When I first began my spiritual journey in 2009 (where does the time go!?), I was fascinated by the wide variety of candle colors and types. Sitting on the shelf of the botanica where I started my training and initiation, there were racks and racks of candles; literally candles for any occasion, situation, issue, problem-you name it! There is a candle for it. 

On slow days while working from 7am to 7pm, I found myself spending time staring at the candles, getting to know their names and their uses. 

At first, I was intrigued by the idea of there being that many candle choices! The more that I practiced, I began to develop a sense of awareness of their purpose and through that purpose learned that the candle carries with it an energy source, which is partially provided by the candle's color and the image on the candle. 

When working with candles, I like to think of them as sending a burst of energy to an intention, situation, problem (you get the gist). There are many ways to go about burning candles and there is no "right" or "wrong way". We all have our preferences and mine so happens to be working the alchemy to what I believe will lead to optimal results. That is my preference, to try to bring the client the best outcome for their situation. 

Candle Magic & It's roots

Some form of Candle magic can be found today in a variety of spiritual traditions from Hoodoo, Mexican Spiritual Traditions, Voodoo, Santeria, Pagan, Wicca, and New Age Traditions to name a few. Candle magic is not a closed practice to any of these traditions and can be practiced by anyone. 

Since ancient times candle magic has been used as one of the simplest forms of spell casting. Candle Magic is utilized to give power to the alchemy of magical consciousness. Essentially the candle adds energy to what it is that you set your intention to (you make up your mind about the intended desire or goal). Because of this it is called sympathetic magic, anyone can light a candle and declare their intention, and cast it out into the Universe, which will then influence the realm of what we know as reality. This can be anywhere from a few days, a few weeks, a few months, to even the following year (yes, a year it all depends on the desire and any obstacles).

How can I accomplish all of this using candle magic? By utilizing various elements: planetary magic, sacred numerology, sacred geometry, the element of fire, herbs, oils, prayers, intentions, and your own personal power. 

Candle magic is based on 3 key principles: 

• Deciding on a goal (intention)
• Visualize the end result (manifestation) 
• Focus your intent or will to manifest that result (feeling as if you've already received)

Candle magic is an age-old, powerful form of spell work, because it harnesses the intense energy of fire. Of all the elements, fire burns the brightest and demands the most immediate attention. As it licks at the air, it consumes the existing energy and expels its own creation in the form of smoke.

The smoke that is created during the actual burning of the candle tells a story as so does the smoke that is left behind tinting the glass. The smoke that is left behind on the the glass of the candle after it has burned is called soot. This soot then can also be "read" and offers a way of divination (predicting the outcome of the burn). 

Now that you have an idea of what candle magic is, let's discuss what my methods are. 

Why you should burn Candles in Sets 3s, 5s & 7s

Often times, I will receive messages from clients that will have a slew of different issues and what they believe will "Fix" their issue and as such request specific candles.

When the client has a variety of issues, I prefer to have a consultation with the client to determine the best way (as spirit guides) to help improve the situation.

Sometimes the client will not benefit from a simple candle and require that the energy be increased by burning sets of 3s, 5s, & 7's. 

When we send off 1 candle when there are multiple issues we give all the responsibility to the one candle and it must take on large energetic issues.

For Maximum effect, it is wise to burn at least 3 Novena candles in a single set.

What does it mean to burn candles in a set?

The goal is to move energy in your intended direction. Meaning one candle operates as a single burst of energy. The burst of burning 3, 5, or 7 candles and in tough circumstances  9 & 11 candles can be burned at once to push energy. 

My recommendation to clients is that they utilize 1 Saint Candle (who you'll offer the petition to) & 2 related candles that will work simultaneously to add energy to the petition. 

For example, if the client has issues with money it would be wise to burn (1) San Judas candle and petition that he bring help to the desperate situation, (1) Money Drawing or Money Rain candle (because money is what we want), (1) Block Buster  this candle will assist in removing the blockages that prevent money from flowing in. These candles together will not only provide the intention but also incorporate another important principle in magic numerology.

Numerology and its influential role in candle burning 

When we burn candles in 3s or triangles we are incorporating the utilization of sacred numerology to energize and strengthen a petition. Additionally in sacred geometry a triangle is considered  to be the strongest formation thus together it will strengthen an intention. 

What if there is black soot in your candles?

Often times the energy surrounding a client's issue will cause an intense black soot to develop on the glass of the candle. Black soot is normal in candle working, however if the soot is more than 75% down the glass of the candle, it is believed that the candle is struggling. If this happens it's best to get a limpia to to remove the energy blockages that prevent the energy of the candles from taking off. 

Limpias are an important aspect of maintaining our spiritual hygiene- with that said the more that I practice, the more that I am guided to not provide candle services to new clients without first conducting a limpia. In a separate post, I'll be discussing the importance of Limpias Espirituales more in depth. 

For now, I will say that when the energy field (aura) is ripped, has tears, and leakages it makes it easier for the energy to escape you and even at times miss you as the target. It's best to repair the aura before working on other forms of magic but I digress.

You came here because you want to know more about candle magic...

When working a candle ritual of a set of 3s and it burns unevenly say one or two of the candles burn faster or slower than the rest- depending on the severity of the days that the candle took to burn out and the soot developed it is best to move the ritual into a set of 5s. 

When utilizing the sacred energy of the number 5 in a candle ritual the burning 5 candles or Squares is done to bring in stability and to seal an intention. Working with this energy will generally stabilize the work and bring the energy to more desirable outcomes. 

Now that we discussed the importance of burning in sets, let's discuss how long you should burn the candle.

Should you burn one a set week? Every day on Tuesday? 

When conducting a candle ritual it is best to operate within the ritualistic principles of sacred numerology. Typically a candle ritual sees its best results after a series of 21 days straight (yes, 21 days non stop)! By keeping the work "hot" -what does that mean? It means that you don't allow the candle(s) to turn off you quickly replace it with the next candle allows for a continuous flow of energy towards the intention.  

Due to the nature of this work there are no absolute guarantees as there are many variables that go into play with any situation. However, I have found that if you follow these basic principles you should see changes that are favorable. If you find yourself overwhelmed or unable to preform candle services safely, privately, in your own home then I recommend you book a consultation for an altar burn. An altar burn is conducted on behalf of the client, simply pay for the candles and they will be blessed, dressed, and prayed for on your behalf there is no need for the client to burn any candles in their home. 

Thank you for checking out my first blog post! If you have any questions drop them down in the comments section.

If you need to send me a message privately hello@shopcosmichealing.com