Candles, while popular in religion and magik, are rarely properly cared for. Many who use them don’t even know how to take care of them. And when you don’t take care of your candles, especially candles used for divination, you use them up much quicker and get a lot of false responses.
This guide is important for anyone who burns or wants to burn candles, regardless of how much you think you know.
Vocabulary
There are many, many types of candles. This isn’t anywhere near all, but the four kinds you should be aware of:
Tealights: (small, round candles, usually about an inch in diameter)
Pillars: (freestanding cylindrical candles of varying sizes)
Container candles: (candles poured directly in a container–includes prayer candles, which are tall glass pillars)
Tapers:(Tall, thin candles that stand in holders–includes chimes, which are miniature tapers)
Wick: The string, wood, etc. in the center of a candle that you light. Usually a cotton string coated with wax.
Hugging the edges: The process where the outer edges of a partly melted candles are pushed in to extend burn time.
Burn time: The amount of time it takes a candle to burn out when properly maintained and/or the amount of time a candle is being burned
Double boiler method: Heating wax in a pot inside another pot of water. This prevents it from catching fire or burning.
General
Location: Burn candles at least 1 foot from other flammable materials. Never burn a candle directly under anything–candles need at least a meter/yard of space above them to burn safely. Be careful when burning candles on a desk or near other candles. If burning a non-container candle, make sure it’s on a heatproof surface like a plate to catch wax.
Wicks: Always trim your wick to ¼ inch before burning, no exceptions. Wick trimmings should be removed from the candle, not left to accumulate in the pool.
Holders: Use a properly sized holder. This is a holder that the candle can sit in the bottom of, but will not shake or fall if lifted.
Burning: Not all candles can burn unattended. In fact, very few can. Always assume that you can’t let a burning candle out of your sight. The main exceptions to this are container candles, but even so, not all container candles can burn alone. Prayer candles are designed to burn continuously, but still require clear, safe space, and should be checked on.
Melting: The first time you burn any candle, you must allow the wax to melt up to the edge of the candle before extinguishing it. Ideally, you’d allow this pool to reach the edge every single time. If you don’t, the candle will tunnel, shortening its lifespan.
Extinguishing: Blow, pinch, or snuff a candle. Never use water to extinguish a candle–this makes it more likely to explode in future.
Troubleshooting
Candle wont light: Check if the wick is too short. If it is, hold a flame near the wick and pour out wax in increments until it can light.
Candle is tunneling: Burn it all the way out to the edge. You may need to manually melt the edges with a separate flame. You might also have forgotten to hug the edges.
Flame is smoking: There’s a few possible reasons;
Wick is too tall: This one’s easy, simply trim it.
Too long burn time: If a candle burns too long (usually 3+ hours at a time), the wick may curl or “mushroom.” Extinguish and trim.
Insufficient air: Most smoking comes from a flame not having enough oxygen (which the above two can cause). This can also come if your space isn’t well ventilated, or if there’s wind, breezes, or other moving air.
Only one side is melting: The candle’s wick is likely poorly centered, or you’re burning it with one side in a hotter/colder place. You may be able to move it the wick to the middle when melted, or move the candle. Otherwise, it’s usually fine to ignore on its own.
“Oh no, what do I do if my candle…”
Spills: Surround the pool with paper towels. Wait for it to cool, then pry off wax with a knife. Beeswax peels easiest. If there’s still wax and it’s on fabric, put paper to blot on both sides, and iron. Wash as normal.
Explodes/Cracks: If it didn’t put itself out, extinguish it immediately. Clean spilled wax and, if present, glass. Do not try to re light the candle, even if the candle is still usable.
Has a curling wick: Extinguish, trim, and wait to fully solidify before burning again.
Catches something on fire: Immediately extinguish both. It’s best to own and use a fire extinguisher for this, as water doesn’t always work or cool it down well. Avoid blowing if at all possible, as this can feed the flame. Do not reuse the candle afterwards.
Candle FAQ
Q: How are candles made? A: It varies based on the candle! The most common method is by melting down wax in a double boiler and pouring it into a mold, or dipping string repeatedly in a vat of wax.
Q: How do you scent a candle? A: Typically, you would mix in fragrance or essential oils when the wax is melted before pouring it into a bowl.
Q: Can you put herbs in candles? A: Certainly! But please don’t do this if you aren’t experienced in candle care, it can be dangerous when they catch fire if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Q: How do you color a candle? A: You use specific wax coloring! It’s very important to use colors designed for wax, because those are designed to burn safely. Things like food coloring can and will explode or ruin your candle.
