Candles for Spiritual, Spellwork & Light
Candles & Candle Holders
About Candles
Candles have a unique place in our society today, and are also an incredible
link with our past. Unlike anything else, candles convey messages of romance,
warmth, spirituality, secret wishes, and brightness- all within the simple
construct of wax & wick! As a source of light and illumination, they are
beautiful and romantic; as a tool for prayer, meditation and magick, they are
mesmerizing and powerful.
The power of the Flame is neither male or female, but all and everything.
The flame represents and links with the source of our creation. It speaks to
the soul spark- that is above & below- within and without- that which links
us all together. Burning candles are complete in themselves representing Earth,
Air, Fire, & Water. You represent Spirit and will- completing the
circle.
From Earth, Air, Fire & Water by Scott Cunningham. "Indeed, the changes
that occur when fire is touched to wick are extraordinary. The candle itself,
unlit, represents the element of Earth. When touched with Fire the candle
melts, producing liquid wax (representing the element of Water) and the smoke
(the element of Air). This seemingly miraculous process is another reason why
candles are an accepted part of folk magick."
Candles have existed for nearly as long as humans have mastered fire. Before
the affordability of candles, oil lamps and lanterns were used to light homes,
markets, temples, and shrines. Instead of today's neat taper or pillar made
from petroleum wax, candles consisted of a shallow clay or wood vessels filled
with wax or crude oil from animal fats and other natural resources.
During the ages when candles were much in use, they were regarded as
precious, for the making of a candle took considerable effort and resources. In
early times, during the yearly slaughter, all the animal fat or tallow was
collected and boiled down to make the years worth of candles & oil. These
candles were used judiciously as there was no extra tallow during the winter
months to make more candles. Early Asian candles were made with wax from
insects and plants- a more exact process that didn't make as much smoke when
burned. As the techniques for making candles progressed, they became more
refined. Settlers in New England used the technique of boiling and skimming
over one and a half quarts of bayberries to obtain enough wax to make an 8-inch
taper. When Electricity became the mode of light, candles became less
important. They were used for vigils, celebrations and to represent milestones
in life.
The shapes and colors, versatility, and quality of light of modern candles
make them perfect companions for spiritual work.
