Candles have long been used in Spells and Rituals, perhaps a deep yearning in a Witches' heart for the times of Old when magick was truly sacred, and the gentle glow from candlelight added to the mystical aura that surrounded the Way of the Witch. The scent of a burning candle, and the heat of the flame, seems to touch the Soul of a Witch- and the spark of heat at the tip of a candle remains a focus when casting a Spell.
Candles may be made or bought- but I always cleanse, annoint and empower a candle before it is used. Never, never, make use of a candle that has already been lit when Spellcasting. The candle becomes a tool, a focus for energies, when used in Casting; and it should be 'virginal'. No reminiscent energy should be lingering, nothing to interfere with the Spell, intent and wishes you are about to create.
To cleanse the candle:
Hold it both of your hands, and visualise a white purifying light surrounding the candle. See this light as a cleanser, an energy to protect the candle, and as a source that is overpowering any other taint that may be present. At this time, if you wish to call upon the Goddess, do so. Ask her (in your own words) to cast out all impurities within the candle, and to lend her own energy and magick into the candle. Place the candle upon your Altar, and lay your hands over it. See the light building around the candle. The aura is bright and cleansing, soaking up all impurities within the candle. Gather the light in your hands and hold it to your face. Like blowing out a candle flame, blow the orb away...visualise it being snuffed out to nothing like the flame on a candle.
To Annoint the Candle:
In annointing a candle, I simply choose an oil or essence with a scent that I feel comfortable with. Many choose Sandalwood or Cedarwood, I prefer to use a scent that I feel holds a comforting feeling personally to me. The scent you choose may depend on the Spell you will eventually use the candle for. I rub the scent into my hands and hold the candle in the middle. I stroke the candle from middle to bottom then middle to top, smoothing the scent over the candle. All the time, I have the intent in my heart that this candle will work well, and that it shall be used for good and wondrous spellcasting. Do not use a great amount of oil- just a drop or two will suffice.
Empowering:
To empower the candle, hold it in the hand that you do not write with (right handed people hold the candle in their left hand, and vice versa). If you are ambidextrous, use your left hand. See energy flowing down your arm, through your hand and into the candle. Know that this energy your are putting into the candle will be used for good intent- it is empowering the candle, infusing it with your good will and energy.
These three (Cleansing, Annointing, Empowering) may be used on any tool that you have. Depending on your own personal beliefs and feelings, choose the words (if any)...and say them from the heart, with good intent. |
