Candle Magic tips.

Hi readers,

I have been contemplating my thoughts on candles in addition to how I use them within a magical context. I did a few candle spells and have been burning them a little more lately for various reasons.

During my last candle spell which was performed in a ritualistic way my altar cloth caught fire as my candle was about to burn out. So, it got me to rethink how I burn candles and what types I use.

Generally, I use a variety of candles from tealights, tapers, votives, and sometimes pillar candles.

I usually place it on something that can withstand heat even If it is in a jar or holder. I have experienced many accidents while burning candles. The day my candle was burning I forgot to put something underneath.

So, with all that said I thought I would give some tips on how I choose, prepare, and burn the candle.

Firstly, when I think about candle magic, I think about what my spell is for before I choose the candle. For instance, when I did a prosperity spell, I used a taper candle mainly because it was what I had on hand at the time. Also, I prefer my candles to be unscented primarily because I like to dress the candle to that intention for the spell. Further, the scent of the candle might not be suited for the goal of prosperity as well. However, I will note that sometimes I do not always have time to dress a candle depending on the situation, but I do it when I have time and access to the herbs and oils I wish to use.

After considering the intention of the spell, I will look at what I have available such as with the taper candle that I used in the prosperity spell. I usually have tealights, tapers, votives, and birthday candles around. If I don’t have one or the other, I will look at what I do have and consider the goal of the spell in addition to the shape. I prefer round things primarily because I appreciate the symbolism of cycles for me in addition to the idea of circles having prominence within various cultures around the world. I like the idea of circles indicating the beginning without an end as well. Further, I will look at geometry in terms of what has been viewed as sacred as well but that will depend on the situation. Additionally, in terms of sacred geometry I take into consider how I personally view the symbol in addition to the traditional meanings.

Moreover, when choosing a candle, I do consider scent a factor as well but mostly in terms of how I might dress the candle rather than what the scent is that comes with it. However, If I am given a scented candle, I may use it in the spell just instead of prosperity I might use it for love If it is something like vanilla.

The last consideration when I think about when choosing a candle is the color. Before I go into how I do this it is important for me to tell you that I personally have not seen color completely, but I do know what colors are to some extent. However, that is for another post entirely. The reason I mention it is because I do use many of the traditional correspondences for colors such as green for prosperity, I do have my own correspondences for colors.

When considering the color of the candle I remind myself of what my goal for my spell is, think about the traditional correspondences, and see If they apply to the goal. I look at my own experiences and associations to that color as well and If neither applies I will either choose a different color or If I have not used that color, I will experiment with it to see If it works.

Now, after choosing the candle I prepare it by first cleansing and dedicating it to its purpose. For the prosperity spell I must admit that I did not have time to dress the candle which is what I usually do as part of the preparation process after cleansing and just before dedicating it. I usually dedicate the oils and herbs along with the candle If I have time but If I don’t, I will do them separately so that the herbs and oils are ready. Balance is a large part of my practice so when I am cleansing something, I may use sage or some other herb, however I may just add more energy by using a crystal. This will depend mostly on time and whether I have anything available. Generally, I will cleanse using the elements. If I don’t have sage to use for Air, I will use my breath, a fan, or some other object I may associate with air. For fire I will use a candle, actual fire, sunlight, visualize a fire etc. This goes for water as well using water, a seashell filled with water, or something else like my own tears. During the cleansing process while visualizing I ask each element to cleanse the candle of anything unwanted from it. I do this because you don’t know who has handled the candle, from the manufacturer, people who package the candles, store customers, and so forth.

After cleansing the candle with each element, I will usually while visualizing state again my intent for the spell and describe by the powers of the element of fire what the candle represents within the context of the spell. I use spell triggers as well so once the candle is lit the spell is done but I will still visualize and chant something that I have either prewritten or it just may come spontaneously that describes my goal. Normally, I let the candle burn out completing as a symbolic way of indicating the spells completion however depending on how long the spell is for such as a 7 day candle spell I will snuff it out just because I don’t prefer to blow them out mainly because of the smell I find it less so with the snuffer. Then I will relight it.

Now, for those of you who are either teenagers not out as a Witch to people in life, or in some other situation here are some suggestions.

First, if you can’t burn candle such as in a dorm, your fire department rules for some situations like certain neighborhoods in cities won’t allow it just to use something else like a crystal, a lava lamp, anything in red, or something else that you associate with fire. Second, birthday candles are great because they burn out quickly, in addition to using battery operated candles and flameless candles are also good options. Two other good options are wax warmers and oil diffusers just use the color or oil you associate with fire. One other thing to consider when burning them is what you will use to light the candle with. Go with your own personal experiences and preferences. When I was starting out, I remember reading in a lot of books that matches were mainly recommended but I didn’t have access to them. Also, not everyone can light a match or is aware of how to do so safely. So, I use lighters. For myself I use the short lighters that look like the ones for use on a grill except the tip is shorter, but I also use the long ones as well. Go with what works for you.  Lastly, please be mindful of general safety tips such as not leaving candles unattended, keeping them away from flammable surfaces, and so on.

I hope this has helped you in some way and has given you some other ideas for using candles within your practice.

Do you have any experiences, or tips that you would like to share?

Many Blessings!