Candle Magic

NB The information in this article is based on the information leaflet I've written for the herb & candle magic kit shown in the photo above and available from the Moonshadows shop, and is © Moonshadows Realm.

Their are many books on the subject of Candle Magic and as many ways again to go about candle magic, there are also differences in agreeing on which colour corresponds with which purpose. I did my research and have drawn up a list of colours that mean something to me, if you don't agree with a colour correspondence and feel that say yellow would be better for your healing spell because you attribute the warmth of the sun with healing then do it your way TINROWW applies here and everywhere in magic. Create your own correspondences as long as you stick to your own guidelines consistantly then there isn't a problem. Just as there is freedom in art there is freedom in magic and we can express ourselves magically as well as artistically, after all magic is an art is it not? Part of that certain something in magic comes from the self expression, you are your own most powerful magical tool. Once you have a list of correspondences that ring true to you, I'm sure you'll find that candle magic is the easy form of magic and sometimes the simplist.

There are people that say you should make your own candles, but how many of us have the time or the equipment these days? It's also said to be taboo to re-use a candle, but if you only need a small green candle and all you have left is a green candle you've previously used, and it's an emergency then the God & Goddess won't mind if the candle is cleansed and made ready for the new working.
If it's quick magic that you want to do then why not use a white tealight? White is a universal colour so can be used for any spell or ritual. If you want the candle to fit in more with your workings, add a few drops of essential oil or dried herb. It's best to lift the tealight out of the metal cup, and put the herb or oil on the base, that way it stops the herb or oil spluttering or sparking when you light the tealight. Once you've added your oil or herb simply pop the tealight back in the holder. Ideally you should allow the candle to completely burn down, but this isn't always possible, but please NEVER go away and leave a candle unattended, if you have to leave it burning put it in the bath or sink and always ensure that the surface you burn your candle on is portected from the heat and that the candle is in a suitable holder.

Preparing The Candle - Before commencing your spell, rub the candle lightly with a cloth to get rid of any unwanted energies it may have picked up from being in the shop, from the postman cursing the wind and rain etc. Have some anointing oil ready, this can be either a blended oil made by yourself or bought from a shop, as long as it suits your magical purpose it's fine, if you don't have a scented oil to hand then it's fine to use plain vegetable oil. Have something to represent the four elements ready for the anointing stage incense for Air, altar candles for Fire, a bowl of water for Water and salt for Earth.

Anointing The Candle - Anointing the candle is also referred to as dressing the candle, this is as important as any other step in your candle magic ritual. Use whatever oil you prefer or what a specific spell asks you to use whenever possible.
The direction you anoint the candle is important, to bring something in, rub oil on the candle in a downward motion from the top to the middle and then from the bottom to the middle. To send something out you rub the oil from the middle of the candle out to the top then middle to bottom. Never make a back and forth motion as this defeats the purpose.
Dab the remaining oil from your fingers onto your third eye (the centre of the forehead, is that why it's called a temple I wonder?) and on your breast bone. Then say the following: "I cleanse and consecrate this candle in the name of the Lord and the Lady. Then state your intent or the purpose of the candle. You can also inscribe your candle using your athame or burin, using the same principal as dressing your candle. Concentrate on the intent of your spell while anointing your candle with your chosen oil: start in the middle of the candle and work outwards to each end. Visualise the outcome of what you require (e.g. if you need money to obtain something, don't see the money! See yourself using the object of your goal.)

Then pass the candle through each element in turn, going from the lightest (Air), then Fire, then Water, to the densest (Earth). Starting with Air, hold it in the incense smoke and say something like "I empower this candle by the element of Air that it may help me ~~~~, in the most sacred name/s of God/Goddess". Then pass (briefly) through the altar candle flame, repeating the empowerment (this time for Fire), then sprinkle with the water (for Water) again while reciting your empowerment and finally rub with the salt for Earth.

Empowering The Candle - This may be spoken out loud or visualised as you perform this exercise. If you feel one element has specific qualities that could help (e.g. Air ~ Wisdom, Fire ~ Courage, Water ~ Understanding, Earth ~ Steadfastness) then ask for this and visualise this at the time. Remember though, it is not the words that are important, but the intent.

