Candle Preparation
You must first choose what purpose you intend to use the candle for, and select the color of candle that is appropriate for your need. (See the Color Magick section below...) Next you need to select the appropriate candle dressing oil according to your need. (See our Oils Page) Candles used in Magick must be cleansed and "dressed" properly before use. Purify the candle using the technique of your choice, then dress the candle as follows:
The candle should be dressed from the center out toward each end. Hold the candle and rub it with the oil for your purpose from the center to the end; then from the center out to the other end. All the time you are anointing the candle, concentrate on the purpose or person the candle represents. If it is the same candle that is being used in a repeat of a ritual (Ex: a ritual that must be done on three Fridays in a row), it must still be anointed for that second or third time, even though it was anointed in a previous rite. Other than repeat rituals (as mentioned earlier), I choose never to reuse a candle, for I believe it can confuse the direction of the energy being channeled. For example, I would use a candle for a spell for peace but I would not reuse it for a healing spell just because I wanted to save a few cents on buying another candle. After use I dispose of candles. Most candles used in many spells are left to burn themselves out, for to snuff it out lessens the power directed. Money Spells are a classic example. Rarely will you find a Money Spell that doesn't call for you to let the candle burn until it goes out on it's own. For this reason I make sure there will be no sudden, unexpected "draft" or cause to blow the candle out. Make sure you have placed the candle in (and on) a location that will allow it to burn unsupervised without danger of it causing a fire. It is wise to think ahead of pets, children, and any other cause that could bring about an accident. I have to add the notation that some disagree with my views on snuffing out spell candles, Scott Cunningham is one. Find the path that works best for you, I know what works for me. ;o)
Make sure to check the Moon phase before working any spell. The waxing, waning, full or void Moon will greatly affect your outcome. See our Moon page for detailed explanations.
Altars:
Many use this method...
Spiritus (God/dess) is signified using white.
North signifies Earth, and green is used.
West signifies water, and blue is used.
South signifies Fire, and red is used.
East signifiies air, and yellow is used.
Corresponding Days:
Monday is ruled by the Moon: white or silver candles
Tuesday is ruled by Mars: red candles
Wednesday is ruled by Mercury: purple or yellow candles
Thursday is ruled by Jupiter: blue candles
Friday is ruled by Venus: green candles
Saturday is ruled by Saturn: black or purple candles
Sunday is ruled by the Sun: yellow or gold candles
Color Magick is Important:
Red: Energy, Strength, Sexual Potency, Physical Desire, Passionate Love, Will Power, Conquer Fear or Laziness, Courage, Health, Sexual Love, Strength, Vigor, Protects against psychic attack.
Green: Abundance, Good Fortune, Generosity, Success, Renewal, Marriage, Balance, Communication with nature spirits, Money, Fertility, Finance, Healing, Luck.
Yellow: Intellect, Imagination, Mind Power, Creativity, Confidence, Gentle Persuasion, Attraction, Charm, Confidence, Concentration, Inspiration, Mental Clarity, Knowledge, Commerce, Medicine, Counseling, Healing, Protection.
Gold: Fortune, Intuition, Understanding, Divination, Fast Luck, Financial Gain, Attracts Higher Influences, Money, Knowledge, Healing, Happiness. Gold, or light, clear yellow, is associated with male deity powers.
Pink: Associated with the Purest form of True Love, Friendship, Affection, Romance, Spiritual Awakening and Healing, Banishing Hatred, Honor, Love, Morality.
Orange: Prosperity, Creativity, Enthusiasm, Success, Stamina and Energy, Mental Agility, Sudden Changes, Adaptability, Attraction, Encouragement, Stimulation. It dissuades laziness, Helps one to gain control, Changes Luck. A very powerful color, be prepared to face major changes if you use it.
White: Purity, Sincerity, Truth, Spirituality, Greater attainments in life, Wholeness, Higher Power, Contacting Spirit Helpers, Balancing Auras, Confusing Enemies, Helping Pregnancy or Birth, Raising Vibrations, Destroying destructuve energy. Whenever in doubt about a candle color, white is a safe choice. It is a highly balanced spiritual hue.
