I have recently renewed a deeper respect for the spiritual beauty and magick of candlelight. I enjoy immensly this soft light. It, as sunlight and moonlight, can be inspiring to the spirit. Candlelight can create an atmosphere that is full of poetry and nostalgia.
Well beyond this is the spiritual work they can aid in. Candles have been used as magick and prayer in so many cultures. Aside from the obvious symbolism between physical and spiritual light and fire, there is the power of transformation.
Think about how the candle light evaporates the wax. The solid matter is transformed to a malleable liquid, which in turn is consumed by the flame, and transmuted to smoke and vapor. Through the fire, this physical representation of our intent or prayer is transformed and given over to the spiritual. You may see this as Goddess, God, or just the pure universe.
There are numerous books on candle magick, and numerous opinions on the how and why of methods. Some anoint with oil, some water, some fire, and some all of these. Some use colors specifically, some the type of wax, its pouring, its shape, or container. Some are very opinionated on the recycling of wax verses the proper and respectful disposing of. Still the power of the candle in spirit work is undeniable.
I prefer to use jarred candles for an intent that is constant and that will be refilled and renewed consistently. In example, candles for your guardians and teachers, be they angels, ancestors, or personal guides. Any unused wax can recycle into the continuing intent. For specific spell work I would not re use the wax in another candle.
There are methods for proper disposal. However recycling the wax into a doll, a token, or other magickal creation furthering the intended magickal work is good also. I love the use of dolls and monsters in Julia Cameron's The Vein of Gold. Left over wax would be a great medium to use here.
Aside from being intentful with the making, anointing, and lighting of your candle; It is good practice to carry that over into the placing of the candle as well. That includes the passing it as a gift directly into the hands of the intended, and when for your use, the placing it in its location for use. Once lit, I feel it is best to let it do its work undisturbed.
Designating a spot in your home or altar for your candles purpose, and setting in place with intent can also help guard it from meddling and unfavourable spirits. Occasionally spirits will put out or try to make candles hard to light. I thought I had such a spirit for a bit; but I learned my boy, at every opportunity he was making wishes at blowing them out.
There is divination also with candle magick. Many of the interpretations can have scientific explanations as well. For example the sputtering, fizzing, and sparks from the flame can be due to moisture in the wick. Excessive dripping and wasted wax is from an improperly sized wick for the candle. Don't be hasty to think too much of what you observe.
Once I sent my love out with a candle. It was an all night retreat, with activities that leave one very open spiritually. The candle was a winking flame type, but it stayed lit. Though used often already by me on the porch while writing, I anointed it to its purpose and sent it off. As many others, my partner lit the candle at the beginning of ceremony, and placed it in the circle.
An hour before dawn it started to rain. Between the rain, thick humidity, and dew most candles expired. Come the dawn the only candles still lit were those of the shaman, his apprentice, and the one I sent, still winking away. In great eloquence, it went out at the closing of the circle, as all were dismissed.
Our intentions are powerful! Candle magick is a powerful aid for our intentions. May we use candles more often, and with more intent; to be ever inspired by their beauty and power!
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