Candle magic

This article is thanks to Chuckysbride who is taking a 10 week candle magic course and thanks to her, we have this information.

Candle Magick History- 1
The flickering flame of the candle provides us with a link to the sacred flames that have been kindled over thousands of years. Candles were used in Egypt and Crete as early as 3000 BC and were a feature of worship in many pre-Christian societies. Mostly made of beeswax, because bees were regarded as messengers of the Gods and Goddesses, they are still used in Christian churches today. Beeswax candles are currently popular with many people for magical and spiritual development. However, you can perform candle magick with white utility candles and it will be as pure and true as if you had followed the lists of color correspondences, fragrances and herbs that are most often used. These can add ceremony and atmosphere and create a mood of harmony in which conscious barriers dissolve.
There is something mystical about candles. It is said that we have always practiced primitive candle magick from the time that we were children and blew out our first candles on our birthday cake and made a wish.
Some of the earliest candles were actually oil lamps made of pottery, with a reed or a piece of twine used as a wick. The oil was usually animal oil of some sort.
Later they used hardened fat. Still later, in the 1700's and 1800's, the poor mixed fat with a small amount of wax to create foul-smelling candles. The wealthy, who could afford beeswax or bayberry candles, had candles that were smokeless and pleasant to smell. Just as we give our workers benefits if we wish to keep them, the better households also offered benefits to their servants. For instance, all servants got one day out a week. Many also were allowed to take any left-over candle stubs for their own use.
Candle magick has been observed for thousands of years, as noted above. The most significant time was when the Catholic church initially began the tradition of burning candles for the dead, or for favors, because many of their parishioners came from pagan backgrounds and used candles for the same reasons. The Catholic church was notorious from compromise in order to strengthen their numbers.
Practioners of Hoodoo, Voodoo, Wicca, Satanism, New Age, and other faiths also use candles ritualistically. The Jews also use candles in traditional ceremonies but they don't use them in a magickal context. Instead, they use them for symbolism.
In the 1800's, many slaves brought certain traditions and beliefs to America with them. This involved the belief that certain colors were effective when asking the spirits or Gods for certain favors. Black was used either for evil or to repel evil, white for purity or as a substitute for any other color, orange for money or strength of purpose, green for success or healing, brown to win court cases or improve a pet's health, red was used for evil or to create passion or to work healing, pink for romance, blue for fidelity and health, yellow for happiness or attraction, and purple for domination. Figural candles also enhanced the spell. Some figural candles used were and are of cats, people, genitalia, celestial signs, and more. Each one serves a symbolic purpose and not always in the way someone would guess.
Candles can add warmth and atmosphere to a special meal or gently soothe us to sleep. They can invoke moments of quiet reflection, or help us to access the deep wisdom that lies beyond conscious thought. They can be used in ritual as a focus for our most powerful dreams, hopes and desires. Candles are not only light, but living fire. When a candle is spent or snuffed out, the light may be gone from our external vision, but that light is not lost; rather it is transformed into radiant beams that fuel the positive energies of the universe and fall as love and healing on those who gaze into a candle flame in sorrow, pain or fear.
Turn off the lights and spend a few silent minutes by candlelight, connecting with the older, slower and wiser rhythms that are not divided into months, years or even millennia, but flow in cycles and release us from the treadmill of time. As you light your candle, you automatically interact with people around the world who light candles or torches. Each candle is part of an interconnected cosmic web of millions of tiny beams, and as you look through the candle flame you may see on the other side someone smiling back at you through their light--a familiar face, someone you have yet to meet, or a stranger--across time and space, an hour, a day, or perhaps thousands of years away.
Candles and the Moon: Candle ceremonies fall mainly under the auspices of the moon, whose different phases offer us specific energies. Many times you may want to be aware of the zodiac and planetary placement.
Waxing Moon: The moon is in its waxing cycle as it moves from the new moon to the full moon. As the moon grows or increases, it can give power to all rituals for growth and increase--whether in health, love, knowledge or prosperity. The waxing moon is traditionally the ''planting'' period, whether for herbs and vegetables or for conceiving a baby. Usually white or pale-colored candles are best for waxing moon rituals, with silver on the day of the full moon. The day of the full moon is very effective for all rituals concerning power, ambition and success, and for climax of endeavors. Full moon energies span from 3 days before to 3 days after the full moon day.
Waning Moon: The moon wanes as it moves from full moon to new moon again. As the visible moon decreases in size, it is reflected in weakening power in human endeavor. As the traditional time for harvesting herbs, etc. or pruning trees, this period is potent for removing negative influences, shedding redundant guilt or resentment, ending destructive relationships, reducing pain or weight and for giving up addictions and compulsions. The waning moon is also good for Scrying. The dark of the moon--the 3 days when the old moon is invisible and the crescent not yet discernible to the human eye--is said to be best for rituals of protection and for any undertaking that involves secrecy. Use darker candles for this cycle.
Superstitions and Beliefs
*Always light a candle with your right hand for good fortune. If the candle should go immediately out, however, bad luck will follow. This belief could easily be adapted to a candle spell for luck!
*Never singe the base of a candle to make it fit firmly. This brings misfortune. So, for ritual and spellcraft it might be a better idea to melt wax into the container and then place the candle within so it's secure.
*Allow Yule candles to burn out naturally for blessings and luck. Add this idea to your holiday celebrations.
*Never light three candles with one match, or have three candles burning together. This brings mishaps. This is one area where magick differs, as three is a sacred number to the Goddess and represents the triune nature of humankind.
*Only a woman named Mary should snuff the candles on Christmas day so the blessing isn't lost. This one isn't overly practical, but interesting!
*Give the gift of a bayberry candle on New Year's Eve to friends to whom you wish luck, prosperity, and health. Note that this should be burned completely on New Years Eve for the greatest effect.
Money: If you wish to grow rich, never light a candle from a burning fire. Use this as a guideline when working prosperity and money magick.
Protection: If it's storming outside, light a blessed candle for safety. most magickal practitioners would likely use a white candle for this purpose, as white is the color of protection.
*Lighting a candle at a child's birth, after a death, and on one's birthday affords extra protection from evil. This is a great idea all the way around. At a birth ceremony, the light honors the spirit of the child coming into this world. At death, it shows the spirit the way out into the next incarnation. And on your birthday, a candle reminds you of your own light, which should always be honored.
Signs and Omens:
*A candle that goes out during a ritual indicates the presence of a restless ghost. Actually, I've often found this to be very true. If a spirit shows up at a ritual it will not, however, be ale to enter the sacred circle without permission. Use your own discretion here, being aware that not all spirits are nice, nor do all of them have good intentions.
*In ancient Greece if a girl could blow on a candle flame and the re-spark it, she was marked as a vestal virgin and given the task of tending Vesta's sacred fires. Vesta is a fantastic goddess for a candle crafter to call upon for blessings in his or her art.
*Candles that burn blue or have wax that forms a winding sheet around the base reveal the presence of spirits. Alternatively some people consider this a death omen. In magick, watching the wax or flame of a candle is a common form of divination, and there are tons of meanings associated with a flame's movements.
*If a candle will not light, a storm is coming. This is actually true because of the dampness in the air.
*A candle sparking bright portends a letter for the person sitting across from it.
*Accidentally knocking a candle over and having it go out indicates a forthcoming marriage in the family.
*If a person can revive a sputtering candle it indicates he or she is virtuous and pure of heart.
*Seeing a ring in the candle flame indicates and engagement or marriage.
*A lump of soot on the wick of a candle reveals that a stranger will soon visit.
Wishes:
*The ritual of blowing out birthday candles may have originated with rites for Artemis. The key is blowing out all the candles at once. The smoke that follows carries your wishes to the heavens. This is a great bit of wishcraft that works wonderfully just as it is. Remember, however, that silence is power in this magick. Telling the wish dissipates the energy behind it.
Candle Lore and Superstitions
Using a single taper candle to light 2 other candles will draw bad luck.
Lighting a candle from the hearth destines one to poverty. Thin of it as stealing power from the fire that maintains the home.
3 candles burning in a group signify a wedding or are considered unlucky in theater, especially. This superstition comes from the Christian in which a group of 3 candles were only burnt on the altar.
Difficulty lighting candles means rain is on the way, Once lit, if the flame sputters despite there being no detectable draft in the room, wind is on the way.
A candle that gutters and creates a trail of wax foretells death.
A sparking wick signifies the arrival of a stranger or a letter.
A candle left burning until the very end invite misfortune, except on Christmas Eve when it is traditional to let the candle burning to light the way for the coming infant. In the case of Christmas Eve, the fully burnt candle is said to bring prosperity to the household over the following year.
An extinguished candle that continues to glow is an omen of hardships to come.
Extinguishing a candle by accident foretells a coming marriage.
If a girl walks backward down the steps with a burning candle she will come face to face with her future love.
In America, a candle left to burn in an empty room will cause the death of a relative.
A candle that burns blue, signals the presence of a ghost or of death in some versions.
Always light a candle with the right hand for luck, however, should the candle go out immediately, bad luck will follow.
Bayberry candles given as gifts on New Year?s Eve bring good luck, prosperity and health to the recipient.
Smoke from birthday candles send your wishes up to the Gods.
Candles are lit at births, weddings and funerals to chase away evil spirits.
If a person can revive a sputtering candle they are considered virtuous and pure of heart but the French and the German are more specific, believing a sputtering candle can only be revived by a virgin girl.