Blue (light): Truth, Inspiration, Wisdom, Protection, Good Health, Patience, Tranquility, Understanding, Happiness, Inner Peace, Fidelity, Harmony, Getting in Contact with Higher Self.
Blue (royal): Happiness, Loyalty, Group Success, Occult Power, Expansion.
Blue (dark): Changeability, Depression, Impulsiveness.
Purple: Success, Idealism, Higher Psychic Ability, Wisdom, Spiritual Protection and Healing, Honor, Spirit Contact, Breaking Bad Luck or Hexes, Driving Evil Away, Divination, Greater Magickal Knowledge, Ambition, Business Progress, Power, Tension, Success in Court Cases, Business Success, Influencing people who hold power over you. Use Purple with caution: it's a very powerful hue and can be difficult to handle.
Violet: Healing, Peace, Spirituality.
Indigo: Meditation, Neutralizing another's magick, Balancing Karma, Stop Gossip, Lies, or Undesirable Competition.
Magenta: Usually used in association with other colors, but if used alone: Making things happen fast, Quick Change,Spiritual Healing, Exorcism.
Silver (Light Grey): Victory, Stability, Mmeditation, Developing Psychic Ability, Removal of Negative Power, Repelling Destruction, Cancellation, Neutrality, Stalemate. Silver is primarily associated with female deities.
Black: Goes two ways: (White) Absorbs and removes anything; Reversing, Uncrossing, Binding negative forces, Protection, Releasing, Breaking Blockages, Unsticks Stagnant Situations. (Dark) Confusion, Discord, Evil, Loss, Create Confusion and Discord Among Enemies. Black is one of the most powerful colors, be careful (or prepared) when using it.
Brown: Can be used to attract money and success, Influence Earth Elementals, Concentration, Balance, ESP, Intuition, Study, Communicate with Nature, Hesitation, Neutrality, Uncertainty.
Greenish-Yellow: Anger, Cowardice, Discord, Jealousy, Sickness.
Astral or Zodiac Colors:
Aries: Red, white, pink
Taurus: Green, pink, red, yellow
Gemini: Yellow, silver, green, red, blue
Cancer: White, green, brown
Leo: Gold, orange, red, green
Virgo: Grey, yellow, gold, black
Libra: Royal blue, light brown, black
Scorpio: Black, red, brown
Sagittarius: Dark blue, purple, gold, red
Capricorn: Red, black, dark brown
Aquarius: Light blue, dark blue, green
Pisces: Aquamarine, royal blue, white, green
Attract Money Candle Spell
You'll need: Your astrological candle, a green candle (material gain), a brown candle (attract money), and a gold candle (financial benefits). In addition you'll need: Oil: Bergamont or cinnamon, Herbs: Nutmeg, mistletoe, or mint, Incense: Cinnamon or honeysuckle, Stones: Agate and garnet, and a small nail.
Timing: Full or waxing moon, Sunday is preferable. Clear your mind and focus your intent.
This spell is not a long term working. It is designed for a specific amount of quick money.
Light your altar candles and the incense. Using the nail, carve three dollar signs into the brown candle. While you are doing this focus on the intent and amount needed. Carve that amount into the brown candle below the dollar signs. Annoint all candles with the oil from wick to end. Sprinkle the herbs upon the candles.
Arrange the candles and stones as shown below, setting your astological candle behind the brown candle:
The agate lies between the yellow and brown candle...the garnet lies between the brown and green candle
Light the candles from left to right. Say the following chant five times, focusing on your intent:
"One, two, three, four
Money knocking on my door
Five, six, seven, eight,
A jingling purse is now my fate!"
Leave the candles to burn out completely. Dispose of the wax afterward. Personally, I like to dispose of the wax at the base of an old Oak tree, and I always add a few herbs "in token" to thank Mother Earth.
More basic spells coming.....
Example of an Advanced Candle Spell: To Accept a Situation
To help accept a situation that has been forced upon us such as: separation, divorce, job loss, severe illness.
Timing: To be started in the waning cycle of the Moon, and done over a period of three consecutive days each week for three weeks (a total of nine times). Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Hour: Mercury. Key Word: "Blend".