Q: What kinds of candle wax are there? A: There’s a few, but the three you’re most likely to find are paraffin, soy, and beeswax. Paraffin is essentially plastic, making it the least ecofriendly option, but it’s cheapest. Soy wax is from the soy plant, and generally fairly cheap. Beeswax burns the cleanest and longest, and is the best for the environment, but it’s the most expensive. They can generally be told apart by texture if there’s no label; paraffin is usually hard, flat, and bumpy, soy can be flaky and greasy, and beeswax is smooth and sometimes slightly rippled.
Candles in Magik & Divination
Chances are, if you’re here, this is what you use candles for. While it’s exciting to see candles doing weird things, remember you should always check for mundane reasons. Fire isn’t a toy, and an oddly behaving candle can be a hazard, not just symbolic.
When doing a spell with candles, make sure anything on or around the candle(s) is safe to burn. For example, ensuring you used cotton thread or yarn to tie the candle, not adding dangerous herbs to inhale, and keeping an eye on the type of paper you’re burning indoors. (Rolling paper is ideal for burning sigils.)
It’s a bit disappointing to learn a “sign” was only a poorly cared for candle, but it’s far worse to burn your house down over a false sign from an unsafe candle. So take care of them.
More questions? Send in a DM or ask! Feel free to add on in RBs or notes.
Another watercolor illustration with the fire witch and her mercenary partner.
After long and tiring battles, her fire magic drains out of her body. She needs to regain some of her energy by absorbing external sources. Her partner lights her a fire each night so she can take in it. There are only the sounds of cracking wood, embers flying out, and animals lurking around.
The atmosphere and colors are inspired by the paintings of Félix Vallotton <3 : link
Between the pandemic, war raging in many countries, and climate change, it’s hard to live without being pessimistic and extremely anxious about the future. Especially, when all of it seems very unstable.
Don’t lose sight of what you’re capable to do as an individual, what you can bring to others, how you can help them, and how you can bring joy to yourself as well. I hope this picture will bring you a spark of inspiration and hope.
First watercolor illustration of 2022 <3 I hope you’ll enjoy the new paintings I’m planning to do, folks <3 This time, I took the concept of the fire witch from last year and modified it a bit :3 Here she’s teaming up with another member of the mercenaries’ squad she belongs to. The armors and costumes are inspired by Italian Renaissance fashion.
~Aries~ Fertility magic, rejuvenation of the land, wax figures and hair in lockets, constant study and practice, containing passion in a potion, spells cast through speech, song and music. Summoning of storms and glimpses into the future.
☕~Taurus~ Slow love potions, drawing in the earth, windchimes of bone and dried herbs, harvest and crop magic, sewing spells into clothing, symbols above doors and windows to ward off harm, herbal remedies, spells spoken softly to loved ones and the leaves, rain magic.
✒️⛅~Gemini~ Gatherings of witches at dawn, trickery, shapeshifting, transfiguration, brewing luck and illusions, tarot and palm readings. Communal magic performed through movement, a mingling of voices, mind-reading and tides of music. Flight possible, exploring mountain peaks and far off lands.
~Cancer~ Tide and moon based magic, nothing physical but instead visions, psychic intuition, premonitions and dream travelling. Healing of the soul possible, witches gather for dream time. Work with sea water perhaps, little speech: communication through the eyes instead.
️✨~Leo~ Celebration, festivities and potions: any feeling can be brewed and sold. Sky magic, painting in air, light and flame manipulation to create sights of beauty and illusion. Luck charms stored near the heart, candles lit in the dark, magic performed through poetry. All is shared.
️~Virgo~ Traditional magic, herbal remedies and balms, seclusion and documentation. Study of runes, numerology and forgotten, archaic practices. Use of stones and gems to map out the future, predictions for the next year made, tuning into energies and ghosts of the past.
~Libra~ Crystal, flower and light magic, collections stored in boxes, magic performed through paint and clay. Marital magic, the combining of souls and energies. Ancestral study and the crafting of charms to bring harmony and fortune. Storytelling through murals and mosaics.
️~Scorpio~ Sirens and selkies, manipulation of feeling and truth, shadow magic, hedonistic love spells, hypnosis. Magic performed through shell, bone and stone patterns. Soul mingling possible, binding of separate objects to create a whole.
️⏳~Sagittarius~ fortune telling, disappearance and flight. Spells baked into bread and shared on long journeys, magic performed through found objects, chanting and singing at dawn, burning incense and pilgrimage. Meditative magic, seclusion in ancient ruins.
