Candle Magic

If the spell calls for letting the candle burn out in one session I let the candle burn until it has burned itself out. Any leftover wax bits go straight into the trash, as I believe that once the candle has burned out all of my magical intentions are gone from the wax, though you can save the wax bits and dispose of them however you see fit (including melting them down to make new spell candles). If it's a working that will go on over several nights I let the candle burn for the prescribed time and then blow it out, making sure not to spill melted wax all over the place if I need to move the candle. Some Pagans believe that you should never blow out candles used in magical workings, using a snuffer or pinching them out instead. Pinching can be dangerous, so I recommend purchasing a snuffer if you don't wish to blow out your candles. They can be found wherever candles are sold.

If you want to do a more elaborate working, you could use several candles together. Arrange them in a symbolic shape (or on a symbolic shape), use several colors in combination, use them in addition to tarot or other divinatory tools, etc. Candle magic is incredibly adaptable. Hopefully this piece has taken some of the mystique out of candle magic for you. For more candle magic resources, search the 'net, or grab one of the many books in print. My favorite is "Exploring Candle Magic" by Trish Telesco, which you can find in my recommended books section here at Suite 101. "A Little Book of Candle Magic", by DJ Conway, is also good.

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