Candles: Astral for petitioner; Day candles as appropriate; Offertory: Dark Blue (3) inscribed "Understanding", Light Blue (6) inscribed "Acceptance", White (9) inscribed "Peace".
Incense: Rosemary or Sandalwood.
Oil: Equal parts Carnation, Rosemary, and Sandalwood.
Supplementary Items: Photograph of Petitioner; Placket (green and light blue)
Bath: Equal parts Rose Geranium, Rosemary, and Violet.
Altar Set-Up
Breathe deeply and build your "ball of protective light". While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual, the steps you will take, and the end you have in mind. Enter the Circle in the hour of Mercury on the first Friday and stand, kneel, or sit before the Altar. Light the incense. With the Oil, dress the Altar Candles and the Day Candle, while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Light your taper; then from that, light the Altar Candles and the Day Candle. State your intent. For example: "I am here to help (Petitioner's name) accept my/his/her situation; to blend in once again with those around and to look forward with pleasure to the positive aspects of life."
With the Awl, inscribe the Petitioner's name on the Astral Candle, then dress the candle with Oil, remembering to concentrate on the Petitioner while doing so. Take up the photograph and study it for a few moments, reviewing all you know of the Petitioner, and joining your love and strength with his/hers. If others have sent their love to join with you and the Petitioner, see it all coming together, surrounding the figure in the photograph. Hold the photograph in the smoke of the incense for a moment, concentrating on the Key Word "Blend", then slip the photograph inside the Placket and place it under the Petitioner Candle in the center of the Altar.
With your taper, light the Petitioner Candle and say: "This is (Petitioner's name), who has the strength to overcome all negativity. Let his/her spirit burn as surely as does this flame; a symbol of the inner strength that will prevail in all things."
With the Awl, inscribe all three of the Dark Blue Candles each with the word "Understanding". Dress them with Oil. Light the Dark Blue #1 Candle and say: "Here I do light the first lamp of Understanding. May its light ease the burden placed on shoulders not yet strong."
Take up the Censer and swing it, censing the whole area around the Altar, while rhythmically repeating the Key Word "Blend", and building up the energy to that focus. Replace the Censer and direct your energies toward the Petitioner Candle and say:
"The winds blow across the sands,
Raising the dunes in irregular shapes.
Small and large; wide and narrow.
There seems no rhyme nor reason
To these barriers erected
On the seashore.
Why should this happen?
Why here and not elsewhere?
Why cannot the sands be soft and smooth forever?
But in the fullness of time the waves come.
They sweep across and gently chide the dunes.
They slip in between;
They roll up and over and across.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
The dunes smooth down.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
The dunes blend into the sands around them.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
All becomes one."
See in your mind the Petitioner happy and laughing, at peace with his/her situation; accepting it and concentrating on the positive aspects of life...dwell on this as long as you feel necessary. Then extinguish the candles in reverse order to that in which they were lit. Leave the Altar set up so that you can repeat the ritual Saturday and Sunday.
The following day (Saturday), at the appropriate hour of Mercury, again enter the Circle after your ritual bath, and again lite the Altar Candles. Dress the new Day Candle, light it, and then state your intent: "I am here to help (Petitioner's name) accept my/his/her situation; to blend in once again with those around and to look forward with pleasure to the positive aspects of life." Inscribe, anoint, and light the Petitioner Candle and say: "This is (Petitioner's name), who has the strength to overcome all negativity. Let his/her spirit burn as surely as does this flame; a symbol of the inner strength that will prevail in all things."
Inscribe, anoint, and light the Dark Blue #1 and #2 Candles and say: "Here I do light the first and second lamps of Understanding. May their light ease the burden placed on shoulders not yet strong."
Take up the Censer and swing it, censing the whole area around the Altar, while rhythmically chanting the Key Word "Blend", and building up the energy to that focus. Replace the Censer and direct your energies toward the Petitioner Candle and again say:
"The winds blow across the sands,
Raising the dunes in irregular shapes.
Small and large; wide and narrow.
