Candle Magic: How to get started

Candle Magic: A Simple Yet Powerful Practice

Candle magic is an accessible and potent form of spellwork that anyone can engage in. Growing up in a Jewish home, I experienced the magic of candles firsthand through Shabbat and Havdalah rituals—lighting the Shabbos candles each Friday night and extinguishing the Havdalah candle on Saturday evening. These practices opened a portal into a different universe, where mysticism, family, and shared meals created a sacred space. The act of blowing out birthday candles to make a wish is another familiar tradition that hints at the belief in magic that many of us carry, even as adults.

Why Candle Magic?

Working with candle magic allows you to infuse your spells with intention and focus, acting as a powerful ally in your magical practice. Candles can be used for countless purposes, from manifesting desires to releasing unwanted energies. Always remember to include only yourself in the spell unless you have explicit permission to involve others. It’s essential to define your intention clearly and ensure it supports the highest good of all beings involved. There are many ways to practice candle magic, and at Ace of Cups, we teach classes to explore the rich traditions of working with fire in spell casting and manifestation. However, the best way to learn is to dive right in! Here are some tips to get you started:

Getting Started with Candle Magic

1. Choose the Right Candle

Selecting the right candle is the first step in your spell. The color, shape, and type of candle can all influence the spell’s outcome. Consider what you wish to achieve and choose a candle that aligns with your goal:

• Color Associations:
  • Orange: Creativity, joy, and ambition.
  • Green: Health, prosperity, and abundance.
  • Blue: Peace, healing, and communication.
  • Red: Passion, courage, and strength.
  • White: Purity, protection, and new beginnings.
• Candle Types:
  • Chime Candles or Tea Lights: Ideal for short-term spells or meditation sessions.
  • 7-Day Candles: Great for ongoing intentions and spells requiring sustained focus.
  • Specialty Shapes: Consider candles shaped like animals, symbols, or objects related to your intention (e.g., a dog-shaped candle for pet spells).
  • Wax Types: Choose natural beeswax for its purifying properties, or soy wax for an eco-friendly option.

2. Choose an Appropriate Size

The size of the candle will determine how long your spell will last. Larger candles, like 7-day candles, are excellent for long-term spells, while smaller chime candles are perfect for quick intentions or ritual preparation. Remember, magic takes time, so allow your spells the space to unfold naturally.

3. Dress the Candle

Dressing the candle involves adding herbs, oils, or other ingredients that amplify the power of your spell. Select items that resonate with your intention:

• Herbs and Oils:
  • For Prosperity: Basil, mint, or cinnamon (to speed up spells cautiously).
  • For Protection: Rosemary, sage, or mugwort.
  • For Love and Harmony: Rose petals, lavender, or ylang-ylang oil.
  • Havdalah Herbs: Traditional herbs like myrtle, sage, and spices used in Havdalah rituals can also be incorporated for grounding and transition.
• Tools: Use a special tool to carve symbols, words, or sigils into the wax. I personally use an old knife passed down from my father, but a simple safety pin works just as well.

4. Create Your Altar

Place your candle on a safe, non-flammable surface, like a metal plate. Build a small altar around the candle with items that represent your intention—crystals, written affirmations, photos, or any symbolic objects that resonate with your goal. While some prefer to keep candle magic out of the bedroom, you should always follow your intuition about the right space.

5. Set Your Intention

Write your intention on a piece of paper, bay leaf, or any natural material, and place it under the candle. You can write full sentences, abbreviate your intention, or create a sigil from the first letters of your desired outcome.

6. Purify the Candle

Before lighting, purify your candle with smoke from herbs like sage, lavender, or mugwort, or use sacred waters. This step clears away any lingering energies and prepares the candle for your specific intention.

7. Light the Candle

Lighting the candle is the final step in activating your spell. Focus on your intention as the flame burns, visualizing your desired outcome with clarity and conviction. Timing can also play a significant role—consider aligning your spell with the moon cycles:

• New Moon: For beginnings and new opportunities.
• Full Moon: To amplify power and bring things to light.
• Waning Moon: To release and let go of what no longer serves you.

8. Maintain Your Spellwork

Continue to nurture your spell until the candle burns out. Restate your intention daily, burn additional herbs, or adjust the items on your altar as needed. If it’s not safe to let the candle burn continuously, snuff it out (do not blow it out) by placing a plate over the flame to preserve your spell’s integrity.

9. Reflect and Dispose of the Remains

Once your candle has burned completely, examine the leftover wax or glass for shapes, patterns, or signs. These can offer insights or affirmations about your spell. Dispose of the remains thoughtfully—recycle the glass, use it creatively, or find a symbolic way to release it.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the true magic lies within you, not the candle. Candle magic is a tool to help focus your energy and intention. While it is a powerful practice, it should always be approached with respect and mindfulness. Use caution, as you are working with fire. Blessed be, and may your spells be guided by wisdom and light.

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