Candle Magic 101: A guide for beginners

Candle magic is perhaps one of the first magic rituals I began to interact with.  Interaction in the sense that I could actively put my mind toward a goal and manifest that goal with an actual tool, in this case a candle.   Magic to me is a way of stimulating the brain while cultivating the soul.  I have read so many books, articles and listened to countless lectures, but there’s nothing like interfacing with what you have learned through first hand experience.

There’s this theory that we use about 10% of our brain to keep up with basic bodily and mundane functions.  But if you think about it, not many of us use this “10%” to full capacity (i.e, shallow breathing, poor digestion, etc).  So what could we potentially achieve if we used our brains to full capacity?  Let’s say we ARE using 10% of our brain…..  What is happening with the dormant 90%?

This is where “Magic” comes in and I use the word magic loosely because magic is a manifestation of self and your surroundings.  At least that’s my personal definition. It’s a very broad concept and can be manifested in all forms of self and nature such as candle magic, herb magic, meditation, art or whatever outlet you recognize that’s within. They’re all forms of energy interacting with you. So it’s hard to try to define what Magic means definitively.

The first rule of thumb is to never do harm.  Your intention should always be to develop yourself and bring positive influences into your life.  Otherwise, you’re feeding into a perpetual destructive cycle. Know yourself and the rest will follow. If you waste your powers on manipulation and negativity you will never find peace.

What Is Candle Magic?

Candles have been used for many purposes including magic for thousands of years.  When as a child you blow your birthday candle, that is a form of magic.  Candles represent illumination and are used  during rituals to represent this purpose.  When you close your eyes to make the birthday wish you access the darkness (your subconscious mind) to speak to the (universe).  The candle acts as a material vessel to your conscious mind, all in unison toward the same purpose on the material plane.

There’s something about a burning candle whether it be for decorative or intentional purposes, that always seems to change the ambiance and environment around you.  Be it the scent, ambient lighting or simple dancing of the flame, a candle certainly evokes a certain feeling.

When burning a candle for magic, your intent plays a pivotal role as to the outcome of your end goal.  Your’re essentially programming the candle to manifest your intent and releasing into the universe as it burns.  Notice when working with candles for magic, you’re evoking also the 4 elements.  The fire ignites and turns the wax to liquid (water) and the smoke (air) transporting your intent for manifestation. The candle itself representing matter/earth.

Here’s some basic guidelines to consider before beginning with candle magic:

• Intention: End result, desire. goal.
• Benefit: What good will your intention bring to you?
• Type of Candle: Learn about the different types of candles and purposes.
• Charging your candle: Programming your candle with your intention
• Dressing Candle: Ingredients such as herbs, oils that enhances your candle for manifestation of intent.
• Ritual: Learn about the different types of ways candles are used in everyday rituals for peace, protection and abundance.
• Belief: Have faith and experience how the universe and your spirit work to manifest your desires into your life.