There seems no rhyme nor reason
To these barriers erected
On the seashore.
Why should this happen?
Why here and not elsewhere?
Why cannot the sands be soft and smooth forever?
But in the fullness of time the waves come.
They sweep across and gently chide the dunes.
They slip in between;
They roll up and over and across.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
The dunes smooth down.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
The dunes blend into the sands around them.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
All becomes one."
Again see in your mind the Petitioner happy and laughing, at peace with his/her situation; accepting it and concentrating on the positive aspects of life...dwell on this as long as you feel necessary. Then extinguish the candles in reverse order to that in which they were lit. Leave the Altar set up so that you can repeat the ritual Sunday.
The following day (Sunday), at the hour of Jupiter, again enter the Circle after your ritual bath, and again lite the Altar Candles, dress the new Day candle, light it and state your intent again. ("I am here to help....") Inscribe, anoint, and light the Petitioner Candle and say: "This is (Petitioner's name), who has the strength to overcome all negativity. Let his/her spirit burn as surely as does this flame; a symbol of the inner strength that will prevail in all things."
Inscribe, anoint, and light the Dark Blue #1, #2, and #3 Candles and say: "Here do I light the first, second, and third lamps of Understanding. May their light ease the burden placed on shoulders not yet strong."
Take up the Censer and swing it, censing the whole area around the Altar, while rhythmically chanting the Key Word "Blend", and building up the energy to that focus. Replace the Censer and direct your energies toward the Petitioner Candle and again say:
"The winds blow across the sands,
Raising the dunes in irregular shapes.
Small and large; wide and narrow.
There seems no rhyme nor reason
To these barriers erected
On the seashore.
Why should this happen?
Why here and not elsewhere?
Why cannot the sands be soft and smooth forever?
But in the fullness of time the waves come.
They sweep across and gently chide the dunes.
They slip in between;
They roll up and over and across.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
The dunes smooth down.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
The dunes blend into the sands around them.
Slowly, imperceptibly,
All becomes one."
Again see in your mind the Petitioner happy and laughing, at peace with his/her situation; accepting it and concentrating on the positive aspects of life...dwell on this as long as you feel necessary. Then extinguish the candles in reverse order to that in which they were lit. Leave the Altar set up so that you can repeat the ritual the following week.
The following week, starting on Friday, repeat the above ritual, but this time, immediately after you have lit the three Dark Blue Candles and stated their purpose, you will take the six Light Blue Candles and inscribe them with the word "Acceptance". Then you will dress them with Oil. Now you will light the Light Blue Candles #1 and #2 saying: "Here I do light the first lamps of acceptance. May their light strengthen the shoulders that have been worn down." Continue as above, with censing, chanting, the poem, and concentration.
The next day (Saturday) repeat the ritual, lighting all the Dark Blue Candles with the words: "Here do I light the lamps of Understanding. May their light ease the burden placed on shoulders not yet strong." Then light the Light Blue Candles #1, #2, #3, and #4 saying: "Here do I light the lamps of Acceptance. May their light strengthen the shoulders that have been worn down."
Continue with the censing, chanting, poem, and concentration as before. The following day (Sunday) you will light all the Dark Blue Candles with the appropriate words, and all the Light Blue Candles with the appropriate words, followed by the censing, chanting, poem, and concentration...then leaving the Altar set up for the third week's ritual.
The third week you will repeat the process, but this time you will inscribe the White Candles with the word "Peace" and anoint them. Then you will repeat the ritual adding the first three White Candles (#1, #2, #3) on Friday, the first six on Saturday, and on Sunday, lighting all the candles in order. For these White Candles you will say: "Here I do light the lamps of Peace. May (Petitioner's name) find that peace in his/her life from now on, accepting what cannot be changed and enjoying all that is positive and good." You will continue each time with the censing, chanting, poem, and concentration before extinguishing all candles. At the end of the final Sunday ritual, you will leave the candles to burn down for at least twenty-four hours. At the end of that time you may either leave them to burn out or you may extinguish them.
More Coming...
Credits:
A Little Book of Candle Magick by D.J. Conway
Advanced Candle Magick by Ray Buckland