You can also write your intent on a piece of paper and place this under the candle holder for the duration of the spell. Be careful how you phrase this: see our comment below regarding money and remember the adage "Be careful what you wish for, It may come true!"*. Also remember to burn this in the candle flame during the last session / before your candle burns itself out. Visualise the fulfillment of your spell during this.

* This can happen in ways you least expect or never intended. E.G. You burn a candle for money; then a loved one dies, leaving you a legacy in their Will.

Lighting The Candle

You may wish to recite some chosen words while lighting your candle or just visualise your intent. Spend some time scrying (gazing at) the flame while visualising your desired goal.

You can leave the flame burning after the close of the ritual, especially if you want to do the spell all in one go. Leave the candle somewhere safe to burn down overnight. Make sure it will not be knocked over accidentally (by pets or children!) or spill wax - place an old saucer or dish under the holder.

Or you can continue the spell daily or weekly, burning for a set time, at a set hour. This is the more common approach as it allows you to re-visualise your goal on a regular basis, thus strengthening your commitment. Some people get very technical at this, using the astrological planetary hours and days of the week, but most of us just rely on the moon phases and burn when convenient. Also it is not necessary to scry the flame all the time it's burning; just let it burn and continue living your life! An example simple candle magic spell for prosperity can be found within Bunnycat's Journal to give you an idea if you've never worked candle magic before.

Extinguishing The Candle - If you choose to do a spell over several days you will need to extinguish the candle. Do this by snuffing out the flame, either between your finger and thumb or with a candle snuffer. Never blow the flame out as this will blow away the magic! Some pagan / magical traditions regard blowing out the flame as an abuse of the "Breath of Life", but this is a matter of opinion and choice.

Candle Colour Correspondence

Red	Fire Element, Passion, Love, Fertility, Strength, Courage, Will Power, Sexual Energy, Protection & Enthusiasm.
Dark Blue	Water Element, Dark blue is a primary spiritual colour; use it for rituals to obtain wisdom, harmony, peace, truthfulness, patience, sleep, dream work.
Pale Blue	Spiritual colour; helpful in devotional or inspirational meditations; brings peace and tranquility to the home, healing, meditation, tranquility, patience, sleep, dream work.
Dark Green	Earth Element, Promotes Prosperity, Fertility, Success; Good Luck, Money, Harmony, Rejuvenation, Healing.
Pale Green	Abundance, Co-Operation, Generosity, Ambition, Peace, Harmony, Health, Healing, Hope, Growth, Beauty, Employment.
Yellow	Air Element, Activity, Creativity, Unity; Brings Power of Concentration and Imagination to a ritual, Leadership, Learning, Communication, Productivity, Health, Blessing, Solar Magic.
Pale Pink	Affection, Love, Honour, Unselfishness, Leadership, Diplomacy, Femininity, Emotional Love, Friendship, Affection, Inner Peace. Pale pink contains both fire and air elements.
Deep Pink	Self love, Passion, Enhancing Relationships.
Orange	Joy, Enthusiasm, Attraction, Stimulation, Self-control, Adaptability, Intellect, Organisation, Success, Strength, Luck, Awareness, Kindness, Authority. Orange contains both sun and fire elements.
Purple	Power, Success, Psychic Manifestations, Ambition, Independence, Divination, Financial Rewards. Spirituality, Psychic Awareness, Third Eye, Wisdom, Higher self. Purple also contains the elements of fire and water.
Gold	Sun, Solar Magic, Male Energy, Finance, Prosperity, The God, Yang.
Silver	Moon, Moon Magic, Female Energy, The Goddess, Yin.
Peach	Gentle Strength, Joy, Thanks, Children.
Black	Banishing, Absorbing, Destruction of Negative Energy, Rest.
White	Peace, Purity & Purification, Sincerity, Protection, Happiness, Spirituality, Strength, Moon, Goddess.
Lavender	Intuition, Dignity, Spiritual Shield, Inner Light, Joy, Harmony, Tranquility, Forgiveness, Rememberance, Inner Child, Spiritual Awakening.
Brown	Healing Animals, Hearth & Home, Grounding, Foundations, Masculinity, The Earth.