Questions:
1. What were some of the earliest candles made?
2. Why did the Catholic church incorporate candles in the services?
3. What forms of figural candles are most used? .
4. Candles are not only?
5. What color candles are best used for a waxing moon?
6. Which hand should be used when lighting a candle?
7. What does a girl have to do to become a Vestal Virgin?
8. The ritual of blowing out birthday candles came from who?


Answers will be posted at the end of the 10 weeks
9. The candles used in Egypt and Crete were made from what?
10. What was later used to make candles?
Essay: Tell us what you know about the history of candle magick.

Part 2
All About Skull and other Figure Candles:

Though the use of novelty style, shaped candles has a longer history of usage in Hoodoo and Root-work, they are definitely gaining ground within the rest of the metaphysical community. Like other tools, they provide a deeper focus for ritual and spell work, thus enabling practitioners to produce more effective results. While someone with a background in Hoodoo may already know the intents and purpose behind a particular kind of shaped candle, those with a Wiccan or European-focused magical background may be unfamiliar with their unique properties.

While many correlate the skull with death (and often terror), it has a much deeper connection to other aspects of the spirit world. Many European tribes used the skull to hold the essence of its owner, recalled in the Celtic tale of Bran the Blessed, whose head traveled and spoke with his companions long after death, and was eventually interred in a hill, to forever protect the land from invasion.

Considered to be the very seat of the soul, the place where individual godhood and person-hood resides, as well as your direct connection to the Divine, the skull symbol is often used to bring matters to ''a head'', to quickly resolve a situation, or to call upon Ancestors or patron deities for assistance in a difficult matter. While color correspondences are similar to other aspects of candle magic, they have a unique twist when applied to skull candles. Of course, every practitioner can (and should) have their own color associations, built by Tradition, study, and most importantly, individual practice and success. I strongly suggest that you use the color correspondences that have traditionally worked well for you, with a strong nod towards the unique properties of these very special candles.

Other Types of figure candles and their meanings:

Figure Candles in Magick

Female Candle: (White) Feminine Mysteries, Contacting the Goddess, Healing a Woman, Love Magick to draw a female to you, Protecting a Woman form another.

* Green - Fertility, Good Fortune, Wealth, Healing a Woman.
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Fertility.
* Black - Banishing, Binding, Protection from a Woman.

Male Candle: (White) Masculine Mysteries, Contacting the Horned God, Healing a Man, Love Magick to draw a man to you, Protecting a man form another.

* Green - Fertility, Good Fortune, Wealth, Healing a Man.
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Fertility.
* Black - Banishing, Binding, Protection from a Man.

Cat Candle: (White) Familiar protection, luck, hexing, unhexing.

* Black - Banishing, Binding
* Red - Lust, Fertility, Love, Relationships
* Green - Healing a Pet.

Egyptian Cat Candle: (White) Divination and contacting divine spirits.

Cat w/ Tail Up: Hex-breaking, Reversing Black Magick, Uncrossing, Stopping Slander and Gossip.

Floral Candle: (White) Sanctification, Banishing

* Black - Banishing, Binding.
* Red - Lust, Fertility, Love, Relationships, Healing.

Snake: (White) Serpent mysteries and the protection of women. Spirituality and divine mysteries.

* Red - Lust, Love, Removing Obstacles b/w Lovers, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Fertility.
* Black - Returning Evil Vibrations Back to the Sender, Banishing, Binding.

Skull: (White) Necromancy, Contacting the Dead, Protection.

* Red - Preventing Fertility.
* Black - Stops Psychic Attacks, Returns Black Magick to Sender, Banishing, Binding.

Male Genital/Penis Candle:

* Green - Fertility, Good Fortune, Masculine Mysteries, Success, Wealth.
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Potency, Vitality.
* Black - Preventing Fertility, Reducing a Man's Libido.

Female Genital :

* White - Feminine Mysteries, Goddess Invocation.
* Green - Healing a Woman, Promoting Growth.
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Fertility.
* Black - Preventing Fertility, Crone Mysteries.

Adam and Eve (Lovers) Candle:

* Green - Fertility.
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Fertility.
* Black - Ending a Relationship, Moving on from an Old Relationship, Preventing an Old Love from Contacting You.

Marriage Candle:

* Green - Fertility.
* Red - Fidelity, Strengthening Family Unity.
* Black - Ending a Relationship, Transformation After Divorce.

Devil Candle:

* Red - Lust, Hedonistic Pleasure.
* Black - Banishing, Exorcism, Binding, Protection Against Spirit Possession.

Seven Knob Candle: (White) Protection, Wish Magick, General Spell Intentions.

* Green - Fertility, Good Fortune, Wealth, Healing, Green Magick, Fertility (Plant or Earth).
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Fertility (Human or Animal).
* Black - Banishing, Binding, Protection.

Nine Day Candle / Glass Container: (White) Devotional candle to a deity. Can be used as an altar candle or a wish candle in spell work.

* Green - Fertility, Good Fortune, Wealth, Healing.
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Fertility.
* Black - Banishing, Binding, Protection from a Woman.

Baphomet Candle:

* Red - Lust, Love, Pleasure, Fertility.
* Black - Banishing, Binding.

Goddess Candle: Divine Rituals to Contact the Goddess.

* Green - Fertility, Healing, Wildlife Rituals.
* Red - Fertility.

Witch Candle:

* Green - Wortcunning and Green Magick Rituals.
* Red - Raising Energy.
* Black - Banishing, Binding, Protection from Another Sorceress.

Wolf Candle:

* White - Power Rituals to Become the Leader of an Organization or Group.
* Black - Rituals to Control the Leader of an Organization or Group.

Lamp Candle: (White) Protection, Wish Magick.

* Green - Fertility, Good Fortune, Wealth, Healing.
* Red - Lust, Love, Romance, Healing, Energizing, Fertility.
* Black - Banishing, Binding, Protection.

Spiral Candle: (White) Goddess Mysteries, Divination, Spirituality.

* Red - Fertility.
* Black - Banishing, Binding.

Flame Candle: (White) Protection.

* Red - Fire Elemental Rituals, Fertility, Healing.
* Black - Banishing, Binding, Protection.

Questions:

1. The skull candle is considered to be what?-
2. What do skull candles provide? -
3. Which Candle would you use specifically for wishes in spellwork?-
4. Why did the European tribes use skull candles?-
5. What color candle would you use to prevent an old love from contacting you?-
6. Many people correlate the skull candle with what?-
7. Which cat candle would you use to contact the divine spirits?-
8. Which candle will protect you from a sorceress? ?
9. What color candle is generally used for lust?-
10. Homework: do some more research on the history of a particular (your choice) candle and write a short essay.

