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 way to avoid potential negativity or evil lurking in that darkness. To this day, those who practice candle magic (rituals) still believe that fire holds spiritual qualities that help us navigate life's physical and spiritual aspects.
Candle magic is 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. Here's how.
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, along with the other three: Air, water, and earth. Rituals also use a fourth element: spirit. Symbolically speaking, a candle represents all five elements. The flame, of course, means fire. The wick symbolizes the earth. The wax symbolizes water because it melts and flows like it. And your intention for using the candle represents your spirit. Intention infuses the candle with energy and purpose. Over the years, candles have taken on additional symbolic meanings based on their color and variations. 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 naturally available only from the sun or the moon, 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 through fire (candlelight) with intention. 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 could specify and magnify one's intentions.
Candles have existed since approximately 500 BC, when the Romans began making dipped candles made from tallow (animal fat). Beeswax was too expensive to be considered a commodity. However, evidence suggests that China made candles from 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 candle-making ingredient. Many Europeans preferred beeswax as it naturally purified the Air and burned cleanly without smoking up the house.
Although the ancients used candles in pagan rituals, it wasn't until the 1100s that some religions, such as Christianity and Buddhism, began lighting candles on ceremonial altars. In Catholicism, the candle has become a symbol of Christ. Before the Second Vatican Council, altar candles were typically made of beeswax and were given spiritual significance. The wax symbolized Christ's flesh. The wick is his soul, and the flame his divinity. Candles were lit at Buddhist altars to show respect for the Buddha and one's ancestors.
Choosing Candles & Colors
Use brand-new candles, or the "magic" won't work. Candle size doesn't matter in candle magic. However, it's best to use candles 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 is best suited for candle magic. Some folks like to use menorah candles (as shown above). Menorah candles are smaller (three to four inches tall) and typically unscented, used in the menorah, the Jewish candelabrum used during Hanukkah, a Jewish alternative to Christmas. Alternatively, a small candle figure can represent a person.
Additionally, you might carve words or names into a candle to magnify your intent. Size doesn't matter, but color does. It can be helpful to have candles in various colors available for spell (prayer) work, as outlined under Candle Meditations.
Dressing a Candle
After selecting a candle, you can choose to "dress" it. To dress a candle means to anoint (infuse) it with oil to bond your energy to it, which helps magnify your intentions, much like a 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, consecrate your candle by rolling it in dried herbs that match your intentions. Additionally, refer to The Metaphysical Properties of Foods & Herbs.
Some believe you should apply the oil and herbs in a mini ritual, while others say it's enough to drizzle the oil over the candle and sprinkle the herbs on top. For example, in the movie The Skeleton Key, a nurse's aide, 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. A conjurer cursed Ben into silence. Once back at Ben's side, Caroline sets the candle figure in a water basin, pours oil over it, and then empties the 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 in metaphysical shops are already dressed, come in various colors, and are infused with intention. These candles are typically labeled with their unique powers (intentions) and are ready for use. You only need to light the candle while focusing on the intended outcome.
Parchment Prayers to Match Intention
Once your candle is dressed, you can use parchment paper (not the kind found in bakeries) to further magnify your intent and purpose. The written word holds considerable power, so counselors and therapists often recommend journaling. Write a few words on a piece of colored paper (matching the candle color). Then fold the paper into a triangle (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
You don't need a specific location or direction to apply candle magic unless you're performing a ritual that demands it.
The Meanings of a Candle's Actions
Candles can sometimes do strange things. They can burn quickly or refuse to burn at all. Flames dance, lengthen, crackle, and sputter; sometimes, they blow out for no apparent reason. A draft in the room could be the cause, or perhaps an unseen energetic presence.
- A candle that won't burn may need to be smudged (to clear it of negative energy), or you may need to choose another candle. Not everything is a sign. Some candles are not made very well.
- A tiny, weak flame may mean the intention or prayer isn't focused enough.
- The candle's blackening near the flame might indicate a delay or an obstacle.
How to Snuff a Candle Properly
A candle flame used explicitly in magic should never be extinguished with breath, unlike birthday candles. Doing so could 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 snuffer is a small, wand-like device with a bell-shaped end. Place the bell-shaped end over the flame and lower it onto the candle's edge to extinguish it. Candle snuffers also help prevent wax spray and potential burns. Some snuffers are ornate and beautiful and can also be found at metaphysical shops.
In addition, you can easily remove candle wax from cloth or carpets with a clothes iron. After you chip away most of the wax by hand, place a piece of paper over the remaining stuck wax. One layer of a paper grocery sack works well. Set the iron to a low, dry setting, warm enough to melt the wax. Slowly iron the piece of paper back and forth, holding it in place. The wax will stick to the bottom of the paper. You may need more than one sheet of paper to remove larger spills thoroughly. Removing the color stain is another matter. I suggest following the manufacturer's instructions or using a color-safe stain removal spray.
A Candle Magic Ritual for Beginners
Other than candles, you don't need objects or tools for candle magic. 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 altar.
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, consider using a candle, an altar cloth, and flowers in various 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 ideal) or ylang-ylang incense.
After dressing (optional) and lighting your candle, you may recite an incantation (a prayer) aloud, stating your intention. You may also quietly meditate on your desired outcome. After focusing and speaking your intent aloud, light the parchment paper and hold it for as long as possible. At the same time, keep visualizing the end purpose of your ritual. Afterward, place it in a cauldron or fireproof container. Continue visualizing as long as you like, or until the candle burns out. You can throw what's left of a candle 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 can also help to cure many ailments. Since a ritual is a prayer in action, you'll want to say your "amens" at the very 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. You can leave flowers out to behold as a symbol of beauty for as long as they're fresh.
Keep one rule in mind at all times: do not harm. You should never use candle magic (or any other form of magic or prayer) to harm another person. Harmful intentions tend to return threefold to the sender, so beware.
In conclusion, as satisfying as candle magic may be, you must understand your motives and desires before using it. Woe to you if you ask for something you haven't fully thought out or aren't 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.
Also, see Candle Meditation.
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