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www.7gatesofhealing.com
Elizabeth Rowan Roberts
Candle Magic
Candles are a wonderful tool for magic, and can be a good
introduction to spells for newcomers to the Craft. Candle
spells are straightforward to perform, require no experience
to achieve results, make concentration on your ritual intent
easy, and use readily available materials. The candles used may
be regular, 6-12 inch long, paraffin tapers of the sort
you might use on your dining table. These may be
purchased at your local greeting card shop or discount
store. You may also use glass jar candles available from the
grocery store for longer rituals. They will burn for seven
days. (see illustration below)
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If you like do it yourself projects you can make your own
candles. There
are directions below for making your
own herb infused candles for healing
or other spells. Another alternative is to make your own candles
using
beeswax sheets. These are available
from craft stores or on the web from
The Barker Company in Seattle, Washington. These are the
simplest
candles to make (see illustration
below). You will need the beeswax
sheets in the appropriate color(s), and
wicking.
The candles should be purchased or made in the colors
appropriate to the spell you want to use. You need to use new
candles for each ritual, they cannot be
reused. The candle is charged for a particular magical intent
for the ritual and
retains this charge which can only be removed by burning the
candle completely.
It hardly need be said these days since you will not find any
candles made from animal fat, but they cannot be used in candle
magic. No tallow candles, they
should be parafin or beeswax. The candles should also not be
broken, a broken
candle will not store and release the energy you place into it
correctly. If there
are any broken candles in the box save them for candlelit
dinners.
In addition to the candles, you will need a number of individual
candle holders
which can be inexpensive glass or metal holders that each hold a
single taper.
They need to be able to be moved individually on the altar. Some
spells require
that the candles touch so try to find small holders that will
allow this. The
number you will need depends upon the number of candles used for
the spell you choose. I recommend getting the smallest, plainest
holders you can find
inexpensively. If you have a 99 cent store in your area they
usually have
something appropriate.
There is some small controversy as to whether you should light
your candles with a match. Some say that the sulfur in the match is
associated with "negativity"
and will contaminate the candle. This is not true, sulfur is
used in protective
magic both by ceremonial magicians and by witches. It is used to
drive away
negativity. A chunk of sulfur may be placed on the altar during
protective rituals and some add a small amount to exorcism or
protection incenses. It is associated
with the sun, and the element fire. If you feel strongly about
it despite this, you
may use a taper or a punk to light your candles instead,
lighting the taper or
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punk from the altar candles. In case you don't know, a punk
stick is a blank
incense stick with no scent added. They are used by insulation
contractors to look for air leaks in homes and by those who test
smoke detectors. If you can't
find them in your area you may use a lightly scented incense
stick.
You will also need some oil, either apricot kernal, olive, or
almond from the
grocery store to anoint the candles before use. See the bit
below about anointing the candles for directions. If you already
have an altar you can conduct the spell
there, if not you will need to locate a flat surface large
enough to hold the
number of candles specified in the spell. A dressing table,
dresser, diningroom
table or other piece of furniture will do. Now just choose one
of the following spells to perform for the goal you desire, and
follow the directions for preparing
and setting up the spell.
Anointing the Candles
Candles are anointed with oil prior to magical use. The oil used
may be a plain
vegetable oil; almond, apricot kernal or olive are recommended.
You may wish to
create a scented magical oil for anointing candles. Here are
several recipes for
appropriate blends: Anointing Oil
To a base of 2 ozs of
almond oil add 5 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil,
3 drops Frankincense
Essential Oil, and 1 drop
of Orange Oil.
Candle Anointing Oil
To a base of 2 ozs of
almond or apricot kernal
oil add 1 teaspoon of powdered Frankincense
Resin, and 1 teaspoon of
powdered Myrrh Resin.
Shake thoroughly and allow to steep for one
week prior to use.
Cinnamon Anointing Oil
To a base of 2 ozs of almond oil add 5 drops Cinnamon Essential
Oil, and 3
drops of Frankincense Essential Oil. When you begin to anoint
the candle speak the following words:
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As you are anointing the candle meditate upon the purpose for
which it will be
used. Visualise the outcome you seek happening and how it will
be. You are
infusing the candle with the proper energies to manifest your
intent by doing this.
General Instructions for Candle Rituals
After you have chosen a spell from those below you will need to
gather the
required number of candles in the appropriate color(s) with
holders to go along
with them. The spell will state on which day it should be
performed. For the
strongest planetary influences the spell should be performed at
one of the
following times on that day: 12 midnight, 7 am, 2 pm, or 9 pm.
