Candles Representing Sacred fires of Imbolc

 

Candle Magic has been around since the dawn of time, traced as far back as the Paleolithic era. It is a very powerful form of sympathetic magic.  You have to believe in the power of the candle for it to be effective. Candle magic is usually part of a ritual but can be part of meditation or other exercise. Over the years candles have become part of most rituals, celebrations, magic and ceremonies for all occasions, encompassing everything from the birth of a newborn to passing into the life eternal. Candles can be used for healing, making wishes, increasing/releasing things or anything else you may personally want to use them for. As with all magic, candle magic for negative purposes rebounds threefold on the sender, and so candle rituals should only be carried out if you are in a positive state of mind or with pure intent.

The dancing flames of candles have been used as a Witches’ tool for centuries. By setting the proper atmosphere, candles are used to help increase a spell’s power, or to influence a particular power. Candles absorb one’s personal energy and release this energy when burned Candle color is very important when performing magick, for each color emits a particular vibration and attracts certain influences.  Some candle magic has to be repeated over a period of days. Therefore, you will want to place them in an area that will not be disturbed. Do not choose a place where there is a TV, radio noise or disturbances of any kind. Use common sense and never put candles near curtains, bookcases, or anywhere the candle may cause a fire if knocked over.  If your spell work requires you to keep a candle burning for days at a time, put the candle in the bathtub.  As an extra precaution, you can fill the bottom of the tub with an inch or two of water to keep the glass container cool, and (sometimes) prevent the glass from cracking as the candle burns down to very end.

Like candles, the lantern is also symbolic of light as the vehicle for truth, intelligence, and illumination.  In Hinduism and Buddhism a lamp is a symbol of life.  Lamps serve as a symbol of devotion and embody the spirit of virtue, faith and vigilance — such as lighting a candle in memory, as well as lighting the way through the darkest hour.   In tarot, the lantern is carried by the Hermit, representing wisdom, deliberation, circumspection.