3. There are a number of different ways that you can choose the candle color to use in your candle magick. The candle color is important when doing spellwork as each color emits a particular vibration and attracts certain influences. However, if you really must perform the spell and you have no colored candles you can use plain white. If using a white candle as a substitution you should cause the name of the color that is needed into the white candle.
If you do not agree with the list that has been provided it is okay. If you cannot find what you are looking for that is okay too. Use your intuition if you have to, it will not let you down.
Any type of candle can be used for candle magic as long as it has been cleansed and consecrated prior to use. Cleansing removes any negative energies that the candle has picked up along the way. As with all supplies you want your candles to be as free of psychic debris as possible. The candles you use for any type of magic should be unused. Under no circumstances use a candle which has already adorned a dinner table or been used as a bedroom candle or night light. Vibrations picked up by second-hand materials or equipment may disturb your workings and negate their effectiveness.
''The degree of a color is also an important consideration to bear in mind. The deeper the color is, the more powerful the results tend to be. Additionally, the symbolic value may charge a bit. Dark blue is good for inner harmony and light blue seems good as a meditative color that inspires mental peace. Similarly, if a candle is a combination of two colors (as peach is a combination of orange and pink), both colors affect the overall energy of that candle and it's final application. For example peach might be used to nurture a friendship.'' (Exploring Candle Magick by Patricia Telesco)
''We live in a sea of living energy. Our conscious mind perceives, in the form of color, only a fragment of this living energy. Our subconscious, however, misses nothing, and, as psychologists are finding these color radiations have a tremendous influence upon our health, thoughts, and actions.
A major tool in magick is the proper use of color to one's best advantage. In dress, decor, or healing, color is of the utmost importance for one's success.
Knowing what a color can do on a conscious, as well a subconscious level, is what candle magick is all about.'' (Candle Magick Workbook by Kala and Ketz Pajeon)
Candles are also used in circle/ritual to represent the God, Goddess, Spirit, and corners. Once again use whatever feels comfortable to you for your work. Here are a number of color lists to help you on your way.
General List:
WHITE: A balance of all colors. Symbolizes peace, purity, innocence and power of a higher nature. Promotes peace, tranquility, purification, truth, spirituality, and sincerity. Also used for meditation, truth seeking, spiritual enlightenment, summoning spirit guides, astral travel, and to enhance psychic abilities. Can be as protective as black and may be substituted for any color candle. Healing properties include treating broken bones, relieving dental pain and increasing milk production in nursing mothers. White is also a Goddess symbol.
YELLOW: A stimulating and uplifting color that is the color of creativity; intelligence, confidence; movement and energy. Connects to clairvoyance, divination, wisdom, learning; imagination, and inspiration as well as the power of concentration and communication. Used in healing skin conditions as well as stomach complaints and menstrual cramps. Yellow symbolizes the element of Air.
ORANGE: Is a stimulating and energizing color. It connects to attraction, stimulation, control, personal strength, authority, and power. Also encouragement, adaptability, luck, and sudden changes. It attracts the characteristics wanted from other tools, spells ad rituals. Very good for healing coughs, colds and asthma as well as arthritis and exhaustion.
GOLD: Color that promoted understanding and attracts the powers of cosmic influences; intuition, persuasion, charm and confidence. Beneficial in rituals intended to bring about fast luck or financial benefits, or in rituals honoring solar deities.
PINK/ROSE: A positive color symbolic of emotional love, nurturing relationships and romance. Promotes spiritual awakening, healing of the spirit, femininity, friendships, honor and morality. it is the standard color of rituals to draw affections and brings friendly, lively conversation to the dinner table. Excellent for treating anxiety and depression, as well as ailments of the heart.
RED: The fiery, invigorating color of energy and life. Always connected to blood, birth and death; and sex. Connects with love, passion, fertility, physical energy and strength. Increases magnetism in rituals and is used in defensive magick. Also emotes courage and enthusiasm. Good in health, strength and vigor spells and defensive magick. Used in healing neuralgias and exhaustion. Red symbolizes the element of Fire as well as being a God Symbol.
PURPLE/VIOLET: Vibrating color that is highly spiritual and traditionally connected to mysticism, inspiration, wisdom, idealism, purification; success, peace; and power. Aids in meditation, sensitivity and higher psychic talents; as well as connecting to idealism, ambition, power, success and household protection. Healing properties include the treatment of allergies, sleep disorders and stress-related disorders.
MAGENTA: A combination of red and violet that is a very high vibrational frequency that tends to work fast. This color energizes rituals where immediate action and high levels of power or spiritual healing are required, such as quick changes, exorcism or spiritual healing.
BROWN: An earthy, balanced color, used to attract money and financial success. It aids in emotional stability and balance, eliminates indecisiveness, improves powers of concentration, study, intuition, and telepathy. Also connects to finding lost objects. Aids in the protection of familiars and household pets as well as animal healing.
INIDGO: A vitalizing color of inertia; used to cleanse the spirit and remove fear. Used in rituals that require a deep meditative state, to neutralize another's magick, or to counteract negative energy. Healing properties include dementia, depression, and mental disorders.
BLUE: A cool color that soothes and relaxes. Blue is a primary spiritual color, used in rituals to obtain wisdom, tranquility, harmony, peace, inner light and truth. Connects to inspiration, occult power, protection, understanding, good health, patience and loyalty. Aids in meditation as it connects to intellect and mind. Blue symbolizes the element of Water.
GREEN: The color that connects to nature, fertility, and rejuvenation. Stimulates work involving financial issues and money; aids good fortune, prosperity, luck; ambition and success. Bringer of love and renewal, it is an emotional soother and balancer, used to counteract greed and jealousy. A good color for treating headaches, colds and nervousness. Green is the color of the Earth element and is a Goddess Symbol.
SILVER/GRAY: Neutral color that removes negative energy or influences and encourages stability. Useful when pondering couple issues during meditation and in magic, this color often sparks confusion; it also negates or neutralizes when needed. Helps develop psychic abilities and attracts the influence of the Goddess.
BLACK: Burned for positive purposes, this color opens up deeper levels of the unconscious. Black is used in rituals to induce a deep meditational state and is good for banishing evil or negativity. Connects to self control, quiet power, and resilience, as it absorbs negativity and destroys it; offers strength and support in spells; protects from retribution and is also an aid during loss.
SABBAT CANDLE COLORS
Samhain: Black and orange.
Yule: Red, Green, and White.
Imbolc: Red, Pink, and Brown
Ostara: Green, Yellow, and Gold.
Beltane: Dark Green
Midsummer: Green and Blue
Lughnasadh: Yellow and Orange
Mabon: Orange, Brown, and Yellow
ASTROLOGICAL CANDLE COLORS
Aquarius: Light Blue or Pale Yellow
Pisces: Aquamarine
Aries: Red
Taurus: Green
Gemini: Yellow and Orange
Cancer: White or Dark Green
Leo: Gold or Yellow
Virgo: Gray or Marbled
Libra: Royal Blue
Scorpio: Black or Red
Sagittarius: Dark Blue and Purple
Capricorn: Black or Dark Brown
DAYS OF THE WEEK
Sunday: Yellow
Monday: White
Tuesday: Red
Wednesday: Purple
Thursday: Blue
Friday: Green
Saturday: Black
CANDLE MAGIC FOR FAERIES
MAGENTA: This is a good candle to burn with other candles when you need a speeder result.
YELLOW: Good for working with the air elemental fae bringing quick changes, mental creativity and developing your mind.
WHITE: Calm and peace, spirit guidance, direction
RED: Use with fire elementals, courage, sexual relations
GOLD: Solar fae, money and prosperity, good luck.
BLACK: Good for binding spells.
DARK BLUE: Ending depression, changes in your spiritual dealings.
LIGHT BLUE: Use when working with faerie and elementals, peace, healing.
GREEN: Good luck, good when working with earth faeries such as leprechauns, gnomes, and elves bringing balance, fertility, quick money.
ORANGE: Renewing confidence, changing your luck for the better.
PINK: Love, healing, emotional matters.

