Last week’s post talked about the Tools and Literature of the Craft. This week I promised some basic suggestions for Candle Magick. So,let the flame be lit!
The Candle Spell
Gaze into that
Which holds the key
Reflecting back the
Gift of answer to me.
Wood and wax
Crystal and flame
The truth revealed
The heart’s desire
With Will thusly named.
I cast this spell and
Naught shall reverse
My spell is for the power
Of True Magick to fill
This Blessed Universe.
Candle Magick makes use of the properties and energies of a candle, color, etc. to direct the focus of energy towards a desired outcome. It is for this reason that candles are used in High Magick and Ritual workings. They become the physical representation of God or Goddess, the transformative power that lights all others or the symbol of the inner fires of Will. Within our coven we routinely pour coven candles for each member annually. The wax used comes from the remainders of the previous year’s candles and is melted down. All contribute an herb or oil to the mix and we pour energy and intent into the heated wax. A large candle is poured that will be used in ritual by all and then individual candles are poured for each member to take home. This becomes a way to connect energetically with covenmates if the individual is unable to be physically present for working or meeting. This past year we were unable to schedule a time for this, but we still had plenty of candle left to carry us through and maintain the connection.
In spell work a candle not only provides a point of focus, but also acts as a container for the energies gathered and worked upon. Allowing the candle to burn down completely releases the spell into the flow of universal law. Lighting the candle for several nights can build the effect and acts something like a slow simmer. Holding the heat and intensity, but carefully and slowly releasing the essence allowing all the flavors and nuances to mature. Candle magick is simple, easy and can be quite effective in its purpose. The beauty is that it can also be rather transparent to others, as many use candles as décor in their homes. They are portable and relatively easy to make, if you are so inclined. If you choose to make your own candles, additional items can be integrated. I have crushed a small crystal and added its energy to the wax. Herbs and oils are readily available and can enhance the general properties and even the timing of pouring the candle can bolster the intent. Aligning the pouring with New , Full or Waning moon energy customizes the effectiveness for specific types of workings for which the candle will be used.
Store bought candles can be similarly customized. Remove the wrapping and apply oil to the candle, anointing it with the properties of whatever oil you choose. Frankincense serves as durable purifier. And, Myrrh will stimulate the Higher Self and offer connection to spiritual realms. You can press finely crushed crystals into the base of the candle by heating the bottom slightly to soften the wax and then pressing in down into the crystalline substance, much like coating fish with breadcrumbs. Leaving the candle out under moonlight of any particular phase can attune it to those particular energies. And, placing the candle in a window or outside (depending on the heat temperature) under the sun’s watchful eye can enliven the candle for use in solar, energy or fire workings. Scribing sigils, runes or other sacred markings on the candle and envisioning these symbols moving into the center of the candle can be used to sustain long-term workings. Each time the candle is relit envision the energy of the symbol emanating, much like an aura from within the candle.
Additionally, using a specifically colored candle enhances the effectiveness of the spell. Some basic colors are listed below. If you cannot find a specifically colored candle, a makeshift way is to use a small round mirror (can find these at craft stores, and should be approx. 2-inches larger than the base diameter of the candle) and colored paper. Cut a circle just slightly larger than the candle base out of the colored paper that you have selected for the working. Place this on top of the mirror. Place a white candle on top of this. The reflective energies of the mirror will draw up the color rom the paper into the candle’s field of energy. And, when eh candle is lit the flame will enhance the glow reflecting back into the mirror creating a beautiful energetic circuit.
White – Light and the reflection of all colors.
Red – Will, action and vitality.
Pink – Used for love of the heart.
Orange – Used for attraction, communication, energy.
Yellow – Well-being, concentration, intuition, health, strength.
Green – Represents health and healing, money, changes and renewal, fertility.
Blue – Spiritual, healing, memory, calming and centering.
Indigo – Brow, third eye, psychic center. Psychic awareness.
Purple – Crown center, royal color, Deity, spiritual workings.
Brown – Stability, the earth, growth, potential.
Grey – Represents intuition.
Black – Contains and holds all colors, shields and filters.
These are just a few very simple and basic ideas to get you started in how to use candles for magick. Be creative. See the candle as not only an object of Fire’s expression, but also containing the properties of Water (fluid wax when heated), Air (the aroma and oxygen accessed in keeping the candle light) and Earth, in its solid form. The element of Spirit is your intent infused and connected to the malleable form of wax, color, scent and more. And, the magick is in the ability to create Light in a small pocket of space that was not so brightly illumined just prior.
For a Sample of a Candle Magick Working that extended through the New, Full and Dark moon, read the post in Temple of the Cosmic Spheres that kicked off the dedication of the Temple of the Moon observations:
The Magickal Pen 
Yep, lighting a candle as a way of prayer is a mainstay of multiple spiritual paths. The Sacred flame lights the way for all seekers!
I do love candle magic. Candles and kitchen magic are the two most basic things that can be incorporated in everyday living very naturally. One thing I love about candle magic: I have lots of friends who are not pagan and do not understand the first thing about my spirituality. When someone asked for prayers, I always say “I will light a candle” for whoever is ill or needs help. No one ever gets apprehensive about a “witch doing a ritual or spell” if you simply say you will light a candle instead of saying you will do a blessing. Good post.