These are the hours ruled by the ruler of the day. If one of these
times is not convienent simply
do the spell on the day noted, regardless of the hour.
After you anoint the candles place them on the altar in their
holders in the
arrangement indicated in the spell. A diagram will be provided
to show how the altar should be set. Place a copy of the words of
the spell on the altar as well, so
you can read them. You may want to have a photo or other item to
represent the
person the spell is for if you are performing it for another, or
it involves another
person.
Try to assure that you will not be interrupted during the the
time it takes to do
the spell, allow about half an hour, let the machine get the
phone for example.
Once begun it is best to complete the spell in one block if it
is a one day spell,
don't stop in the middle. Some spells require that they be
performed over a series of days, it is generally best to use the
same time for the successive days
that you used for the first. If necessary to more clearly state
your desire the
words accompaning the spell may be altered and personalized. Try
to fully state
what you want as clearly and simply as possible.
As the spell is being performed there may be occasions where one
of the candles goes out on it's own, without the wind. If this
happens, do not relight it. One of
two things may be assumed to have happened, either the required
amount of
energy had already been released and the spell is complete for
now, or there was
something wrong with the way the spell was going and it will
need to be redone. Simply complete the ritual for that night and
continue it on the next day in the
series. If it happens on the last day, simply allow the other
candles to burn down
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as usual and complete the spell at the point where the candle
went out.
It is also possible that the candle flame may jump or crackle
during a spell. If you are summoning entities, the flame may grow
to as much as six inches in
height when they manifest, or make a crackling, popping sound.
In regular
candle spells a crackling, jumping flame generally implies that
alot of energy is
being generated due to high emotions or the effects of the
spell. It is generally a good sign that the magic is working. Note
which candle in the altar setup is
crackling and go on with the ritual.
A particularly strong flame means that power is being generated
toward
manifesting your intent. If a candle used to represent a person
is particularly stong it can imply their dominance in the
situation, their higher energy level,
they are winning the situation, or anger and strong emotions on
their part. A
particularly weak flame shows that there is strong opposition to
the
manifestation of your intent and the spell may need to be
repeated. If a persons candle is weak it may mean that they are in
a submissive position in the
situation, that they are losing, they have a lower energy level,
or that they are in
a weaker emotional position.
After the spell is complete, if the spell is to be continued,
leave everything in
place for the next day. Pinch out or snuff the candles rather
than blowing them out. Some feel that blowing out the candle is
dismissive of the fire elemental in
the flame. If it is a one day spell, or the last day of a
multi-day spell you should
allow the candles to burn out by themselves. Candles cannot be
reused for
another spell, and burning them completely releases all of the
magical energies stored in them to the cosmos so that it can set
the vibrations in motion to
acomplish your goal.
The Spells
Healing Candle Spell
This spell is done on Friday and repeats seven times. You will
need a candle to
represent the person the spell is being done for, this is called
the petitioner
candle. The petitioner may be yourself or someone else. This
should be one of the colors that represent their Astrological sign,
see for a table giving the colors.
In addition, you will need two white altar candles, one red
candle, two blue
candles and one orange candle. If you use the homemade candles
below, you
may substitute the color candle specific to the disease
indicated for the blue
candles. You will also need a good healing incense, see for
recipes for healing incense. The altar setup is as indicated
below.
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Cast a circle if desired, this ritual does not strictly require
one. Light altar
candles and incense. Light the petitioners candle, as you do so
visualize the
petitioner. Say aloud: "Here is (persons name) fit and healthy.
Radiant with the glow of health by the blessings of the Goddess and
God, who bestow balance
and wellness."
Light the orange candle while saying: "Let this light be a
beacon for attracting
all that is good and benificent to (persons name) to serve and
help him/her/me by the power of the Goddess and God." Light the red
candle, visualizing
strength while saying:
"Let this light be strength for his/her/my body to use and to
and serve
them/me by the power of the Goddess and God." Light the two blue
candles visualizing health and physical well being while saying:
"Let these lights be
healing and health, covering (persons name) with healing blue
light by the
power of the Goddess and God. To cleanse him/her/me of all
injury and illness
and restore him/her/me to perfect health."
Sit for a few minutes focusing on the blue light of healing
surrounding the
petitioner. When you have this visualized begin the incantation:
"May the
Goddess and the God grant (persons name) strength, balance and
well being
that they/I may be strong and whole in body and mind. May all
illness be cast
from him/her/me and be replaced with the blue healing light
which fills them/me with vitality and glowing good health. So mote
it be!" Visualize the
petitioner clearly in perfect health with no illness or injury
to mar their physical
well being. Meditate on this for about 15 minutes, then snuff
out the candles.