Oil Correspondences

Anise: Psychic insight.
Basil: Harmony.
Berry: Joy, happiness, freedom.
Cedar: Bravery.
Cinnamon: Good fortune.
Cloves: Affection returned.
Dill: Stress reduction.
Ginger: Power, stamina.
Lavender: Rest, depression.
Lime: Turning negative into positive.
Lemon Grass: Protection, purification.
Rose: Love.
Sandalwood: Vitality, spirituality.
Vanilla: Passion.


There are oils for every herb, it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. Oils come in two forms, essential and non-essential. Essential oils are generally more expensive. This is due to the fact that the oil comes from the natural herb. Non-essential oils are synthetic oils that are designed to smell like the essential oil. Most people say use essential oils only. Personally, I have had success with both. My suggestion is go for what you feel is best. Better yet, go for what you can afford. The study of oils and their affects is called aromatherapy. You can find many books on this. Scott Cunningham has a book called ''Armoatherapy'' that is another good introduction into this art.

Herbal Correspondences

Herbs can serve one of two functions in candle magick. First you can dip the oil coated candle into the herb to add the herbs effect to the candle. Secondly the herbs could be powered and burned on charcoal blocks as an incense during the spell. The study of herbs and their affect in magick and medicine is called herbalism. Once again Scott Cunningham has written two excellent books for research on the magickal aspect of herbs. They are ''Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs'' and ''The Complete Book of Incense Oils and Brews''. For a look at the medical side of herbs one should check out ''The Herb Book'' by John Lust. This book lists over five hundred herbs and their medical uses.

Herbal Correspondences

Allspice: Money, luck, physical energy.
Alfalfa: Protection, purification.
Bay: Healing, protection, psychic powers.
Benzoin: Protection, prosperity.
Cedar: Purification, spirituality, protection, speed healing.
Cinnamon: Money, protection, love, purification.
Clove: Exorcism, protection, money, purification.
Copal: Spirituality.
Dragons Blood: Exorcism, sex, love, protection, banishing.
Frankincense: Spirituality, love.
Juniper: Exorcism, healing, love.
Sandalwood: Exorcism, spirituality, healing, protection.
Thyme: Health, healing.

Deity Correspondences:

Black: Anpu, Anu, Anubis, Asar, Freya, Persephone, Seth
Blue: Aditi, Djehuti (royal blue), Heru (royal blue), Het Heret (light blue), Nuit
Brown: Ceres
Crimson: Sekhmet
Gold: Amaterasu-O-Mi-Kami, Apollo, Helios, Heru, Ptah, Ra, Sunna, Zeus
Green: Abundantia, Anahita, Arianrhod, Aset, Asherali, Astarte, Baal, Bast, Ceres, Demeter, Frey, Freya, Geb, Nebt Het
Orange: Ceres, Demeter
Pink: Amon-Ra, Aphrodite, Astarte, Cybele, Mercury, Venus
Purple: Athena, Bacchus, Djehuti, Jupiter, Odin, Tyr, Woden
Red: Agni, Aodh, Aphrodite, Astarte, Bast, Bellona, Freya, Mars, Neith, Odin, Sekhmet (crimson), Seth, Thor, Woden
Royal Blue: Djehuti, Heru (royal blue), Nuit
Silver: Aah, Artemis, Asherali, Astarte, Djehuti, Nebt Het, Selene
White: Anu, Apollo, Arianrhod, Artemis, Asherali, Astraea, Athena, Bast, Brighid, Diana, Khons, Luna, Maat, Ptah, Selene, Themis
Yellow: Amaterasu-O-Mi-Kami, Ceres, Heru, Sol

Chakra Correspondences

Red- Root
Orange-Spleen
Yellow Solar Plexus
Green-Heart
Blue-Throat
Purple- Third Eye
White- Crown

QUESTIONS
1. If you don't have the required candle color to perform the spell what can you do?
2. Why is the candle color important?
3. The deeper the color?
4. What color would you use when working with the air elementals?
5. What is one of the colors that you would use for meditation?
6. Astrologically speaking what is Dark Green used for?
7. What color would you use for speedier results?
8. Why would you cleanse a candle?
9. Why would you not want to use a used candle in your work?
10. What color candles would you use for Lughnasadh?
ESSAY
In your own words tell us why you would use specific candle colors during rituals and spellworking?

Marking a Candle is the first Procedure you should perform in candle magic.

The first step in preparing a candle is marking it. Marking involves inscribing the candle with real or symbolic instructions of its spiritual intention. You might carve the candle with the name of the target you are working on, or inscribe sacred symbols of Spirits, Planetaries or Elementals to boost its power.

Ideally, you will begin working on your candle at your altar. I recommend you have altar candles lit and a spiritual incense burning. Remember, the energy you put into preparing the candle is just as important, if not more so, than when you are burning it. If you are going to do the job- just do it!

A candle can be carved with something as simple as a toothpick, ice pick or knife. However be creative in your work. I know many who carve love or sex candles with a rose thorn. Many use a rusty nail or broken glass to carve candles for crossing or revenge.
NAME CARVING - WHEN AND HOW DO I NEED TO DO IT?

It's my belief that in cases where you are working on a specific person, you should carve the name of that person into the candle. Just as in the application of spiritual oils to a candle (see dressing a candle), there are a variety of methods you might choose from. Remember to begin with clean and dried candles.


The rule of thumb we use is to carve the name in the same manner in which we apply our oils.

So, if we are trying to draw someone, we carve the name from the bottom of the candle to the top.

If we are trying to get rid of someone, we carve their name from the top to the bottom.

If we need to control, compel or otherwise manipulate a person, the name is carved in a twisting manner - much like the lines on a barber pole or candy cane. For this type work, the target's name should be carved a number of times which is appropriate .

Male and female image candles, skull candles, pullout candles, jumbo candles, offertory candles, the mummy or witch candle, and praying hands candle are designed for work on an individual. So, one person's name should be on each candle.

If you are working multiple persons, each one should have their own candle. The Lovers and Marriage candles are designed to work on a pair of folks. The man's name should be carved into the male image of the candle and the woman on the woman's image. If you are working the number nine, each name is carved nine times - not nine times all together.

The target's name should be called out loud each time the name is carved and a command should be issued to them - to resonate through the universe.
CARVING SYMBOLS, SIGNS AND SIGILS

Many books tell you to carve your own name into a candle when working for yourself - say to draw more money or a new love. This is okay but I really think the Spirits and Energies realize you are working in your own behalf. If you write a petition as the last step of candle preparation, it is sufficient reinforcement of who the work is being done for.

Use sigils or symbols on the candles when you are burning them for yourself. For instance, in a work designed to draw money, you might carve seven (7) dollar signs into the wax. Or, you could carve the amount of money you need seven (7) times. Another option would be to carve the planetary symbol of Jupiter into the candle. Jupiter is the planet of expansion and wealth so its energy would be appropriate for the type work you are doing. If you were performing a job to draw a new love into your life you could use hearts instead of dollar signs - or the symbol for Venus instead of Jupiter.

If you have trouble finding symbols to carve into your candle for a desired purpose, you can carve your name. Just use the same format described above.

Questions:

1. Marking the candle with what, will boost it?s power?-
2. What do you do if working for more than 1 person? -
3. How do you carve the name?-
4. What should you do if using the candle for yourself?-
5. When marking your candle, where should you do it?-
6. If you want to manipulate a person how do you mark the candle?-
7. In what manner do you carve the name?-
8. What should you do when carving the name on the candle? -
9. How would you carve a candle to bring love into your life? -
Homework assignment- Mark a candle, relate how you did it and what its purpose was for.

: Anointing Oils and dressing the candle


Oils
To a base of 2 ozs of almond oil add 5 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil, 3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil, and 1 drop of Orange Oil.

Candle Anointing Oil
To a base of 2 ozs of almond or apricot kernal oil add 1 teaspoon of powdered Frankincense Resin, and 1 teaspoon of powdered Myrrh Resin. Shake thoroughly and allow to steep for one week prior to use.

Cinnamon Anointing Oil
To a base of 2 ozs of almond oil add 5 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil, and 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil.
When you begin to anoint the candle you can chant or rhyme.




As you are anointing the candle meditate upon the purpose for which it will be used. Visualize the outcome you seek happening and how it will be. You are infusing the candle with the proper energies to manifest your intent by doing this.

