a candle to magnify your intent. And, while size does not matter, color does. It can be helpful to have candles in various colors available for spell (prayer) work, as outlined under Simple Meditations.
Dressing a Candle
After selecting a candle, you can choose to "dress" it. To dress a candle means to anoint (infuse) a candle with oil to bond your energy to it, which further helps to magnify your intentions, much like the tarot reader who encourages a seeker to shuffle the cards and cut the deck to bond the seeker's energy with the cards. Once coated in oil, you can consecrate your candle by rolling your candle in dried herbs to match your intentions. The metaphysical properties of foods and herbs are revealed here.
Some believe the oil and the herbs should be applied in a mini ritual, while others say it is enough to drizzle the oil over the candle and sprinkle herbs over it. For example, in the movie, The Skelton Key, a nurses aid, Caroline, visits a Hoodoo shop and is provided with a candle, oils, and herbs (and a few other ritual objects) to help Ben, the aged man she is caring for "open his mouth" and speak. Ben was cursed into silence by a conjurer. Once back at Ben's side, Caroline stands the candle figure in a water basin, pours oil over the candle, and then empties herb packets into the bowl before commencing her spell. Is all of this necessary to cast a "spell" (intention) or to break one? No, not for simple spells, but it's helpful for more binding ones.
If you're unsure how to dress a candle, some candles available in metaphysical shops are already dressed, which come in various colors and are already infused with intention. These candles are usually labeled with their unique powers (intentions) and are ready to go. You only need to light the candle while focusing on the intended outcome.
Parchment Prayers to Match Intention
Once your candle is dressed, you might use parchment paper (not the kind found in bakeries) to magnify your intent and purpose further. There is much power in the written word, so counselors and therapists often suggest journaling. You can write down a few words on a piece of colored paper (matching the candle color). Then, fold the paper in a triangular shape (three corners) to hold the intention within. Wrap the triangle with a string three times, knotting it each time, and then drip melted wax over the three knots to carry your intention inside.
Directional Placements
There's no specific location or direction you need to face to apply candle magic, unless you're performing a ritual that demands it.
The Meanings of a Candle's Actions
Candles can do strange things at times. They can burn quickly or refuse to burn at all. Flames dance, lengthen, crackle, and sputter; sometimes, they blow out themselves for no apparent reason. There could be a draft in the room or, perhaps, an unseen energetic presence.
- A candle that won't burn may need to be smudged (to clear it of negative energy), or choose another candle. Not everything is a sign. Some candles just aren't made very well.
- A tiny, weak flame may mean the intention or prayer isn't focused enough.
- The blackening of the candle near the flame might mean a delay or an obstacle.
How to Snuff a Candle Properly
A candle flame specifically used in magic should never be extinguished with breath like birthday candles are. To do so would suffice to blow away your intention (your wish). Instead, if your candle needs to be put out before it burns down on its own, put the flame out with your fingers or a candle snuffer. A candle snuff is a piece of equipment that looks like a small wand with a bell at the end. The part that looks like a bell is placed over the flame and brought down over the candle's edge to extinguish the flame. Candle snuffers also help to prevent the spray of wax and potential burns. Some snuffers are ornate and beautiful and can also be found at metaphysical shops.
In mentioning, candle wax is easily removed from cloth or carpets with a clothes iron. After the bulk of the wax is chipped away by hand, place a piece of paper over the remaining stuck wax. One layer of a paper grocery sack works well. Turn the iron on a low, dry setting warm enough to melt the wax. Iron the piece of paper back and forth slowly while holding the paper in place. The wax will stick to the bottom of the paper. More than one piece of paper may be necessary to thoroughly remove larger spills. To remove the color stain is another matter. I suggest follow manufacturer's suggestions or using a stain removal spray that's color-safe.
A Candle Magic Ritual for Beginners
Other than candles, objects and tools are not necessary for candle magic. And it's perfectly acceptable to hold a ritual without making a sound with nothing but a candle and matches. Thoughts and intentions are enough to bring to the table or alter.
Base any ritual tools on the intention of your spell (prayer) and the purpose of the ritual. For example, to invite more love and tenderness into your home, you could use a candle, altar cloth, and flowers in different shades of pink. To represent the elements, choose rose flower essence in lunar (Moon) water, a feather to represent Air, a chalice to represent water, and a rose quartz crystal to represent the earth. To further represent fire, use a piece of gold jewelry (a ring would be perfect) or ylang ylang incense.
After dressing (optional) and lighting your candle, you might recite an incantation (a prayer), your intention said aloud. It is also acceptable to quietly meditate on your desired outcome. After focusing and speaking your intent aloud, the parchment paper is lit on fire and held for as long as possible. At the same time, you continue to visualize the end purpose of your ritual. Afterward, be sure to place it in a cauldron or fireproof container. Continue to visualize as long as you like or until the candle burns out. What's left of a candle can be thrown in the trash. However, most people agree it is best to bury the remains outdoors in the furthest corner of your yard.
Ritual endings are very personal. However, after the ritual, most offer a prayer of thanks, which is a good idea. A happy heart is open, and gratefulness goes a long way in manifesting hopes and dreams. It is also a cure for many ailments. Since a ritual is a prayer in action, you'll want to say your "amens", at least. Many people wash their hands or bathe after candle magic to ground themselves after their spiritual experience.
Never leave your candles unattended. You can let them burn down, and you should, but make sure you are in attendance. I use votive candles because, as mentioned previously, they burn down in a reasonable amount of time and come in many colors and fragrances. Discard any salts used during the ritual down the drain within 24 hours. Flowers can be left out to behold as a symbol of beauty for as long as fresh.
There is one rule to keep in mind at all times, which is not to harm. You should never use candle magic (or any other type of magic or prayer) to harm another. Harmful intentions tend to return three-fold to the sender, so beware.
In conclusion, as satisfying as candle magic may be, it is essential to understand your motives and desires before using it. Woe to you if you ask for something you haven't wholly thought out or are not ready to accept. For example, wishing for the man or woman of your dreams before a divorce is final could wreak havoc in a relationship before it ever truly begins.
Add comment
Comments