Leave the altar set up if possible, and repeat on each
successive Friday for seven Fridays. (Note: If you would like, you
may want to make your own
healing candles to use in this ritual, see below.)
Homemade Healing Candles
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If you would like to add the additional power of healing herbs
to your healing ritual you may want to make some of these healing
candles to use. They are
quite easy to make and require only the minimum in materials and
not previous
candlemaking experience. They should be made on Sunday or on
another day
in the hour of the sun. They may be colored orange, the sun's
color, or blue, the color of healing, or you may wish to choose a
color correspondence
specifically for the disease you wish to heal. There is a chart
below which gives
these correspondences. These candles have herbs added to the
wax. Choose
the herb to put into your candles based upon the nature of the
illness or injury you wish to heal in the chart below. Please note,
the plants indicated are not to
be taken internally for the disease in question, they are to be
put in the
candles. They are not necessarily effective as medication only
as a
correspondence. Also, a healing ritual adds to rather than
replaces seeking medical attention for illnesses and injuries. You
still need to see a Doctor.
Colors for Healing Candles
Light blue or green are both used for general healing or health.
Remember that
these are simply suggestions. If you do not have the color
candle indicated use
a light blue or green candle, or even a white candle.
Type of Problem Color of Candle Herb(s)
Sexual Function Red Saw Palmetto for men, Black Cohosh for
women
Fertility Problems Green Dock, Hazel, Mustard, Raspberry
Psychological Violet St. Johns Wort, Kava Kava, Hops
Respiratory Tract Yellow Ephedra, Echinacea, Coltsfoot,
Mullien
Digestive System Pink Peppermint, Wintergreen, Fennel, Anise
Nervous System Orange Ginko, Hops, Lavendar, Valerian (doesn't
smell good)
Bones or Teeth White Boneset, Comfrey, Arnica, Clove
Urinary Tract Blue Saw Palmetto, Uva Ursi, Cubeb
Muscles Purple Comfrey, Lavender, Marjoram, Marshmallow
General Healing and
Health Issues Light Blue Lavender, Galangal, Juniper,
Nutmeg
More Colors for Healing Candles
Color Condition
Red Anemia, leukemia, liver infections, neuralgia and
paralysis
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Orange Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, constipation, coughs,
depression, epilepsy and exhaustion
Yellow Diabetes, heartburn, indigestion, menstrual cramps,
constipation and skin conditions
Green Boils, cancer, colds, headaches, high blood pressure,
kidney ailments, nervousness, and ulcers
Aqua Burns, eye ailments, high blood pressure, hypersensitivity,
infections, inflammations, nutritional disorders and skin
conditions
Blue Burns, diarrhea, fever, headaches, high blood pressure,
insomnia,
menstrual pain, rheumatism, skin rashes, sore throat, sunburn,
ulcers and minor wounds
Indigo Asthma, deafness, dementia, depression, epilepsy, eye
ailments,
infections, mental and nervous disorders, parkinson's
disease,
pneumonia, tuberculosis and upset stomach
Violet Allergies, asthma, baldness, bloodclots, colds, gout,
mental
disorders, sinus problems, sleep disorders, stress related
diseases
and tumors
Rose Heart conditions, anxiety, constipation, depression,
hearing loss, kidney problems
White Stroke, insufficient breast milk, broken bones, calcium
defficiency, ostioporosis, toothache
Herbs for Healing Candles
Herb Condition
Adders Tongue Stomach ulcers and tumors
Agrimony Jaundice and diseases of the liver
Alder Diarrhea, inflammations and sore throat
All Heal External wounds
Alow Vera Burns and external wounds
Angelica Alcohol and drug abuse, delayed menstrual period,
toothache
Anise Asthma and bronchitis
Blessed Thistle Colds
Bloodroot Ringworm
Catnip Anxiety, fever, menstrual cramps
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Chamomile Colic, fever, inflammations, menstrual cramps, and
nervous conditions
Chickweed Inflammations
Cinnamon Flu
Coltsfoot Asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphasema, chest
complaints and coughs
Comfrey Dysentery, external wounds and stomach ulcers
Coriander Fever
Costmary Infections
Crimson Clover Cancer
Daisy Asthma
Dandelion Constipation, gall stones and ailments of the liver,
pancreas, spleen or female organs.