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How Do I Dress a Candle?
Herbal materials strengthen your work. Learn how to apply oils, minerals, and powders.

After you have properly carved and marked your candle, it is time to apply the herbal materials you are using to strengthen the work. This may consist of one, or multiple oils, powders, minerals and / or dried herbs.

If you are going to use multiple oils on one candle, wash your hands in between applications with a strong alcohol based perfume like Florida Water. Then layer the second oil over the first one you applied to the candle.
APPLYING OILS

By now you should understand what your intentions are for the candle you are using. If you are drawing or removing something, I suggest applying oils using the Up or Down Technique.. Some disagree with this, so I have offered the two most common alternate methods - The Middle and Out and Witches' Triangle techniques.

If you are manipulating a person or institution i.e. - bend over, break up, controlling, come to me, commanding, compelling, court case, marriage, money release you will want to employ the twisting method for applying any oils to the candle.
The Up OR Down Technique

The UP technique is used to DRAW something to you. Taking the oil or perfume on your index finger, you move from the base of the candle to the wick, rotating the candle until it is completely covered in oil.

Logically then, dress the candle DOWNWARD when you want to remove something.



The Middle and Out Technique

A lot of Spiritualists believe you should begin dressing a candle in the middle, working UPWARD at first, until the entire top half of the candle is anointed and then go from the middle again DOWNWARD to the base of the light. In this way your prayer is sent from the ?heart? of the candle into the Universe.

Witches? Triangle Method

This is one of the old methods we often hear about. You begin by dressing the ?front? of the candle at the base - moving from left to right. Then move up the candle to the top on the right side?visualizing one side of a triangle. This should be done in one stroke. Go back down to the bottom and ?pick up? your line at the base on the left side and move Upwards again? completing the triangle. Now turn the candle over and repeat on the ?back? side.


Twisting Method

Twisting Method Apply a fair amount of oil to the palms of your hands and then rub your hands together visualizing the target of the candle. Pick up the candle and begin twisting the oil into it - using a motion like that used to wring water out of a towel. Move from the middle outward until the entire candle is covered in oil. You may need to add more oil to your hands to get good solid coverage. During this process, talk to your target and command them to do as you desire.

Questions

1. What are you infusing the candle with while anointing?-
2. By applying oils you are doing what to the candle?-
3. What is the oldest method of anointing a candle?-
4. What should you do if you?re using more than one oil on the candle? ?
5. If you want to remove something how would you dress the candle-
6. Moving the oil from the middle outward is what method?-
7. Your prayer is sent from the heart comes from this method?-
8. While getting good, solid coverage on your candle what should you be doing?-
9. If you are drawing or removing something what method would you use?-
Homework Assignment: Take the candle that you?ve carved and anoint it. Tell us what oil blend you used and which anointing method you used and why?

APPLYING HERBS

After you have oiled your candle, you might apply herbs to it. It is good to do so at this point if you decide to. Simply pour your herbs into a plate and then roll the candle in them.

Blowing Powder APPLYING POWDERS

Powders are the last material that should be added to the candle. The traditional African means for distributing powders is to blow them. There are a couple of very good reasons to blow the powder onto the candle.

First, blowing provides a very even coverage and limits wasting expensive material. Secondly, breath has strong spiritual symbolism to it. Blowing on the candle makes it come alive. This is a particularly effective method for candles representing people.

When blowing powder, hold the candle by the end in one hand . Put a pinch of the powder in a spoon. Slowly rotate the candle while blowing the powder onto it until evenly covered.

Once your candle has been dressed in herbal materials, it is time to divide the candle up into sections so that it can be burned over the required number of days.



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Measuring a Candle
Learn how to divide your candle into sections for burning over a period of days.

Not so long ago, if a Spiritualist was trying to encourage marriage between a couple he/she might burn one marriage figural candle a night for nine nights. But, if the client did not have much money and the work really needed to be done, the Spiritualist would divide the candle up into nine sections for nine days of burning.

Figural candles have always been expensive. Any molded candle is difficult to produce. With today's rising petroleum prices, wax is more expensive, as is the transportation to ship the candles from points around the world. In the above example, a modern-day Spiritualist would pay over seventy dollars ($70) for nine marriage candles. Most cannot afford this. So, the technique of measuring a candle is still relevant to most practitioners.

Measuring a candle is the traditional term for dividing a candle into a predetermined number of sections by inserting needles or pins into the wax. This is the actual practice that became the legend of ''voodoo dolls'' in New Orleans. Reporters, not comprehending what they were seeing, made the assumption that the needles inserted in a wax figure were for doing harm. In actuality, the figures were being measured for work.
Measured Candle HOW TO MEASURE THE CANDLE

Dividing the candle up into sections is easy. You might measure the length of the candle with a ruler and divide it up by the number of sections you need. But, you are setting yourself up to deal with fractions of inches. It's just too tough of a job. The sections don't have to be exactly even to the centimeter. If they look evenly spaced to the eye when you have finished, it's a fine enough job.

One needle or pin should be inserted right at the point where the wick sprouts out of the wax. If you are doing drawing work, this is the last needle inserted because you insert them from the bottom to the top of the candle. If you are removing, the ''wick needle'' is the first one placed. It's an easy process.

Remember, that it takes an even number of needles / pins to make an odd number of sections. However, we always want to work with an odd number. This is why the needle is inserted at the wick.
Breaking the eye of a needle NEEDLES OR PINS, DOES IT MATTER WHICH I USE?

It doesn't matter if you use needles or sewing pins. Many sewing pins have plastic balls on the tip, so they are easier to push into the wax. When inserting needles, I end up using needle nosed pliers. Needles are rough on the fingertips - something akin to sticking a hundred cloves in a ham!.

For love work I like to pick out all of the red capped pins from a package of multicolored ones. You might use all green for money work or all yellow for success, etc.

Ideally, use needles for works designed to remove bad luck, crossed conditions, hexes, jinxes and witchcraft. They are also used in protection work.

Many folks from the South and Caribbean break the eye on the needle when they are working on or against another spiritual person. The belief being the worker and their actions are spiritually obscured from the enemy. A broken eye makes it more difficult for the target to find out who is causing their problems via a reading or spiritual consultation.

Needles with broken eyes are used for break up, confusion, crossing, revenge and reversing spells. They might also be used for uncrossing or protection when a Spiritualist feels it's better for the client's enemies not to know they have sought out help for their condition.
Seven Needles
A Double Cross Pattern is used to dispose of seven candle needles.

DO I BURN THE ''MEASURED'' CANDLE A SPECIAL WAY?

When burning a measured candle, allow the first needle at the wick to fall out, and then let the candle burn to a point right above the second needle. It is important that you pray or meditate for the entire time the candle is lit. Each day, burn through one needle - allowing the needle to fall and up to the next needle. Remember, NEVER BLOW OUT A CANDLE you are doing work with. You can pinch the candle out or use a proper candle snuffer.

The needles or pins should be reserved for use at the end of the candle burning ritual - so keep them in a safe place. I like to cover them with herbs or powders and leave them on my altar until I am ready to work with them.
Nine Needles
A Triple Double Cross Pattern is used to dispose of nine candle needles.

In most cases, the needles should be inserted into the name paper or petition that was sitting underneath the candle. For a ''seven needle'' work make two ''X's'' on each side and a ''double cross'' in the center of the paper. The double cross consists of one vertical needle and two horizontal needles (see above illus.). Since this pattern is used for drawing work, you will want to place it with your other ritual remains - the incense ash, bath water, candle wax, etc. Many drawing or love spells instruct you to keep the ritual remains. Some may call for remains to be buried at the front door of your home or even in the backyard. I have been told that in love drawing work, this paper should be placed between the mattress and box springs of the bed. If your spell does not offer instructions on how to dispose of the needles and or name paper - do what feels right to you.

To finish a nine needle candle work, use three needles to form three double crosses. Once again this paper is disposed of with the rest of the ritual remains. One exception I am aware of is when using war water in a spell. If your intention is to cause havoc in a home, and you plan on breaking or leaving ritual remains on an enemy doorstep - add the needles independently to the contents.

