September Witchy Newsletter

Tools 3 - Candles

I mentioned candles in the last post about Altars. We’re going to revisit that information and expand on it. Candles have their place in ritual and just ambiance. They can be used as an assistant or major component of a spell. From opening doorways for communication to creating protection boundaries. Colors and placement can mean a lot depending on the ritual, spell or Holiday you are working with, and if you are trying to reach a specific deity. This is to give you beginner context, and some references to check out (at the end) to get you started.

Candles represent fire magic, which is something I am very partial too. Fire is mesmerizing, unpredictable and enthralling. Candles are one of the best tools we have to work fire magic with. It’s definitely a lot more controlled and predictable than a bonfire, though they too have their place.

To me a candle is a candle, whether using a tealight, votive, taper or pillar and I have a decent supply. Depending on your intentions you may need something that is going to burn longer, like a specific devotion candle on the altar. That you’ll want a large taper or pillar candle, especially if it is to stay lit 24/7. On the other hand you might be doing a quick wish spell, and a tealight will be more appropriate.

Candle Uses

1. Ambiance - The main reason most of us have candles! They just set the mood. Tip, don’t use a spelling candle for ambiance or vice versa. You could add or release unintentional energy to the home that you’ll have to deal with later.
   

2. Devotion / Vigil - Candles are used as devotions in Churches, in cemeteries and at home, and are used as vigils at hospitals, places of tragic death and rallies. These can be for guidance, a request to look after a loved one, a prayer, to give thanks and for remembrance. Which lets those that have come before know they have not been forgotten.

   1. Many practitioners have devotion candles that burn 24/7 at an offering altar. This is to submit offerings to the deity the candle is for and submit petitions. People will request luck, health, love, money, success etc.  There are shops, especially in New Orleans, that keep one going for their customers to make petitions to and leave offerings with. Offerings vary from coins, tobacco, jewelry, whiskey, wine, food etc. Never take something from such an altar as it can bring bad luck to you and your loved ones.
      

3. Communication - Fire is one way to communicate with the other side, though not always reliable. If sitting too close a simple intake of breath can move the flame. So can a fan, AC, open window or slight physical movement. If using candles for a seance, make sure that the flames produced for responses could not be caused by any other means.

   1. Another way to communicate is using the candle with a mirror. Place it on top of or in front of the mirror (I prefer a black mirror myself) to summon a physical manifestation to communicate with. This can be tricky and will take practice. Just like a seance, you may not speak to who you want to. Make sure your protection barriers are in place.

   2. Since mirrors are two way, you can also do this to send a message instead of receiving one.
      

4. Spells - Candles can be the spell themselves, and there are plenty of them out there. From carving them to using them to burn an object, they could be the only tool you use or need for casting. It is definitely a preferred method for myself.
   

5. To mark boundaries - When casting, meditating, traveling (astral projection) or calling/summoning, candles can set protection boundaries for you in both the physical and spiritual planes. Depending on how long you will need the protection, I would suggest a slow burning taper or pillar candle.

   1. The easiest way to do this is by placing them in a circle that you can comfortably fit in. Light them starting with the candle you’ll be facing then moving clockwise. Think of that first candle as the 12 on a clock.

   2. Another layout option is to arrange 4 candles in the North, South, East & West directions, with colors that represent the elements. If all you have are white candles then have a physical representation of the elements with each candle. Light the North candle first, then move clockwise to light the rest. - North - Earth (Green Candle) - South - Fire (Red Candle) - East - Air (White or Yellow Candle) - West - Water (Blue Candle)

Color meanings: Let’s revisit these

l White - Usually used for cleansing and purifying, but is also neutral. If you have a spell that calls for a candle color you don’t have, you can substitute using white. After all, candles didn’t always come in multiple colors

l Black - Commonly used for protection, and to dispel negative energy or hexes. On the other side, can also be used in cursing, conjuring, or when conversing with the other side.

l Red - The color of passion, sexuality, reunion, affection and bodily vigour. Use during matters of the heart spells, self-love and representation or attracting passion.

l Orange - Used for prophetic dreaming, calming and to clear a path for creative inspiration

l Yellow / Gold - For luck and success in money, career and great for meditation.

l Green - Commonly associated with money and success, but can also be used for health and abundance.

l Blue - For calming and contemplation. Great assistant to healing spells and to spark feelings of peace and harmony.

l Purple - A color of ambition and power, control and command. Excellent for meditation into dream interpretation . Use to help master your control and understand of a particular subject or activity and insert your will into your spells.

l Pink - Like red, pink is affectionate, but more on a friendship, soul mate attraction. Not all are meant to be lovers, but they do bring a new perspective into your life.

l Brown - A neutral color used for meditation and grounding. Can also be used for finding lost items, animal/pet protection spells and legal situations.

~That’s all for now! If you have any questions or suggestion please share!~

As always Happy Conjuring!