️~Capricorn~ Resurrection magic, work with animal bones, burying luck charms in the soil. Tree-talking and stone whispering: mastery of the earth. Painting protection spells under loved ones beds, discovery of lone spaces and treasures, dowsing rods.
~Aquarius~ Casting spells while blindfolded. Fresh water magic, ritual and cleansing of the body, drawing patterns on the skin. Levitation practiced in stone circles, philosophy and the ethics of witchcraft discussed at dusk. Crystals placed on the palms and pages left to yellow in the sun.
~Pisces~ Flowers and candles floating in bowls of river water. The healing of wounds and sorrows, magic performed in silence or with soft song. Walking barefoot and heart magic: self-sacrifice and weaving protection bands for loved ones. Placing wishes into bottles and sending them off to sea.
Here’s the pic from the price list by itself c: I love Erika so much!! She’s so sweet Also reminding you about open commissions and art trades!! Check the post below for more detail!
Done for ‘Monsters Unseen’ for the 2019 Month of Fearchallenge
(Due to Tumblr’s strict nudity policy, I have censored this version of the painting. To see the painting in its original, intended state - please follow this link: http://www.jeszika.com/)
**
Sighs in brimstone breath, the smoke curls round the bones of her cloaks the glowing veins of her with a softness that curves round; Flesh made of gentle deception.
Unseen, the burning core of her courses unchecked beneath the still exterior: a rage a promise of hissing burns,
an unyielding movement never to be staunched or slowed.
It bleeds from her with unconscious neglect. She summons playful embers at her fingertips and the smoke obscures her intentions.
If your in the broom closet (or not) have a pocket sized grimoire that you can keep your fav sigils spells and methods so if you need a quick boost of luck or confidence you can use it and if people ask what it is say its a notebook/diary
If you have powerful dreams at night, they can take an emotional toll on you. Especially to the witches that tend to have sensitive dreams that are very symbolic. If you can’t seem to shake off certain images or emotions about them, make sure to protect yourself. Here’s something that can assist. Remember that you can replace something if you don’t have it, whatever makes you feel comfortable.
* Ingredients
• Cinnamon Stick • Star Anise (Anything small and star shaped) • Dragon’s Blood Incense • Candle (Blue preferred) • Big Shell (or small personalized plate) • Amethyst cluster or point
✯ Ritual
★ Turn on your candle and your incense. ★ Bless your star anise and your cinnamon stick with the incense. Charge it with your hands while you hold it. Allow the smoke to run through them. When finished, place the incense on top of your amethyst or place it nearby.
★ Light your cinnamon stick and bless your star. Bless your hands with the smoke of the stick as well. (Allow the stick to go out, place nearby) ★ Warm up your anise close to the flame of your candle. Be careful not to burn yourself!
★ Place star on your forehead and close your eyes. Take in a deep breath. Imagine the warmth turning into small illuminated stars in your night sky (inside your head). Color your sky and give it a galaxy. Allow your imagination to run wild. (Use galaxy visuals or pictures to assist you!) Keep warming it to do it over & over until you are satisfied.
★ If your nightmares cause you severe anxiety or make your heart palpitate strongly, warm it again and place over your chest or heart. Allow the little stars to surround the aura in your heart. ★ When finished, turn off your items. ★ Place your star and cinnamon stick in your shell or plate.
★ To attract good dreams, place them on your windowsill at night. ★ To ward off nightmares, place them under your bed or nearby.
Use this ritual to banish negative energies, to move forward, to heal yourself spiritually, and to create a shield around you. For added strength, make sure you are relaxed and balanced as you can be. Also remember to take deep breaths to allow your energy to flow smoothly. (Make sure you wash your hands and face. Wipe down your working area.)
Ingredients
-Rose Petals (dried; preferably lighter in color) -Rose Quartz -Candle/Open Flame -Cinnamon Stick or Powder -Cup of water
Ritual
1. Turn on your candle, fill your water cup and place in front of the candle. (So the flame illuminates the water.)
2. Place the petals around the water and candle.
3. Dip your rose quartz in the water. With your fingers, hold it as close to the flame as possibly without burning your fingers. Pay attention to the light from the flame and how it illuminates the quartz. Warm it up until you feel it’s ready.
4. Place it over your chest. Breathe in as you feel the warmth of the soft pink light. Welcome it in. Feel the rhythm of your heart. Spread the water around that’s clinging to the quartz on your chest. (I like to do a heart-shape motion)
5. Dip it in water again and warm it up. Then place on your forehead. Repeat until you are satisfied. (Place it wherever you need it.)
6.Crush or tear up the petals to small, fine pieces. Accumulate in a small pile. Light your cinnamon stick or incense and bless the petals with the smoke in a clockwise direction.
