2017

Candle Magic, It's Not Just For Birthdays

Candle Magic, It's Not Just For Birthdays

"Hip Hip Hooray! Don't forget to make a wish!" Spoken by almost every single person that celebrates birthdays around the world. This tradition isn't some new fad that's been 'trending' for the last few years. In fact, candles on cakes have been around for thousands of years and the theory behind it goes back even further.

The Ancient Greeks were paying homage to their Goddess, Artemis, by placing candles on the cake which was thought to represent the Moon and it's reflection. Many civilisations believed the smoke would carry the blowers prayer up to the heavens to be answered and others believed the smoke would warn off evil spirits. In fact, most still do... in a way..
Next time you're attending a kids birthday party or a friends leaving do and someone turns off the lights and lights the candle flame, you can take great comfort in the knowledge that you're connecting with ancestors from long ago, in a very deep and ceremonial way. 
When we break it down, candle magic is really no different than when we make a wish on a birthday cake to ourselves at a party to when we consciously will something to happen through that very same thought process or belief system. There's no denying it, fire is magic in itself and there is an endless desire to be near it and equally, many wonderful reasons as to why we are drawn to it. No matter your beliefs, it's hard to turn a blind-eye to it's consistency as an element and how it's energy is used so much around the world. So, who's to say that it can't send messages, cast spells or grant wishes? 
A candle, is the perfect tool to harness the properties of a fire and it's mystical nature. It stays lit within the boundaries you set, it burns for a time that you see fit and above all else, you can contain it within the confounds of your environment. You have control over an element that in most ways, is uncontrollable. 
Before electricity, candles and other forms of contained fire such as torches and oil lanterns, were the only way we could see in the dark without the assistance moonlight, forget LED's and electric. It's no wonder that fire holds such magic, being able to ignite it almost anywhere in the world, at anytime! Magical. 
Sometimes there is nothing more wonderful than surrounding yourself in candle light and turning off all the power.. It's peaceful, enchanting, relaxing and above all else a feeling of safety and sanctum is ultimately present. Where there is light, there can be no darkness and where there is natural light, there is a sacred space, perfect for meditative practice including, candle magic. 
According to Wiccan teachings, when casting spells, you can use only brand new candles. Once a candle has been lit, it has carried the vibrational energies from it's surrounding and will no longer serve the purpose of new intention thereafter. 

 

Colour is important and here is a list of colours, with their meanings,  commonly found within Wiccan Candle Magic.

  • Red: Courage and health, sexual love and lust
  • Pink: Friendship, sweet love
  • Orange: Attraction and encouragement
  • Gold: Financial gain, business endeavors, solar connections
  • Yellow: Persuasion and protection
  • Green: Financial gain, abundance, fertility
  • Light Blue: Health, patience and understanding
  • Dark Blue: Depression and vulnerability
  • Purple: Ambition and power
  • Brown: Earth-related or animal-related workings
  • Black: Negativity and banishment
  • White: Purity and truth*
  • Silver: Reflection, intuition, lunar connections

* Note that in many Pagan traditions, it is acceptable to use a white candle in place of any other colour.

Want to learn more? Us too! 
Peace, Love and Light 
Zen  

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Indigo - Not Just A Colour... Are you an Indigo Child?

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