Now that you have the basics of working with needles and pins you know how to properly measure a candle.

Questions:

1. Which is the last material you should apply?-
2. How would you get the herbs onto a candle?-
3. What materials do you use to divide a candle?-
4. What is the easiest way to divide a candle?
5. Blowing powder on what kind of candles is particularly effective?-
6. Needles are used to remove what-
7. What does a broken eye make more difficult?-
8. What should you do while the candle is lit?-
9. How do you put the candle out? ?
10. Homework-Infuse your candles with an herb (s), you probably will have to re-anoint. Find a candle spell that requires it be lit over a period of time and divide your candle. Explain the process to us.

How Do I ''Name'' a Candle ?



Once you have marked, dressed and measured your candle, it is time to baptize or name your candle. The act of baptizing a figural candle, used to represent a person, brings the candle alive.

If you have not written a petition or name paper, you should do it at this point in the ritual. Some people have their ''paperwork'' completed ahead of time, but I prefer to do it within the ritual process. Hopefully, you have altar candles lit and incense burning. Stopping to write your request or reaffirm the name of your target, helps to build a strong connection between the candle and the person it is designed to represent.

It is also at this point, that I insert personal concerns into the bottom of the candle. While it would be easier to do this when carving the candle, doing it now makes it part of a three step naming ritual:

1. Write a name paper or petition and place it under the candle
2. Make a hole in the bottom of the candle and insert any personal concerns
3. Baptize the candle

Baptizing the Candle

How you baptize the candle depends on your spiritual beliefs. It is a short and simple process.

If you are Christian / Spiritual, you can state:

I baptize you as [target's name] in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Make three signs of the cross over the candle in Holy Water while stating the words.

If you are Pagan, you can state:

Blessed be, thou creature made by art. By art made, by art changed. Thou art not wax but flesh and blood, I name thee [target's name] . Thou art this person, between the worlds, in all the worlds. Blessed be.

Some people further consecrate the candle with the four elements: Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Here is a simple method for doing this:

* Sprinkle some dirt or sand on the candle and say, ''By Earth I baptize you as (target's name).''
* Sprinkle some water on the candle and say, ''By Water I baptize you as (target's name).''
* Quickly pass the candle through the flame of your altar candle and say, ''By Fire I baptize you as (target's name).''
* Pass the dressed candle through the incense smoke and say , ''By Air I baptize you as (target's name).''

Remember, this is an optional practice and there are many, more involved ways to perform it. Now you are ready to light your fully marked, dressed, measured and named candle! Remember to state your prayers and or affirmations over the candle and then visualize the effects of your work on the target until the candle burns to the second pin or needle.

Good Luck with candle burning rituals. With faith and patience, you will see the results you desire.

Questions:

1. What?s the use of naming a candle?-
2. People further consecrate the candle using what?-
3. What should you do over the candle after it?s been fully dressed?-
4. What do you say after sprinkling some dirt over the candle?
5. When is the best time to insert personal concerns?-
6. What are the 2 ways to insert personal concerns?-
7. How do you baptize the candle by water?-
8. What should you do when you light the candle?-
9. To baptize by air, how do you do this-
10. Homework: Now that you have a fully dressed, named and baptized your candle, burn the candle to the first pin or needle point. Describe the experience

Colors/Herbs for Healing Candles
Light blue or green are both used for general healing or health. Remember that these are simply suggestions. If you do not have the color candle indicated use a light blue or green candle, or even a white candle. If you would like to add the additional power of healing herbs to your healing ritual you may want to make some of these healing candles to use. They are quite easy to make and require only the minimum in materials and no previous candle making experience. They should be made on Sunday or on another day in the hour of the sun. They may be colored orange, the sun's color, or blue, the color of healing, or you may wish to choose a color correspondence specifically for the disease you wish to heal. There is a chart below which gives these correspondences. These candles have herbs added to the wax. Choose the herb to put into your candles based upon the nature of the illness or injury you wish to heal in the chart below. Please note, the plants
indicated are not to be taken internally for the disease in question, they are to be put in the candles. They are not necessarily effective as medication only as a correspondence. Also, a healing ritual adds to rather than replaces seeking medical attention for illnesses and injuries. You still need to see a Doctor.
Type of Problem Color of Candle Herb(s)
Sexual Function Red Saw Palmetto for men, Black Cohosh for women
Fertility Problems Green Dock, Hazel, Mustard, Raspberry
Psychological Violet St. Johns Wort, Kava Kava, Hops
Respiratory Tract Yellow Ephedra, Echinacea, Coltsfoot, Mullien
Digestive System Pink Peppermint, Wintergreen, Fennel, Anise
Nervous System Orange Ginko, Hops, Lavendar, Valerian (doesn't smell good)
Bones or Teeth White Boneset, Comfrey, Arnica, Clove
Urinary Tract Blue Saw Palmetto, Uva Ursi, Cubeb
Muscles Purple Comfrey, Lavender, Marjoram, Marshmallow
General Healing and Health Issues Light Blue Lavender, Galangal, Juniper, Nutmeg

More Colors for Healing Candles
Color
Condition
Red Anemia, leukemia, liver infections, neuralgia and paralysis
Orange Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, constipation, coughs, depression, epilepsy and exhaustion
Yellow Diabetes, heartburn, indigestion, menstrual cramps, constipation and skin conditions
Green Boils, cancer, colds, headaches, high blood pressure, kidney ailments, nervousness, and ulcers
Aqua Burns, eye ailments, high blood pressure, hypersensitivity, infections, inflammations, nutritional disorders and skin conditions
Blue Burns, diarrhea, fever, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, menstrual pain, rheumatism, skin rashes, sore throat, sunburn, ulcers and minor wounds
Indigo Asthma, deafness, dementia, depression, epilepsy, eye ailments, infections, mental and nervous disorders, parkinson's disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis and upset stomach
Violet Allergies, asthma, baldness, bloodclots, colds, gout, mental disorders, sinus problems, sleep disorders, stress related diseases and tumors
Rose Heart conditions, anxiety, constipation, depression, hearing loss, kidney problems
White Stroke, insufficient breast milk, broken bones, calcium defficiency, ostioporosis, toothache

Herbs for Healing Candles
Herb
Condition
Adders Tongue Stomach ulcers and tumors
Agrimony Jaundice and diseases of the liver
Alder Diarrhea, inflammations and sore throat
All Heal External wounds
Alow Vera Burns and external wounds
Angelica Alcohol and drug abuse, delayed menstrual period, toothache
Anise Asthma and bronchitis
Blessed Thistle Colds
Bloodroot Ringworm
Catnip Anxiety, fever, menstrual cramps
Chamomile Colic, fever, inflammations, menstrual cramps, and nervous conditions
Chickweed Inflammations
Cinnamon Flu
Coltsfoot Asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphasema, chest complaints and coughs
Comfrey Dysentery, external wounds and stomach ulcers
Coriander Fever
Costmary Infections
Crimson Clover Cancer
Daisy Asthma
Dandelion Constipation, gall stones and ailments of the liver, pancreas, spleen or female organs.
Dogwood Fevers and infections
Elderflowers Colds, constipation, fever, hemorrhoids, and impotency
Elecampane Coughs and irregular menstruation
Eyebright Eye ailments
Fennel Anxiety, constipation, and irregular menstruation
Garlic Arthritis, asthma, infections and rheumatism
Ginger Fever, impotency and menstrual cramps
Ginseng Impotency and all sexually related ailments
Goldenrod Bladder infections, inflammation and insomnia
Goldenseal Eczema, eye ailments, internal infections, poison ivy, rectal ulcers and ringworm
Hawthorn Arteriosclerosis, edema, heart ailments and weak muscles
Horehound Coughs, colds and constipation
Horseheal Fever
Horseradish Bronchitis, colds, kidney conditions and rheumatism
Irish Moss Burns and coughs
Jacob's Ladder Fever
Jasmine Impotency
Jimsonweed Poison ivy
Juniper Neuralgia, rheumatism and swellings
Lady's Mantle Fever, headaches, inflammation, insomnia, menopause, menstrual cramps, and toothache
Lavender Depression, fatigue, headache, impotency, neuralgia, rheumatism and sprains
Mallow Tonsilitis
Mandrake Impotency and infertility
Milkweed Warts
Motherwort All female problems
Mugwort Fever and poison ivy
Mullien Asthma
Myrrh Gum irritations, infections and pain
Nettle Asthma, muscle aches, stomach ulcers, diseases of the lungs and intestines
Passionflower Insomnia
Pennyroyal Fever and menstrual cramps
Peppermint Headaches and muscle cramps
Rose Kidney stones
Rosemary Colds, colic, congestion of the liver, depression, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, nervous heart conditions, paralysis, rheumatism, stress, weakness of the limbs and vertigo
Saffron Depression and fever
Sage Colds and coughs, depression, fever, flue, insomnia, pleurisy, sprains and varicose veins
Snakeroot Impotency and snakebite
Shepherd's Purse Bruises, skin irritations and rheumatism
Solomon's Seal Bruises, skin irritations and wounds
Strawberry Leaves Gout
Thyme Fever, headaches and whooping cough
Valerian Anxiety, insomnia, rheumatism, stress and swollen joints
Vervain Fever
Violet Infections
Willow Bark Headaches
Witch Hazel Anxiety, eczema, inflammations, swellings and tumors
Wormwood Colds and fever
Yarrow Canker sores, colds, fever, liver diseases and muscle aches

