Magic candles have become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for manifestation, ritual, and spiritual work. Often made with specific herbs, oils, and intentions, magic candles are used to focus energy on a desired goal or outcome. From attracting love and prosperity to banishing negative energies and protecting spaces, magic candles can be incorporated into a variety of magical practices. In this article, we’ll explore what magic candles are, their origins and history, how they work, and how to use them effectively.
What Are Magic Candles?
Magic candles, also known as dressed candles or fixed candles, are candles that have been prepared with special oils, herbs, powders, and other ingredients to align with a specific magical purpose. The materials added to the candles are chosen for their traditional magical properties and symbolic meanings. For example, a magic candle for prosperity may contain oils like cinnamon and clove, herbs like mint and basil, and crystals like citrine or pyrite. These ingredients are combined with intention and ritual to charge the candle with magical energy.
Unlike regular candles, magic candles are not simply lit for ambiance or lighting. They are lit with deliberate focus and visualization on a desired outcome. The act of lighting and burning the candle releases the magical energies and serves as a form of spellwork. Magic candles may be carved with symbols, dressed with oils, inscribed with wishes, or burned in tandem with prayers and affirmations to manifest the magician’s will.
Origins and History
The use of candles for ritual and magical purposes dates back thousands of years across many cultures and traditions. Some key origins and historical uses of magic candles include:
– Ancient Egypt – Candles were used in rituals honoring Egyptian gods and goddesses. Specific colored candles were burned to align with different deities.
– Ancient Greece – Candles were common offerings left at temples and shrines of the Greek pantheon. Candles were also used in necromancy rites.
– Ancient Rome – Candles were burned during festivals and rituals celebrating Roman gods. Stuffed candles were used in rituals asking for blessings.
– Hoodoo – This African American folk magic tradition uses dressed candles of specific colors aligned with intent – green for money, red for love, black for harm.
– Santería – Colored candles play an important role in rituals and magic work in this Caribbean tradition, with each color corresponding to different forces.
– Wicca/Paganism – Magic candles are used for spells, rituals, and seasonal celebrations. Colors, herbs, and carvings align with magical goals.
– Jewish Mysticism – In kabbalah and other mystical Jewish traditions, candles are used to represent the Light of Creation.
– Hinduism – Ghee candles are burned in rituals for gods and to clear negative energy.
So while the advent of electric lighting has diminished the practical need for candles, their magical symbolism and ritual purpose remains strong across cultures.
How Do Magic Candles Work?
There are a few key factors that make magic candles effective tools:
**Focused Intention**
As with any magical working, focused intention and visualization are key. The act of dressing and preparing the candle with deliberate magical intention begins to charge it. As you light the candle and state your goal, envision the magic unfolding.
**Symbolism**
The herbs, oils, colors, shapes, and carvings of the candles carry symbolism and meaning that aligns with your magical goal. This symbolism helps translate your desires into physical form.
**Energy Raising**
The actual burning of the candle raises energy which is released into the cosmos. The flame sends your intentions out into the universe. The candle also serves as a focal point for your energy and attention as you do the magical work.
**Correspondences**
The materials used in magic candles correspond with specific magical goals based on ancient wisdom, cultural traditions, mystical meanings, and natural magical properties. These layered correspondences add power.
**Petition Offering**
In some traditions, magic candles are seen as offerings or petitions to deities or spirits. By preparing the candle with care and burning it respectfully, it shows the seriousness of your petition.
By bringing together focus, symbolism, energy raising, correspondences, and petition, magic candles create a ritual container to facilitate your desired results.
| Candle Color | Meaning/Use |
|---|---|
| Red | Love, passion, romance |
| Pink | Affection, kindness, self-love |
| Orange | Energy, motivation, success |
| Yellow | Happiness, optimism, prosperity |
| Green | Growth, finances, fertility |
| Blue | Peace, harmony, healing |
| Purple | Spirituality, wisdom, intuition |
| Black | Banishing, protection, reversal |
| White | Purity, cleansing, blessings |
| Gold | Success, wealth, fortune |
| Silver | Creativity, inspiration, dreams |
How to Use Magic Candles
Here are some tips for working with magic candles:
– **Choose your materials intentionally** – Select colors, herbs, oils, shapes, symbols, etc. that align with your goal. Refer to magical correspondences.
– **Cleanse and charge the candle** – Before dressing, cleanse the candle with smoke or sound to clear any energies. Empower it by visualizing your intention.
– **Dress the candle** – Rub oils, roll in herbs, carve symbols that represent your goal. Use oil to affix herbs or powders.
– **Set up sacred space** – Create an altar with magical items, cast a circle if desired. Sacred space helps focus the power.
– **Light the candle** – As you light the wick, clearly state your intention out loud. Visualize the goal manifesting.
– **Focus your energy** – Keep your mind focused on the goal as the candle burns. Meditate near the flame. Chant affirmations.
– **Let the candle burn out** – Allow the candle to completely burn down to release the magic. Snuffing it early can disrupt the work.
– **Dispose remains respectfully** – Bury or throw candle remains in running water. Reuse glass jars for spells.
With some basic how-to knowledge, you can easily incorporate magic candles into rituals, spells, or daily spiritual practice. Let the flickering flames help manifest your heart’s desires!
Types of Magic Candles
There are many different types and forms of magic candles. Some of the most common include:
– **Pillar Candles** – Tall, cylindrical candles that burn slowly over time. Good for long-term goals.
