Most of us have performed our first act of candle magick by the time we are two years old. Blowing out the tiny candles on our first birthday cake and making a wish is pure magick. This childhood custom is based on the three magickal principles of concentration, will power and visualization. In simple terms, the child who wants his wish to come true has to concentrate (blow out the candles), visualize the end result (make a wish) and hope that it will come true (will power).
The size and shape of the candles you use is unimportant, although highly decorative, extra large, or unusually shaped candles will not be suitable as these may create distractions when the caster wants to concentrate on this important work in hand. Most casters prefer to use candles of standard or uniform size if possible. Those which are sold in different colours for domestic use are ideal.
The candles you use for any type of magickal use should be virgin, that is unused. Under no circumstances use a candle which has already adorned a dinner table or been used as a bedroom candle or night-light. There is a very good occult reason for not using anything but virgin materials in magick. Vibrations picked up by secondhand materials or equipment may disturb your workings and negate their effectiveness.
Once you have purchased your ritual candle it has to be oiled or ‘dressed’ before burning. The purpose of dressing the candle is to be established a psychic link between it and the caster through primal sensory experience. By physically touching the candle during the dressing procedure, you are charging it with your own personal vibrations and also concentrating the desire of your magickal act into the wax. The candle is becoming an extension of the casters mental power and life energy.
When you dress a candle for magickal use, imagine that it is a psychic magnet with a North and a South pole. Rub the oil into the candle beginning at the top or North end and work downwards to the half-way point. Always brush in the same direction downwards. This process is then repeated by beginning at the bottom or South end and working up to the middle.
The best type of oils to use for dressing candles are natural ones which can be obtained quite easily. Some occult suppliers will provide candle magick oils with erotic names. If the caster does not want to use these, you can select suitable oils or perfumes from your own sources. You can also use Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil, or even Sunflower Oil.
For the candle colours please refer to the forum of Candle Colours and Meanings.