Essay. In your own words please describe why we felt the need to include this information in the course and how would you use it?

General Instructions for Candle Rituals


You need to use new candles for each ritual, they cannot be reused. The candle is charged for a particular magical intent for the ritual and retains this charge which can only be removed by burning the candle completely. It hardly need be said these days since you will not find any candles made from animal fat, but they cannot be used in candle magic. No tallow candles, they should be paraffin or beeswax. The candles should also not be broken, a broken candle will not store and release the energy you place into it correctly. If there are any broken candles in the box save them for candlelit dinners.
In addition to the candles, you will need a number of individual candle holders which can be inexpensive glass or metal holders that each hold a single taper. They need to be able to be moved individually on the altar. Some spells require that the candles touch so try to find small holders that will allow this. The number you will need depends upon the number of candles used for the spell you choose. I recommend getting the smallest, plainest holders you can find inexpensively. If you have a 99 cent store in your area they usually have something appropriate.
There is some small controversy as to whether you should light your candles with a match. Some say that the sulfur in the match is associated with ''negativity'' and will contaminate the candle. This is not true, sulfur is used in protective magic both by ceremonial magicians and by witches. It is used to drive away negativity. A chunk of sulfur may be placed on the altar during protective rituals and some add a small amount to exorcism or protection incenses. It is associated with the sun, and the element fire. If you feel strongly about it despite this, you may use a taper or a punk to light your candles instead, lighting the taper or punk from the altar candles. In case you don't know, a punk stick is a blank incense stick with no scent added. They are used by insulation contractors to look for air leaks in homes and by those who test smoke detectors. If you can't find them in your area you may use a lightly scented incense stick.

After you have chosen a spell from those below or one you have personally chosen, you will need to gather the required number of candles in the appropriate color(s) with holders to go along with them. The spell will state on which day it should be performed. For the strongest planetary influences the spell should be performed at one of the following times on that day: 12 midnight, 7 AM, 2 PM, or 9 PM. These are the hours ruled by the ruler of the day. If one of these times is not convenient simply do the spell on the day noted, regardless of the hour.

After you anoint the candles place them on the altar in their holders in the arrangement indicated in the spell. Place a copy of the words of the spell on the altar so you can read them. You may want to have a photo or other item to represent the person the spell is for if you are performing it for another, or it involves another person.

Try to assure that you will not be interrupted during the time it takes to do the spell, allow about half an hour, let the machine get the phone for example. Once begun it is best to complete the spell in one block if it is a one day spell, don't stop in the middle. Some spells require that they be performed over a series of days, it is generally best to use the same time for the successive days that you used for the first. If necessary to more clearly state your desire the words accompanying the spell may be altered and personalized. Try to fully state what you want as clearly and simply as possible.

As the spell is being performed there may be occasions where one of the candles goes out on it's own, without the wind. If this happens, do not re-light it. One of two things may be assumed to have happened, either the required amount of energy had already been released and the spell is complete for now, or there was something wrong with the way the spell was going and it will need to be redone. Simply complete the ritual for that night and continue it on the next day in the series. If it happens on the last day, simply allow the other candles to burn down as usual and complete the spell at the point where the candle went out.

It is also possible that the candle flame may jump or crackle during a spell. If you are summoning entities, the flame may grow to as much as six inches in height when they manifest, or make a crackling, popping sound. In regular candle spells a crackling, jumping flame generally implies that alot of energy is being generated due to high emotions or the effects of the spell. It is generally a good sign that the magic is working. Note which candle in the altar setup is crackling and go on with the ritual.

A particularly strong flame means that power is being generated toward manifesting your intent. If a candle used to represent a person is particularly strong it can imply their dominance in the situation, their higher energy level, they are winning the situation, or anger and strong emotions on their part. A particularly weak flame shows that there is strong opposition to the manifestation of your intent and the spell may need to be repeated. If a persons candle is weak it may mean that they are in a submissive position in the situation, that they are losing, they have a lower energy level, or that they are in a weaker emotional position.

After the spell is complete, if the spell is to be continued, leave everything in place for the next day. Pinch out or snuff the candles rather than blowing them out. Some feel that blowing out the candle is dismissive of the fire elemental in the flame. If it is a one day spell, or the last day of a multi-day spell you should allow the candles to burn out by themselves. Candles cannot be reused for another spell, and burning them completely releases all of the magical energies stored in them to the cosmos so that it can set the vibrations in motion to accomplish your goal.

Questions:

1. What are the best times of day to perform candle magick?-
2. What does a particularly strong flame mean?-
3. How long should you give yourself to do the spell?-
4. What may happen if you?re summoning entities? -
5. If using the candle to represent a person and you get a high flame what does this mean?-
6. What do you do after you anoint the candle?-
7. What happens if a candle goes out?-
8. What does a weak flame mean?-
9. If it is a one day or multi-day spell you should allow the candle to do what?-
10. Homework. Using one of the spells below or one of your own, perform a ritual, describe the type of spell that was done and note anything like crackling/popping high or weak flame and so on. Don?t forget to dress, name and baptize your candle first.


Candle spells:

FRIENDSHIP CANDLE SPELL
Pink Candle Good Luck/Friendship Oil Pink silk Ribbon White Silk Ribbon
Cast the Circle, Arrange altar, Invoke Goddess and God
You will want to anoint the pink with Good Luck oil all the while thinking of the friends you want to make.
Imagine yourself laughing with them, going out with them. Really see yourself with them.
After your candle has been anointed, you may light it. At this point you may call out the things that
are important to you in a friend: honesty, trust, open mindedness, humor, whatever.
As you light the candle, see the flame as being the energy that burns between any two close friends.
When this is completed, take your two pieces of silk ribbon and weave them together.
Simply winding them around each other will do.
While you do this, think of bringing that friend closer to you.
This binding process is reminiscent of pagan handfasting rituals.
You are binding that friend to you, making them loyal to you, a way any good friend should be.
You do not want to bind a specific person to you, as that kind of magic is harmful since is
harms the other person's free will. Only bind the idea of the perfect friend to you.
Once you have done this, tie the ribbon to the base of your candle as best as you can.
The candle's light is a beacon to bring friendship to you and another person.
When this is done, you may wish to sit and meditate on the spell that you have just cast,
sending your energies out to bring that perfect friend to you. When you feel that your spell has
been completed, then it has. Let your candle burn all the way out and release your circle,
thanking the Goddess and the God.

CAST A WITCH'S LUCKY CANDLE SPELL
take an orange candle anointed with cinnamon oil, clove, or lotus oil.
Light the candle and say 3 times:
''brimstone, moon, and witch's fire,
candlelights bright spell,
good luck shall I now acquire,
work thy magic well.
Midnight twelve, the witching hour,
bring the luck I seek.
By wax and wick now work thy power
as these words I speak.
Harming none, this spell is done.
By law of three, so mote it be!''
Do this spell at midnight.

