One of the most important parts of witchcraft is using infusing and enhancing magick with candles. Candles are used in spells not only for their color and shape, but also because they represent light and fire, both powerful spiritual elements.
One way to add a little extra oomph when using candles in your spells is dressing them. This simply means anointing the candle with oils and/or herbs and carving symbols into it that you want to add energy too. To do this, you will need a few things:
- Anointing oil or herbs with olive oil
- A small paintbrush or your hand
- A candle
There are as many ways to dress a candle as there are reasons for doing so. Some witches like using their own energy and powers to infuse the spell with intention, while others simply light a candle and let it burn down naturally. There is no wrong way of going about this, but if you want to get the most powerful results I would recommend using anointing oils that have been blessed and carving symbols into your candle.
Preparing to Dress a Candle
When you are preparing to dress a candle, take some time and think about what you are trying to accomplish with your spell. Then gather your supplies. Once you have gathered all of your it's time to get started.
Lay all of your supplies out on a table or somewhere where you will not knock them over/off before doing this spell. Make sure that the area is free from distractions so that you can focus 100% on dressing the candle without being interrupted. Have an open flame nearby (such as a lighter or matches) if you are using an oil that must be burned off the candle before it can be used (ex: frankincense, copal).
Dressing Your Candle
First take your oil and add a few drops to the palm of your dominant hand. Rub your hands together allowing the oil to absorbed into your skin. If you are using herbs, have them in a separate bowl and add the oil.
Focus on the reason you are dressing this candle and what outcome you hope to achieve by doing so. Crush a few drops of oil in between your fingers to release its aroma, if there is one to enhance the spell even more.
Stare at the candle for a second or two before saying aloud what you want it to do.
For Example:
"I anoint this red candle in love."
Lighting Your Candle/Laying Out Your Supplies
Next you will want to light your candle. If you are not familiar with candle safety, do not light the candle and leave it alone. Make sure that it is in a secure area where you will not knock it over/move it until its done burning.
Place your oil and any other supplies (symbols, crystals, etc.) around the candle as needed for your spell. You can say a few words of power or just be silent until the candle has burned down to the point where it needs to be snuffed out.
Snuffing Out Your Candle or Letting it Burn
DO NOT LEAVE CANDLES UNATTENDED. Make sure you are familiar with candle safety before attempting to use candles in your spells.
You may choose to snuff out your candle or wait for it to finish burning. It's completely up to you. If you decide to snuff it out, you can relight and continue the spell over the course of days. Or you can choose to sit with the candle and let it burn out. Both ways work and will have results.
Dressing a candle can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. There are no set rules for what you need to do, just that your intentions and energies must go into each action taken before lighting the candle. This is usually how I see it done, but feel free to adapt this ritual to fit any way you see fit.
A Simple Candle Spell:
Now that you know how which colors to choose and how to anoint a candle lets put it into practice with a simple candle spell.
What you need:
White Candle
Herbs for your intention or anointing oil
Olive Oil (if using herbs)
Small Bowl or Container
Smudge Stick, Sage or your favorite "clearing" incense
A Lighter
If you are doing this spell outside you will also need a small shovel to bury the candle in when it is done.
First cast your circle if you are using one. Next light the smudge stick and allow the smoke to "wash" over you. This will cleanse the area of anything negative and allow for a clear space to do your work without being interrupted by or affecting those who are not participating in or near the circle.
In your bowl, mix your herbs with a few drops of olive oil to make a paste or use the dedicated anointing oil. Anoint the candle using this paste or oil, starting at the top and working your way down.
Repeat these words as you are doing this:
"With each stroke of my hand I infuse this candle with power for (name what you are trying to achieve)
As I pass over the candle, I charge this with power for my highest good.
Blessed be."
Once you have finished anointing the candle start at the top and move your way down to the bottom again repeating what it is that you are wanting to accomplish with each stroke of your hand. Light the candle and let it burn until its done.
Once the candle is finished, take it outside and dig a hole. Put the soil in your hand and crumble it up to release its energy into the Earth. Bury your candle in this same way you crumbled the dirt, putting all of its energy back into the ground where it can return to what ever higher power you believe in.
Then thank the Universe/Goddess/God for their assistance and release your circle if you have one. Repeat when needed or just when you want to add a little extra something into your life, or when you need to take out some of that "extra" energy that might be around.
This is an easy way to incorporate magic into your life. Once you have learned how to do a simple candle spell, try adding more ceremony and ritual into it. Use different herbs, oils and other ingredients. Even just lighting a white or black candle can have an effect on your magickal workings. There are many different types of candles, colors and methods you can apply to your work. Explore these options and find what works best for you.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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