7. Sprinkle a little of the petal dust into the flame. Place the rest of the petal pieces inside the water cup and mix it.
8. Turn off your candle or incense when finished.
Extra Strength:
-Pour or sprinkle the rose water through out your home, windows, or pour a little outside your doors.-Place a cinnamon stick on your window sill to repel negative energies.
The following spells do not need to be accurately planned or done. Replace any of the ingredients to benefit you. Remember to take deep breaths to allow your energy flow smoothly during the ritual.
Ingredients
-Petals or Leaves
-White or Blue Candle
-White String or Ribbon (Pastel colors work too)
-Rosemary
-Mint
-Rose Quartz
(Choose any incense to help you bless your mixture)
Ritual
-Collect petals or leaves. Choose a quiet, calm place To start.
-Light your candle and soak in some of it’s warmth.
-Sit by your candle, start tearing up the petals, leaves, and herbs into small pieces in a container.
*(For bonus strength: Allow them to dry under a light source near you, or under the sun for about 2 days. Crush into fine dust)
-Really focus your energy into your hands. Use the rip and tear to ease your pain. (Bless this mixture if you’d like)
-When the sun is setting, Face the sun, and blow some of the “dust” from your hand.
-Close your eyes and take in deep breaths. Sometimes this will make your heart feel heavy. Allow yourself to cry if you need to. Breathe in with your mouth softly if you start feeling overwhelmed..
-Put your rose quartz against your chest or heart. Welcome the soft pink light to heal you. (Sometimes you can hear her voice soothing you)
-Soak in the last few rays of the sun. Let your physical and emotional state feel lighter.
-If you have any remainders, place them into a bottle or small container. Tie it with a white ribbon/ string.
*Essential Oil- To help you sleep, or to help you keep going throughout the day, mix some of the finer dust with a little oil. Place a small amount on your chest or over your heart.
The following spells do not need to be accurately planned or done. Replace any of the ingredients to benefit you. Remember to take deep breaths to allow your energy flow smoothly during the ritual.
Ingredients:
-Moon (Light Source)
-Cinnamon
-Rosemary (Dried)
-Rose Thorns (Dried)
-Salt
-Black/Red Candle
-Dragon’s Blood Incense
Ritual:
Combine your ingredients and crush them in a bowl.
Go under the moon or light source.
Sit on the ground, straight up, and light candle in front of you.
Light your incense and bless your mixture with the smoke. Keep incense nearby.
Take a pinch and sprinkle it over your flame.
Close your eyes and envision your inner flame glowing.
You may look into the flame to assist you. Use it’s warmth.
Take deep breaths and feel yourself grow.
You are a flaming star, nothing can harm you.
Let the incense burn itself out. (Turn off when you’re finished.)
Bottle remaining dust in bottle or container for future uses.
*Essential Oil: Mix preferred oil with the dust. Place a little on your forehead to protect you through out the day.
“Fire Dust” is created by grinding several ingredients with a mortar and pestle. (If you don’t own one, breaking up the items with your hands works too!) You can sprinkle a pinch of your own personal mixture to water spells to enhance your inner fire. You are free to add this to your bath, tea, or food. (Please look into more information on certain herbs if you are unsure about them.) Here are some main ingredients. The following are usually involved with the Fire element.
Some of us witches have a relationship with words. Some of us feel more powerful by saying things out loud. Whether you say these as a reminder of your power, to create a stronger effect, to keep you concentrated, or to keep going in a tough situation, it’s all up to you. Or if you prefer to say these in your mind, use them to your advantage. Mix and match if you prefer. (Also feel free to change some words to make them personal)
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“I am the Fire. I am the Flame.”
“I am the energy, I am the Fire. Make me the Phoenix/Dragon that I desire.”
“I am powerful, I am strong. I am a Dragon/Phoenix and I am her/his/its song.”
“Sun, fill me with power. I am delicate, make me a flower.”
“I will grow, I will expand. Allow me to be strong, Allow me to stand.”
“I will be great, I will shine bright. I’ll be the moon in the darkness of the Night.”
“I will shine my own path in the dark, I will not be afraid. I will give off sparks.”
“I am the Fury, I am the Light. I will be ready. For any Fight.”
“I am warm, I will Protect. All this bad energy, I will deflect.”
“I will fight, I will Burn.”
“I will illuminate with Energy, I will be filled with Light. I will be Powerful, With all my will, with all my Might.”
