Candle Magick

“You didn't know that rock-n-roll burned
So you bought a candle and you lived and you learned….”

          Once Bitten Twice Shy – Great White

Substitute “rock-n-roll” with “witchcraft” and you have set the scene for my entry into spell crafting.  That’s how I started…with one simple candle (black or white depending on what I was doing) and an intention.  I quickly added incense – I found it helped.  But that was it.  For years.  One candle, a match, a cone of incense and an incense burner.  It would be nice to say that all my spells turned out exactly as I had planned, but everyone who practices would laugh hysterically, or give me that look and say “yeah, right.” 

I lived and I learned.

But candles are still my favorite tool.  As we celebrate Imbolc I figured I’d use this opportunity to go over the finer points of candle magick – everything you can do to improve the chances of the spell going exactly as planned helps.  There really is a bit more to it than just a candle, and a way to light it.  Consider -

Timing – the hour of the day, the day of the week, where we are in the lunar cycle and the season of the year are all important.  Some days are energetically better than others for specific goals, so consult sources and pick the proper time to cast the spell.

Prepare yourself – Ritual bath or shower, putting on your ritual clothing (or taking off everyday clothes) or jewelry gets you in the proper mindset.  And please be absolutely clear about what it is you are trying to accomplish.  Be as specific as possible so there can be no misunderstandings.  Write it down and read it several times.

The Candle – It is easy to buy a candle, but have you given thought to making your own?  It’s a great craft to do at Imbolc, and a handmade candle will be much more energetically charged.  Pressed for time?  You can always take a sheet of beeswax and roll it around a wick while thinking/speaking your intention as you roll.   Wax and the wicks can be purchased from local craft stores or on line.  Dipped…rolled…poured into a mold or jar…the choices are endless.

Color – Consider the color of the candle you will use.  I began by using just white or black, but there are other options.  You can easily find color associations in various sources and use that as a guide.  For example, green is often used to represent money/wealth, so if you are trying to acquire more money, green would be a good choice.  I always warn folks though to never use a color you dislike in a spell to gain something.  If you hate green, you might want to use a gold candle.  OR rework your spell that the main focus is to banish debt.   If you are making your own colored candles, use powered color or natural dyes. 

Prepare the Candle – Inscribe the candle with symbols that represent your intention…engraving from the wick end to the base so the candles burns in the correct direction.  Then anoint the candle with oil that also represents the candle’s purpose.  For example, if you are anointing a candle for love, you may wish to use an oil with rose.  If you’re not quite sure what to use, a really good virgin olive oil will work too.  Annoint the candle with the oil beginning at the center of the candle and working your way out towards each end.  Keep concentrating while you are working on your intention.    

You’ve got all you need.  Cast your circle and work your spell.

Have a very Blessed Imbolc.