– **Taper Candles** – Tall, thin candles often used in pairs. Represent two energies coming together.
– **Jar or Container Candles** – Wax cylinders encased in a glass jar. The glass amplifies the energy. Popular in traditions like hoodoo.
– **Votive Candles** – Small candles in flat glass containers. Good for portable spells and short-term goals.
– **Figural Candles** – Shaped like objects, animals, deities, etc. Can represent people or symbolic imagery.
– **Carved Candles** – Candles engraved with words, symbols, or designs to align with a goal. Helps focus intentions.
– **Dressed Candles** – Candles rubbed with oils and rolled in herbs or powder to add layers of symbolism.
– **Double Action Candles** – Have two colors of wax to represent dual energies coming together, like love and marriage.
– **Reversible Candles** – Can be burned from either direction for different types of magic work.
– **Mojo Candles** – Glass encased candles with magical oils and herbs inside the wax. Used in traditions like hoodoo.
The options are truly endless when it comes to the shapes, forms, colors and additives that can be used in magic candle work. Get creative and let the candles reflect your unique intentions.
Magic Candle Uses and Intentions
Magic candles can be used for just about any intention, desire or magical goal. Here are some of the most common uses:
– **Love magic** – Attract romantic love, deepen a partnership, resolve conflicts, heal a broken heart
– **Money magic** – Increase prosperity, get a job, improve financial luck, win contests and games of chance
– **Protection magic** – Protect home and spaces, create psychic shields, break curses and hexes, banish negative energy
– **Healing magic** – Improve health, speed recovery, alleviate pain and suffering, send healing energy
– **Banishing magic** – Get rid of bad habits, addictions, negative behaviors, toxic people
– **Success magic** – Help with career, business, education, achieving goals, passing tests
– **Divination** – Gain insight and answers through candle scrying by gazing into the flame
– **Manifestation** – Translate thoughts, intentions and desires into physical form
– **Prayer** – Candles can represent prayers, petitions, offerings to deities and spirit guides
– **Ritual** – Candles are commonly used to honor seasons, rites of passage, milestones and ceremonies
– **Spellwork** – Candles are a basic component of many spells to amplify magical workings
Magic Candle Color Meanings
Candle color is a key choice in magic candles. While meanings can vary slightly across different traditions, here are some commonly accepted associations:
Red – Love, passion, romance, courage, strength
Pink – Affection, kindness, self-love, femininity, friendship
Orange – Energy, stimulation, motivation, success, prosperity
Yellow – Happiness, optimism, intellect, creativity, confidence
Green – Growth, finances, fertility, abundance, luck
Blue – Peace, harmony, healing, calmness, patience
Purple – Spirituality, wisdom, ambition, power, psychic ability
Black – Banishing, protection, reversing, absorbing energy
White – Purity, cleansing, blessings, healing, truth
Brown – Earthiness, stability, animals, pets, nature
Silver – Intuition, dreams, psychic abilities, feminine energy
Gold – Success, wealth, fortune, prosperity, masculine energy
Use color symbolism to choose the right candles for your intentions. You can also combine colors – like pink and green for attracting new love and growing a romance.
Making Your Own Magic Candles
You don’t need to rely on pre-made magic candles. With some basic supplies, you can easily create your own dressed and fixed candles. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Plain candles in colors aligned to your goal
– Carrier oil like olive, jojoba or grapeseed
– Essential oils connected to your intention
– Dried herbs and flowers with magical properties
– Mortar and pestle for grinding herbs
– Symbols, carving tools, labels, stickers or rubber stamps
– Jar or container to hold the candle (optional)
Here’s a simple process for making your own dressed candle:
1. Choose your candle color and carve any symbols or words aligned to your goal
2. Place herbs in mortar and grind into a powder with pestle
3. Add a few drops of essential oils and carrier oil to powder and mix
4. Rub oil mixture onto the candle, coating evenly from the bottom up
5. Roll coated candle in herb powder to adhere – repeat layers as needed
6. Place the candle in a fire-safe container if desired
7. As you light the candle, visualize your goal and say an affirmation
Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative with designs, ingredients, shapes and textures when making your own magic candles. The process is very intuitive.
Magic Candle Safety
When working with open flames, there are some basic safety tips to keep in mind:
– Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid big flames
– Use fire-safe containers that can withstand heat like cast iron or ceramic
– Place candle on a non-flammable surface like a ceramic plate or tile
– Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains and books
– Don’t leave burning candles unattended
– Allow candles to fully pool before each lighting to avoid tunneling
– Extinguish candles when they get to within two inches of holder or container
– Don’t let children or pets near unattended candles
– Don’t move candles once they are lit as hot wax can splash
– Don’t burn candles for more than 4 hours at once
With some common sense precautions, you can safely harness the magical power of candles. Listen to your intuition if any candle burning ever doesn’t feel right or safe.
Conclusion
Magic candles are powerful and versatile tools for focused intention and magical work. With a long history across many spiritual traditions, magic candles use herbs, oils, colors and symbols to help manifest the practitioner’s goals and desires. By choosing ingredients aligned to your purpose, dressing and preparing candles with deliberate focus, and mindfully burning the candles, the flickering flames become potent ritual containers for your wishes. Experiment with different types of candles and incorporate them into your own magical practice for powerful results. Just remember to practice fire safety – magic works best when your house doesn’t burn down!