Here are some simple tips to power yourself up for the day. (Or in general) (Remember: Intent is very important)
Light A Candle/ Fire Color doesn’t matter unless you want something special. Look into the flame. Allow the warmth of the flame and light fill your chest, your mind, hands, or wherever you need it. Remember to also take a deep breath. This can also be used with open flames, like a stove, campfire, chimney, etc. (Follow safety precautions with open flames)
Sunbathe The luxury of AC can sometimes numb us or throw off our equilibrium. Early morning sun or sunset is best. When bathing, visualize yourself glowing and acquiring energy. Stretch your body and shake off empty vibes. Early Sun- Used for renewal or change. Allow your inner phoenix/dragon to wake up and warm up. Also, use the cool air to fill you, so remember to breathe in. This could also be used for Blue Fires that do not like the heat. Afternoon Sun- Since this energy is at it’s strongest, use this for short periods of time. Can also be used to charge certain things quickly. (Wear sunblock if you plan to stay longer!) Sunset- Use to charge up before going to bed, or to keep you going for the night. Allow this diminishing light to erase your stress or to let go of physical and mental weight. Embrace the last few rays of light and incoming stars. Moonlight-Technically, moonlight is still part of the sun. Also perfect for Night or Moon Witches that associate with Fire. Perfect for Blue Fires to charge up on this cool and soft light.
Light (Electric, Natural) If you don’t or can’t use candles, use lights. (Christmas lights, LED’s, lightbulbs, lamps, solar-lights, etc.) You can charge yourself up using different light sources. Might not be as powerful as the sun or fire, but it can work. Decorate your altar, personal or holy space with lights and such. Soak in the energy and vibrancy of light. Use different colored light bulbs to match your tastes! Looking straight into certain lights can hurt your eyes, so close your eyes and use your body to physically feel the warmth and radiance.
Colors The very known colors of fire are yellow, orange, and red (Combinations with purple, brown, black, white or blue also work). Wearing or touching these colors can also give you a type of recharge. It can be used in blankets, bed sheets, towels, make-up, clothing, accessories, hair dye, body jewelry, etc. Believe that these colors can protect you and give you power. If you like to be creative, use paint or materials to play with these colors.
Food/Tea Known herbs associated with fire are: Basil, Bay Laurel, Cinnamon, Cumin, Juniper, Saffron, Rosemary, Rue, Pepper, Coriander. (Among others) Foods that are red, spicy, or bitter. Preparing food with these herbs can also enhance your energy. Or drying them and keeping them in your altar or around you also work. (Cooking food in itself is use of heat and energy. Use it to your advantage)
Burning Sometimes burning things can help you lighten your energy. On a piece of paper, write down your stress, worries, or anything making you feel negative. Fill a whole notebook if you need! Or keep it small, this is up to you. When you burn it, release the negative emotion associated with it. Allow yourself to feel lighter and at peace. Burn incense and run your hand over the soft, delicate smoke. (For more precise results, choose incense with meaning)
Water Believe it or not, Fire Witches can also feel a longing for water. Warm water does a great job in helping you cleanse yourself or releasing mental weight. Whether it be a warm bath, swimming outdoors in the sun, or even boiling water for tea, use the warmth and strength of the warm/hot water to help you relax.
Exercise/Meditation Yes, the dreaded E word!! Much like flames, our body requires us to stay active to allow energy to flow through us. You can go from extensive cardio, to simple workouts or stretches. Stand, sit, or lay down. Raise your arms, or legs, and stretch. Allow your blood to flow. Rub your hands together. Rubs your legs or thighs, arms, head, shoulders, feet. Fires use oxygen to grow, so raise your head and take deep breaths. Meditate after stretching or vice versa. (Dancing to your favorite music works too!)
Plants/Flowers/Trees They need sunlight and warmth just like we do. Plant flowers, herbs or trees. I personally love sunflowers because the amount of energy they carry from the sun is beautifully powerful. (Plus, gardening can also be beneficial in several ways to you, the earth, and life. Good karma all around.) Once your flowers bloom, plants bear fruits or vegetables, or when leaves start sprouting, touch them and feel the energy they radiate. Go to parks, botanical gardens, garden centers, or take a walk. Spend time with plants and really absorb the power they carry. I love to put my forehead on the flowers, without hurting them, and fill my need of energy.
*These tips are not set in stone and don’t need to be precise. Do what makes YOU comfortable or safe. Your safety and sanity come first. With that said, good luck and have fun.
My name is Mars. I am a fellow Fire Witch. Yes, I am still learning. Fire has always been part of me and my life. I have some ideas I want to share and I hope to give people more insight on certain things. I will be using this blog to also share different types of craft associated with fire. (Like air and earth) Thanks, I hope you enjoy.
