The Magick of the Flame…
Capricorn Zodiac Candle from Luna London
Words by Holly Westwood
Whether it be Catholicism, Buddhism or Wicca, the candle is one of the few crossover elements to play a pivotal role in all forms of spirituality. When it comes to the physical and spiritual worlds, fire is steeped in symbolism. It consumes, warms, and illuminates but equally is a symbol for danger, destruction and pain and lest we forget, it is the ultimate symbol of hell. In a sense, fire is the only element that can be qualified as manmade, making it a natural bridge between the human and spirit realms. During any ritual practice, the kindling and/or putting out of fire can be linked to birth and death, only the flame itself is eternal.
Fire can kill but it can also cleanse. As a source of purification, it takes away what is old in order to make room for what is new. A forest fire for example, is natures most natural form of a new beginning. Wildfire (that is naturally occurring) is looked down upon by society as a force for destruction and desiccation but from an ecological perspective, the dead undergrowth is burnt away and clears space for new plants to go; it is an embodiment of death and resurrection.
A candle is the ultimate symbol when it comes to incorporating the elements into any ritual. Breaking it down, the flame is fire, air feeds the flame to keep it burning, wax is solid to represent the earth, but melt it and it turns to liquid representing water. When used in a ritual, think of the flickering flame of a candle as the soul. The spirit is represented when we focus our intention into the candle and infuse it with our energy.
Candles have been used in spells and rituals from the beginning of these spiritual traditions. It is said that candle magic is the one of the oldest forms of magic. Ever since the first humans discovered fire and learned how to use it, we have been in awe of its power. Archaeologists have found evidence that Ancient Egypt was the first society to create candles by dipping reeds in animal fat, before this innovation people burned oil in lamps. Also originating from Egypt, candle holders dating to the 4th Century B.C.E. were uncovered during archaeological exploration. A little further on, the Romans are generally thought to have ‘invented’ the candle as we now know it. By dipping papyrus in melted beeswax and using them to light their homes, Romans aided travellers after sun down and for used these rudimentary candles in religious ceremonies. Jumping ahead to 165 B.C.E Hanukkah or the Jewish Festival of Lights of course cemented the candle’s place of eminence in spirituality. Though crude, these first candles paved the way for longer burning times by adding wooden fibres in the form of a wick, from this revolutionary addition they could be used in ritualistic practice.
When choosing a candle for ritual practice, there are many things to consider. Something as simple as colour has an impact on your goal and what your ritual can achieve. As a rough guide:
Red: love, passion, lust, but also courage and health
Pink: sweet, innocent love, friendship, kindness, compassion
Orange: encouragement, enthusiasm, attraction
Gold: money, financial gains, business but also a connection to the sun and stars
Yellow: persuasion, protection, security
Green: abundance, fertility, prosperity
Light blue: patience, understanding, well-being
Dark blue: depression, desolation, vulnerability
Purple: royalty, ambition, power, strength
Brown: earth, grounding, animals
Black: abysmal, banishment, negativity
White: purity, truth, the immaculate
When lit, candles are always absorbing energy. They absorb the energy of the last place they were burning, so if you were enjoying a candlelit bath and go to use the same candle in a ritual or magick practice, you may find the energy diluted. For this reason, it’s always best to use a new candle for each use so that you do not mix energies of differing purpose. The size of the candle does not hold importance, so experiment as much as you would like. At the end of any ritual, remember to use a snuffer or wet fingers to pinch the flame. You do not want to blow away the power you have been manifesting.
More and more, candles have also evolved into a sensual experience, a way to soothe our senses, spark romance, reconnect with our roots and signify a desire for a quieter and more meaningful way of life. Selecting the perfect candle for you can seem like a challenge with all the choice available. This month we have partnered with Luna London to make the decision that much easier for you.
We’re in love with Luna London’s Zodiac Collection, which you can partner for each Full and New Moon. This is the Capricorn candle perfect for tonight’s Full Moon. Enjoy an uplifting, fresh, and fruity blend with notes of blackberry leaves and blackcurrant buds, followed by a floral heart of rose, geranium, Muguet and bay. Rich notes of musks and sandalwood create a balanced and beautifully refreshing scent.
Our readers will receive an exclusive 20% discount on any Luna London purchase, simply enter the code templeandthemoon at checkout. Head to their website now and make your selection and get your next intention ritual underway.
The Magick Awaits…