CANDLE SPELL TO STOP HARASSMENT
Timing: During the waning moon. Use a brown candle (an image candle, if you can)
to represent the person who is harassing you.
Write the person's name on the front and back of the candle.
On a small piece of parchment paper, write:
'From now on, (name) will say nothing but sweet words about me and to me.
By the power of Aradia, so mote it be!'
Put a drop of honey in the middle of the paper and roll it into a ball.
Heat a knife, pin or your athame, make a gash in the candle (in its mouth, if it's an image candle)
and stuff the paper ball into it.
Let the candle burn a little while every night for an odd number of nights, to a maximum
of nine nights. Throw the remnants into flowing water, but save some candle drippings
or ash to sprinkle in the path of your oppressor.

WHITE CANDLE SPELL FOR BLESSING
Get a white candle -- either a plain one (offertory, pillar, or taper) or a figural one in the
gender of the person you want to bless. Carve the person's full name on the candle,
then dress it with Blessing Oil or Holy Oil. For more power, you may place a name-paper
of the person, or a photo, or some personal item of theirs (such as a bit of hair or a snippet
of clothing) either under the candle or next to it. One easy way to do this is to place the
paper or personal concerns under an overturned saucer and put the candle on top of the
saucer. Burn a portion of the candle every day for seven days, pinching it out between burnings.
As you light it each day, say this
[Name] , may you be blessed
May all good things come to you
May nothing whatsoever harm you
May your heart be light
May your travels be safe
May your health be good
May your mind be sound
May your friendships sustain you
May you be blessed in every way
If you have a special request for this person (such as that they find a lover, get a
good job, come home safely from a war, or whatever), just add it to the list.
Some people use a large pillar-type candle and keep it going for longer than seven days.
They may make a habit of burning such a candle every day -- or once a week, on Sundays --
for as long as their friend or relative needs help, even doing so for months at a time.
If the candle is large and it is to be burned in this way, it should be re-dressed with
Blessing Oil or Holy Oil once a week: after the initial dressing, you can drop a tiny bit of
oil into the ''well'' or hole in such a large candle just before lighting it each time.

BASIC CANDLE SPELL- Wiccan
This type of candle magic is very basic, yet quite effective.
This is a good time to reiterate how closely Karma and ethics are intertwined.
You choose your own color of magic, not once, but each time you practice.
Some traditions believe in Karma as ''What you do comes back to you''.
Keep in mind that for any magic it is best (though not necessary) to do calling
magick, such as money, love, health, luck or anything that brings
something to you, during the waxing moon (first quarter) to the full moon. Banishing magic,
such as bindings, quitting bad habits, curses or anything pushing energy away should be
done during the waning moon (last quarter) to the new moon. These are optimal times,
but you cannot always base your magick around the moon. Basic candle magic deals
only with two colors, white and black Correspondence tables at good Wiccan sites.
Envision the white candle as the waxing to full moon and the black candle as the
waning to new moon. For any calling purposes, use the white candle.
For any banishing purposes, use the black candle.
(Note: Always use candles that are one solid color throughout.
Scratch some wax off to test this if you are not certain.)
You Will Need:
One white or black candle Candle holder Matches or lighter Olive oil
Basic Candle Magic Spell
Perform STEP ONE, Meditation.
For white candle:
Rub oil from the tip of the candle towards the base, while humming and visualizing your
reason for doing this spell. Continue humming and visualizing for about five minutes.
For black candle:
Rub oil from the base of the candle towards the tip, while humming and visualizing your
reason for doing this spell. Continue humming and visualizing for about five minutes.
Continue for either candle. Place the candle into the holder and light it.
Chant your chant for as long as you can while visualizing your purpose.
To chant, use a monotone humming voice.(You should create a specific chant for your purpose.)
It can be as simple as one word or as complex as you wish.)
(Examples: ''Money, money, come to me'', ''bring love'', or ''Protection surround me, complete serenity''.)
When you cannot chant and visualize any longer, put the candle out and repeat the
spell the following night (or day).
After you see the first glimpse of the results of your spell, let the candle burn all the way out.
Remember, after the completion of any spell or ritual, say: ''So mote it be.''

SPELL TO CHANGE A SITUATION FROM BAD TO GOOD
Burn 7 white candles at 7pm on a Friday evening.
Place another shorter candle into a pot of soil.
After 10 minutes, blow out the white candles in turn and allow the shorter
candle to extinguish itself in the soil.

WITCH'S HEALING CANDLE SPELL
To help speed a recovery from illness, write the sick person's name upon a white human-shaped
candle of the appropriate gender. As you anoint it with three drops of myrrh or mint oil, visualize
healing energy in the form of white light flowing from your hands into the candle and say:
In the divine name of the Goddess
Who breathes life into us all
I consecrate and charge this candle
As a magical tool for healing.
Place the candle on top of a photograph of the sick person and then light the wick.
As the candle burns down, concentrate upon the person in the photograph, willing him
or her to be well again, and chant the following incantation:
Magick mend and candle burn,
Sickness end; good health return.

CANDLE SPELL TO GET A JOB
This spell should be used only after you have submitted your resume or application.
With a pin or sharp knife, write the name of the company(s) you want to work for on the
side of a large green candle. On a red candle, you need to carve the victory rune
(Tiwaz, it looks like an arrow, pointing up) and your full name. Burn both candles for
30 minutes on Thursday after the sun sets, while visualizing yourself getting the kind
of job you want. At the end of the 30 minutes, snuff the candles (do not blow them out).
Burn them each Thursday after that for 15 minutes until they burn out, or until you get the job.
Dispose of the candles and leave a small bowl of milk outside overnight as an offering.

HEALING CANDLE SPELL
You will need 7 candles. One white for the Lady, one yellow for the Lord.
One orange for encouragement and attraction, one for yourself according to your astral
color, and three red candles for strength and health. You can burn some type of light
incense if you like. Light the Lord and Lady candles first then light the incense.
Sit for a few moments and think of goodness and health coming into you.
Light the petitioner's candle and picture the person and say:
Here is ________ in excellent health.
Blessings from the Lord & Lady be upon him.
Light the orange candle and say:
This flame draws all that is good to _________.
It draws health and strength and all he desires.
Light red candles saying:
Here is health and strength three fold.
Take into _________ to serve and build him as the Lord and Lady would wish.
Sit and meditate on your good health you desire. Extinguish the candles.
Repeat this every Friday for 7 days, each time moving the red candles closer to the
petitioner candle. On the 7th Friday they should touch the petitioner's candle.

Ingredients for different intentions.

If you can't find or don't like any of the following ingredients, by all means cut them, substitute or better yet create your own recipe from scratch! The stronger the associations for you and the more personal your candle's creation, the more effective your candle will be.

* For divination and psychic work: Purple coloring; a small image of an eye, for far-seeing; lemongrass, sandalwood, cloves, yarrow and a pinch of nutmeg; frankincense scent
* For protection: No coloring; basil, vervain, rosemary, St. John's wort and a pinch of black pepper; vetiver or patchouli scent
* For healing: Pale blue coloring, bay, sandalwood, cedar, carnation, lemon balm; eucalyptus scent
* For peace and harmony: Pale blue or lavender coloring; lavender, meadowsweet and hops; lilac or any light floral scent
* For inspiration in the arts: Yellow coloring; a small image of a lightbulb; a piece of amber; bay, cinnamon, lavender, orange peel; scent of bergamot, or any citrus scent
* To attract love: Pink coloring; small silk or candy hearts; rose petals; jasmine scent
* To attract sex: Red coloring; sexual images; rose petals, ginger, damiana, ginseng, a vanilla bean; musk scent
* To attract money: Green coloring; a folded bill or shiny dime; dill, lavender, sage, cedar, wood aloe; oak moss, vetiver or patchouli scent, or some combination of these
To get a job: Green coloring; a topaz or turquoise; pictures of tools you use in your work; bay, lavender, cedar, red clover, nutmeg; orange scent, or any citrus scen