Dogwood Fevers and infections
Elderflowers Colds, constipation, fever, hemorrhoids, and
impotency
Elecampane Coughs and irregular menstruation
Eyebright Eye ailments
Fennel Anxiety, constipation, and irregular menstruation
Garlic Arthritis, asthma, infections and rheumatism
Ginger Fever, impotency and menstrual cramps
Ginseng Impotency and all sexually related ailments
Goldenrod Bladder infections, inflammation and insomnia
Goldenseal Eczema, eye ailments, internal infections, poison
ivy, rectal ulcers and ringworm
Hawthorn Arteriosclerosis, edema, heart ailments and weak
muscles
Horehound Coughs, colds and constipation
Horseheal Fever
Horseradish Bronchitis, colds, kidney conditions and
rheumatism
Irish Moss Burns and coughs
Jacob's Ladder Fever
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Jasmine Impotency
Jimsonweed Poison ivy
Juniper Neuralgia, rheumatism and swellings
Lady's Mantle Fever, headaches, inflammation, insomnia,
menopause, menstrual cramps, and toothache
Lavender Depression, fatigue, headache, impotency, neuralgia,
rheumatism and sprains
Mallow Tonsilitis
Mandrake Impotency and infertility
Milkweed Warts
Motherwort All female problems
Mugwort Fever and poison ivy
Mullien Asthma
Myrrh Gum irritations, infections and pain
Nettle Asthma, muscle aches, stomach ulcers, diseases of the
lungs and intestines
Passionflower Insomnia
Pennyroyal Fever and menstrual cramps
Peppermint Headaches and muscle cramps
Rose Kidney stones
Rosemary
Colds, colic, congestion of the liver, depression, fatigue,
headaches, high blood pressure, nervous heart conditions,
paralysis, rheumatism, stress, weakness of the limbs and
vertigo
Saffron Depression and fever
Sage Colds and coughs, depression, fever, flue, insomnia,
pleurisy, sprains and varicose veins
Snakeroot Impotency and snakebite
Shepherd's
Purse Bruises, skin irritations and rheumatism
Solomon's
Seal Bruises, skin irritations and wounds
Strawberry
Leaves Gout
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Thyme Fever, headaches and whooping cough
Valerian Anxiety, insomnia, rheumatism, stress and swollen
joints
Vervain Fever
Violet Infections
Willow Bark Headaches
Witch Hazel Anxiety, eczema, inflammations, swellings and
tumors
Wormwood Colds and fever
Yarrow Canker sores, colds, fever, liver diseases and muscle
aches
To make the candles you will need: a large saucepan, a large
empty tin can, a
knife, paraffin and/or beeswax, wicking, molds (either purchased
or 'found'),
broken crayons in appropriate color, and about a teaspoon of the
appropriate dried herb for your purpose. The herb should be
powdered and dried. You can
use paraffin mixed with beeswax, beeswax alone or paraffin
alone. Cut the wax
into cubes with the knife. Put about two cups of water in the
large saucepan
and place it over a medium heat. When the water is hot, put the
wax into the tin can and place the tin can in the large saucepan of
water to melt the wax.
When the wax is melted add the herb saying the following: "Oh
magic herbs of
root and flower, give this candle healing power. Let all evil
sickness flee, when
it is burned so mote it be!" Then add the broken crayons to
color the candles.
Stir to blend. Prepare the molds by spraying them with Pam or a
similar vegetable oil spray so the candles will be easy to unmold.
The molds may be
purchased candle molds or you can use found items such as milk
cartons,
frozen juice cans, muffin tins or other similar containers. Be
sure they are water
tight so the wax won't leak out and heat resistant so the hot
wax won't melt them. Cut lengths of wick long enough to reach the
bottom of the mold plus at
least an inch. Suspend the wicks into the mold from stick as
show below. Pour
the wax into the molds and allow the candles to cool and harden
completely.
Similar candles may be made for any magical purpose by adding
the correct herb. Consult the herbal correspondences section to
determine the herb to use
for your purpose. Coloring may be determined by consulting the
color
correspondences.
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Attracting Love Spell
The purpose of this spell is not to attract a specific person
and if you use it for
that purpose you may rue the day. For this spell you will need
an astrological
candle to represent yourself and three pink candles. The spell
is done on three consecutive Fridays. This is a very simple spell.
Place the candle which
represents you in the center of your altar. Place the three pink
candles in a
triangular shape surrounding it, about 7 inches away.. There
should also be two
altar candles on your altar. You will need a good Venusian
incense or Love Incense, (see the Incense recipes for some
options), and you may want to dress
the pink candles with a Love Oil, (see the Oil recipes for
some).
On the first night dress the candles and place them on the altar
as described
above. Meditate for a bit to empty your conscious mind of the
daily thoughts and
become concentrated on the task at hand. Light the altar candles
and the Love incense. Close your eyes and visualize yourself
surrounded by warm, soft, pink
light. See the light glowing around you, feel the warmth of it's
touch. Still holding
this image open your eyes and light the candle representing you.
