Candle Magic: A Guide for Ritual
Imagine for a moment a dark space filled with connective potential, filled with magic.
You’ve been preparing for this moment. You’ve set the space. You’ve gotten clear on your intentions, now it’s time to connect with that magic & let the mystery take the lead.
Lifting your candle you pour your heart & soul into invocation, letting the candle become the vessel of your intent. Words spent, you begin to hum to the unseen as you massage oil into the candle and place it on the altar. Around the base of the candle you sprinkle first a bit of salt then some intentionally chosen herbs & flowers.
You feel that subtle “click” as everything comes into alignment just so. Now. Match ignites, dancing shadows circle, the wick lights, fire takes the riegns as you sit back & witness intention taking form.
This is Candle Magic
The many different forms of Candle Magic are timeless traditions that transcend any individual culture. Candle Magic rituals can be used for every kind of purpose you can imagine. It is a simple, effective & accessible way to work with magical energy & one that we love to implement here at Mystic Flora Apothecary.
Part of our mission here is to bring magical practice into safe, accessible forms. With that in mind we offer to you (our community) this short guide on how to work with candles for magical purpose.
Below you will find a 5 step guide to build your own candle magic ritual as well as a peak into the intentionally crafted candles we stock here at Mystic Flora Apothecary.
*If you feel you need more guidance or additional support please reach out to one of our practitioners.*
Step 1: Clarify your intention.
Some candles are created with a specific intention programmed into them.
Intention is critical to any magical working. Without a clear intention our work is likely to be energetically scattered at best & at worst dangerous. So take your time to get very clear.
Here are some guiding questions that may help you clarify your intent if needed:
What are you experiencing right now that is calling you to work with magical energy?
What are you calling toward you right now & how would you like the unseen to support?
What are you seeking to clear out of your life & what kind of support do you need from the unseen?
*Disclaimer* we do NOT recommend sending bad vibes towards anyone or seeking to manipulate the agency of anyone when working with magical energy in general. Remember - almost everything a curse can achieve a well placed blessing can do even better.
Step 2: Choose your candle.
Candles come in different sizes, shapes & colors that can fit different rituals.
Once you have an intention set the candle is very likely to show itself to you with ease. That said, here are some questions that can help you choose when one doesn’t jump straight into your hands.
What color best fits your intention?
Black - protection, banishing, connecting to the unknown, etc.
White - neutral, spirit connection, cleansing, etc.
Yellow - joy, happiness, positive thinking, etc.
Pink - self love, love, attraction, tenderness, etc.
Purple - psychic connection, creativity, astral connection, etc.
Orange - luck, prosperity, energy boost, will power, legal affairs, etc.
Green - financial abundance, earthly abundance, heart expansion, healing, etc.
Is there a particular shape that best fits your intention?
From skulls & busts to yoni or lingam there are candles that have been molded to fit a wide array of specific purposes that may fit your intent. That said, simple is potent too.
How long do you want the candle to burn?
Depending on the ritual you may want to sit with your candle for its whole burn time. If this is the case make sure you choose one that burns at a rate that fits your ability to tend it!
*Disclaimer: we do not recommend leaving a lit candle unattended*
Find the candle that best fits your specific intention.
Step 3: Anoint your candle.
Anointing (also known as dressing) the candle helps to fully bond your energy & intention with your chosen candle. Here’s some quick tips:
Rub oil into the candle (essential oils, olive oil, whatever feels resonant to you).
Choose herbs to either bind to your candle or spread around it.
Choose a salt to support the appropriate containment of your work.
Every herb has their own frequency that can enhance & support your candle magic.
Step 4: Set your space.
Space setting is key to any magical working. Set the vibe to fit the intention you’ve set. Remember that magic needs your focus & reverence. Do what you can to create a ritual environment that allows you to feel present & in tune with the sacred unseen.
Music can be an incredibly valuable part of setting space, Ayla Rose took the time to create a Spotify Playlist specifically for Candle Magic that you are welcome to use!
Step 5: Be with the ritual.
The first 4 steps were the work. Now it’s time to speak your intention. Light your candle & bear witness to the fruits of your labor. Your main work at this stage is to be as present as you can with the fire & the felt sense of the unseen working with you.
Intention & space set, candle chosen & anointed, it’s time for the ritual.