Re-Using Candles in Magick

[Pinkpower_80]

North Star, is there a specific reason not to
blow out the candle, snuffing it out instead?

[North Star]

I have heard different reasons for snuffing instead of blowing ('blowing' away the energy, for one). Not sure what my belief is in that, but I still always snuff.

[Pinkpower_80]

I have heard different reasons for snuffing instead of blowing ('blowing' away the energy, for one). Not sure what my belief is in that, but I still always snuff.

That makes sense. That's what I was thinking but I wanted to be sure. I'll have my bf make a snuffer for me this weekend if he has time.

[Alura Noel]

I ran across this picture on my search of learning how to make candles today and thought this idea would be good for the original poster.


http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/bo ... s-tutorial


I can't say that I have thought about melting wax and pouring them into metal bottle caps... Such a neat idea! This would be excellent for those who have metal bottle caps and don't want to use a whole candle (or even have a tea light burning for several hours). Wicks and tabs can be bought, that are reasonably priced, at Michaels or Amazon. Possibly a candy themoeoter to find out how hot the wax is. Certain types of wax are better to pour at different temperatures. Most store bought candles are usually paraffin wax or soy.

You could melt down a candle or make your own (no spells used on it previously too) or use leftover wax from a candle you used (again, not a candle you have put a spell with). I'm not sure what the duration this candle would burn for but I doubt very long.

Perfect for those who are worried about wasting candles or not wanting to leave candles unattended while they need to do other things. I think this is a great idea because it makes a candle (that has been melted down) go a long way and something that wont take a lot of time but still get the job done. All the while, you're also re-purposing something that would normally get thrown away i.e. bottle caps and leftover wax from previously used candles.

I'm going to have to try this when I get the opportunity to and find out exactly how long it takes to burn down.

[Vervain]

I ran across this picture on my search of learning how to make candles today and thought this idea would be good for the original poster.


http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/bo ... s-tutorial

That is a FANTASTIC idea. I love it. I'm going to make these soon, hopefully. they'd especially be great for travel altars or portable spell kits.

I snuff-don't-blow for a few reasons. I had never read anything about "blowing away the energy" but it does kind of feel like that to me; I HAD read about it being an affront, an insult to the element of fire and that seemed reasonable. Also it just feels more peacefull to me to snuff it or put it out with my fingers (frankly usually the latter) to me.

I absolutely reuse god and goddess candles, seasonal candles, what have you. For spell candles I use chimes (rarely), tea lights, or birthday candles, but I'm definitely looking at this bottlecap idea now. I have a whole bunch of bottlecaps around because I have a bottlecap art oracle, also, but this would be something else great to do with the ones I haven't "artified" yet!

[Lillady]

I am like many of you in which i do reuse my candles. When done with one spell I will release the energies from the candle i put in so that I can reuse it. I have never had a problem what so ever. I feel it can work both ways so if you want to reuse them do so, if not then don't. As with anything in magick remember it is in you, the tools get your energy. Believe in yourself and the universe and the possibilites are endless Blessed Be!

[Alura Noel]

Vervain:

they'd especially be great for travel altars or portable spell kits.

That's a great idea! It would even fit in one of those cute altoid tin altars and not take up a lot of space in it.

I think the bottle cap idea is so cute but also it kind of makes it feel more special because it's something that I made and crafted specifically for what I am wanting. That's one reason why I am learning how to make my own candles for ritual or spellwork because I can tailor each candle for a specific purpose. For me, better than going out and buying a candle premade because all of my work (and intent) goes into making it, being mindful.

Regarding the snuffing out, I personally haven't felt like it was bad to blow it out. For some reason, I like seeing the flame go out verses covering it up and not see it. By not seeing it it almost feels like theres loose ends and its not complete and final.


Lillady:

When done with one spell I will release the energies from the candle i put in so that I can reuse it. I have never had a problem what so ever. I feel it can work both ways so if you want to reuse them do so, if not then don't.

This seems like something that people are strictly one way or the other. I'm not quite sure what I think of reusing candles that have been "spelled" or not. I guess one could make an experiment out of it by testing and seeing which way worked the best or whatnot.

[SnowCat]

North Star said lots can go wrong with unattended candles. My tired brain read lots can go wrong with unattended cats. I think both of those things are valid concerns.

Frosty

[BelliaArian]

Just to be absolutely sure, AFTER using a candle in a spell I should either let it burn all the way down or snuff it out and throw it away?? If I wanted to reuse the candle for another spell instead of throwing it away, could I just cleanse the candle?

[p3nathan]

I cleanse candles all the time to reuse and I've never had a problem. Each to their own, but I personally wouldn't throw away a candle because I think it's just a waste. I just cleanse them like I would any other tool that I've used before.

[BelliaArian]

Ok thank you for the reply!

[moonlightrose]

I've enjoyed reading this thread because there are some very interesting posts - it's clear that everyone has their own particular way of using candles in spellwork. I'm lucky to live near mystical Glastonbury, the Isle of Avalon, and there are many shops there selling everything and anything to do with witchcraft, wicca and paganism. My favourite shop is The Goddess and the Green Man - and one of the things they sell is little packs of 'spell candles' in a rainbow of different colours - some in pure beeswax (I love those.. ) and just the right small size to work with. As a Pagan, I celebrate the Wheel of the Year, and there are candles specifically for each of the Sacred Festivals. Their website also has special recipes, crafts and charms for the Festivals, and details of the Sacred lore and traditions of each one. And they ship all over the world.
For herbs, oils, etc. - particularly the more unusual, hard-to-find items, there's a lovely shop called Star Child. They have a website too.
I'm one of those who doesn't re-use a candle; I believe it becomes infused with the particular intent I use in a spell, and to re-use it would weaken not only the original intent, but also any new spell too. I didn't realise the importance of snuffing instead of blowing the candle out, though - thankyou for the information!

http://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/
http://www.starchild.co.uk/

Blessings to everyone,
Moonlightrose