by K. M. Crowley

Created on: September 16, 2009

Candle magic is one of the simplest, easiest and most basic forms of magic or spell-casting. Aside from your intent - what you are attempting to achieve with your working - two things matter in candle magic: the color of the candle and "anointing", which is rubbing essential oils onto the candle.

Colors carry different vibrations and invoke many emotions. Therefore, it makes sense to use a candle colored according to the goal of the spell you are performing. Here is a general list of the magical associations of colors, but remember that your instinct is also extremely important. For instance, red is widely used for sexual love, passion and attraction. However, if red makes you think of nothing but blood and violence, don't use it in a love spell. YOU and what is IN YOUR HEART are the most important ingredient in any ritual, no matter how many gadgets and trinkets you use or what books you read. You're intent will be affected by what YOU associate with the color or scent most of all. That being said, here is a list of colors and their generally accepted meanings:

Black - Banishing.

White - Purification, peace. White is also an excellent all-purpose replacement for any other colour if it is all you have.

Red - Passion, sex, courage.

Green - Money, jobs, material gain, fertility.

Yellow - Intelligence, scholarly pursuits.

Brown - Grounding, healing.

Blue - Healing, tranquility, sleep.

Purple - Psychic energies, meditation, spirit connections.

Pink - Friendship, emotional love.

Orange - Energy, happiness.

Anointing the candle prior to the ritual is a means of further amplifying your intent within the candle, so that it is infused with your energy and need. Anointing is simple. If you wish to draw something TOWARD yourself (such as love, money, understanding), rub the oil into the candle using your fingers, from the wick down the the center, and the bottom to the center. To banish or push something AWAY from you (such as a bad person or influence, illness, behavior) rub the oil in from the center of the candle to the ends. Here is a brief list of easily obtainable essential oils that you can find in health stores.

Rose - Lust, love, friendship.

Lavender - Sleep, happiness, peace.

Eucalyptus - Healing, protection.

Clove - Money, gain.

Cinnamon - Lust, love.

Rosemary - Protection, banishing.

Cypress - Longevity, healing, warding off illness.

Sandalwood - Granting wishes, spirituality.

Orange and Lemon - Cleansing and purification.

Once you have the desired colour and anointing oil, candle magic is easy. Now all you have to do is light it, and visualize your desires. Take a quiet 15 minute time-out each evening to darken the room, light your candle, clear your mind and visualize your goal as the flame burns. Do this until the candle has melted all the way down, and bury the remains. As the candle changes form from solid into smoke and liquid, so will your thoughts turn from energy into reality. Good luck!

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