Say "This
candle is me, I am this candle." Light the three pink candles
while still maintaining the visualization. Say "This is the love
that surrounds me, the
benificent love of the universe, a warm, loving cloud that
envelops me and
caresses me". Let the candles burn a moment and refocus the
visualization. One
by one move the pink candles one third of the distance toward
the candle representing you. Say "This is the love of the universe
being attracted to me,
coming to me to bring me the love that I seek". Allow the
candles to burn for at
least ten minutes while focusing on the visualization.
Each of the next two Fridays repeat the above actions, the
second Friday move
the pink candles half the distance toward the candle that is
you, and the third Friday move them all the way to the candle and
on the last night allow the
candles to burn out completely. Be sure that you do this safely,
if you will not be
present, put the burning candles in the shower or tub to burn
away from
anything that could catch alight. It's no good attracting love
and burning down your house at the same time.
Love Attracting Candle Spell
This spell is not intended to attract a specific person, it is
designed to attract love into your life with a person who will be
compatible with you. The spell is begun
on Friday and continues for several days. For this ritual you
will need two red
candles, a gold candle, the candle to represent the petitioner
in the appropriate
color, two white altar candles, and a love attracting incense.
See Astrological Correspondences to get the petitioners candle
color, and Incense for a recipe for
love attracting incense. The altar set up is as indicated
below.
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Cast a circle if desired, this ritual does not strictly require
one. Light altar
candles and incense. Light petitioners candle while thinking of
them and saying
"Here is (name), this candle is him/her/me; this flame burns as
does his/her/my spirit." Light the red candles while thinking of
the petitioners love
and strength. Light the gold candle while thinking of the
petitioners
attractiveness.
Meditate for a few moments on the petitioner as a warm, loving,
attractive
person who deserves to have love in their lives. Then recite the
Invocation to
Venus as follows:
When Rome ruled all the world, 'tis said, Dear Venus, hearts of
men you led
to love, the great delight of life
with spell of beauty, not of strife.
Your power's still undimmed, I know, To me (or petitioners name)
true love in life now show.
Bring love to me (or petitioners name) on wings of
sound,
Let happiness and joy abound.
With every act and thought of mine (or his/hers), Let me (or
them) attract my (or their) love divine.
Now quickly bring my love to me (or petitioners name),
And as my will, so mote it be!
Move the red candles about three inches closer to the petitioner
candle, saying "Here draws he to she (or he to he, she to she); the
one towards the other. Such
is the love that all feel it's attraction. These candles burn
and draw him/her ever
nearer. Powerful is the attraction." Meditate on the petitioner
being surrounded
by the rosy red glow of the light of love, bathed in its warmth
for about ten minutes. Snuff out the candles. Continue the ritual
on each successive day until
the red candles touch the petitioner candle.
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Prosperity Candle Spell
This spell should be begun on Thursday. You will need five green
candles,
prosperity incense, a yellow candle, a red candle, and the
petitioners candle as
well as the usual two white altar candles. See Astrological
Correspondences to get the petitioners candle color, and Incense
for a recipe for money/prosperity
attracting incense. The altar set up is as indicated below.
Cast a circle if desired, this ritual does not strictly require
one. Light the incense
and the altar candles. Light the petitioners candle while
visualizing them in a
glowing green light and saying "Here is (name) glowing with
prosperity and
bathed in success". Light the yellow candle while contemplating
attraction, confidence and gain. Saying as you do so "Let this
light represent the attractive
force drawing prosperity toward (name), bringing the money to
provide for
their needs and desires".
Light the red candle as you comtemplate the strength of the
petitioners will to
succeed and prosper. Light each of the green candles in turn,
visualizing the
green glowing light around the petitioner growing stronger with
each candle lit
until it is a brilliant, bright, searchlight, gleaming into the
sky. As you light the green candles say
"Oh great and mighty Jupiter, your friendship I
do seek.
Your emissaries send to me, spirits rich and sleek.
Good nature spirits sent by Jove, your
comradeship I love.
For bounty and good fellowship my thanks are
sent above. Spirits great, your riches share in fun and
friendship true,
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prosperity descends on me, brought to me by
you. And now my light is shining bright, rich green
for all to see.
Good fortune is my law of life. With thanks, so
mote it be!"
Sit for ten minutes visualizing the bright green searchlight
illuminating the
petitioner and surrounding them with a powerful glow of wealth
and prosperity.
Then snuff out the candles. Each day following move the green
candles three
inches closer to the petitioner prior to repeating the spell.
Continue until they touch the petitioner candle.