Crafting Ritual/Ceremonial Candles By: J. Mason "Shadow Wolf" (jmason@midwest.net) Compiled & Completed on August 29, 2001 Ritual Candles are a form of symbolism used within the circle while summoning the elements and guardians therein. Each is created with the symbols of a specific element in mind, and charged with the entities of that element. It is important to remember that all of the elements are of the Goddess and the God, as they are of everything, and before charging each candle should be concentrated and dedicated to the Lord and Lady. While candles are used in virtually every tradition of Wicca, usually they are not assigned to be such symbolic tools. However, a ritual/ceremonial candle can be as powerful of a ritual tool as the Athame, Pinnacle, and Cauldron if so desired. A benefit of working so intently upon a ritual candle, is first and foremost – The more time you spend working with a tool, the more attuned it will be with you and your energies and vice versa. Secondly, after crafting is completed, you can take some well-earned pride in the magnificent tool you have crafted for the Lord and Lady. As you are crafting your ritual candles take some time to look at yourself, your life, and all the aspects of the two. Contemplate on the will of the Universe and the God and Goddess. Search your heart for guidance, and utilize the time for productive meditation. Materials Needed for Candle Crafting: Thin Paintbrush Four (4) Small Black Plates/Saucers Candles: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Black Enamel Paints: Black, White, Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green (All Natural Paints if possible) Optional Gemstones: Quartz Crystal, Topaz, Amethyst, Rock Crystal, and Ruby or Jasper. Note: I suggest using a thick, broad based candle, one that usually burns the inner part of the candle, leaving the outer shell in tact. This way the symbolism of your crafted candle will be maintained while the candle is in use. Also, a smooth texture will help with symbolism to be painted on candles. Using the Thin Paintbrush, paint the corresponding astrological symbols repeatedly around the base of the candles and decorative spiritual and lunar symbols upon the face of the candle. Crafting the Candle of Earth: Around the base of the Green Candle (using Black Enamel Paint) paint the astrological symbols for Taurus(n), Virgo(r), and Capricorn(v) & on the face of the candle paint the name Ghob, the silhouette of a gnome or dwarf and the symbol of a waning moon(C). Also, if a Rock Crystal is available, inset it below the symbol of the moon.Charging the Candle of Earth: Be sure to meditate and ground yourself and then consecrate and dedicate the tool to the Goddess and the God before charging (an example of a dedication ritual is included at the end of this document). After crafting your Candle of Earth, it is time to charge it with the element and the entities therein. Sit in a peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. Using your sword or wand, starting at the east draw circle around yourself three times in a counter-clockwise direction and envision a trail of bluish-white light remaining where you’ve traced the tip of your sword or wand, the trail becoming brighter with each pass. Take a moment to realize that all negativity has been banished and cannot exist within your circle, and that only positive and creative energy remains. Turn your body so that you are facing east and while holding the candle in both hands, raise it skyward, and mote the following: "Element of Earth, keeper of the East Wind Ghob, ruler of those within, thy power send." Place the candle upon the plate along with a corresponding offering of invitation (perhaps a palm of dirt from a place that holds significant personal meaning to you) and light the candle before saying the following: "Wisdom of age and bearer of winter, energies of abundance and prosperity, welcomed into my circles - thee may enter, as I offer this candle as an alter and thy key." This charging ritual invites the element of Earth, and all the positive and creative entities and energies of the element into your circle, and motes that those energies are welcomed into all of your circles when you light the candle during ritual work. After you invite and mote your intention to the element of Earth, thank Ghob and the entities and energies within the element and mote that you are ending this part of the ritual as you snuff the candles flame. Crafting the Candle of Fire: Around the base of the Red Candle (using Black Enamel Paint) paint the astrological symbols for Leo(q), Sagittarius(u), and Aries(m) & on the face of the candle paint the name Djin, the silhouette of a salamander or small dragon and the symbol of a waxing moon (E). Also, if a Ruby or Jasper is available, inset it below the symbol of the moon. Charging the Candle of Fire: Be sure to meditate and ground yourself and then consecrate and dedicate the tool to the Goddess and the God before charging (an example of a dedication ritual is included at the end of this document). After crafting your Candle of Fire, it is time to charge it with the element and the entities therein. Sit in a peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. Using your sword or wand, starting at the east draw circle around yourself three times in a counter-clockwise direction and envision a trail of bluish-white light remaining where you’ve traced the tip of your sword or wand, the trail becoming brighter with each pass. Take a moment to realize that all negativity has been banished and cannot exist within your circle, and that only positive and creative energy remains. Turn your body so that you are facing south and while holding the candle in both hands, raise it skyward, and mote the following: "Element of Fire, keeper of the South Wind Djjin, ruler of those within, thy power send." Place the candle upon the plate along with a corresponding offering of invitation (perhaps write a very personal experience that holds much meaning for you and changed your life in a positive way on a small piece of paper and burn it upon the plate) and light the candle before saying the following: "Curiosity of youth and bearer of the summer sun, energies of passion and sexuality, into my circles ye are welcomed, changing one, as I offer this candle as an alter and thy key." This charging ritual invites the element of Fire, and all the positive and creative entities and energies of the element into your circle, and motes that those energies are welcomed into all of your circles when you light the candle during ritual work. After you invite and mote your intention to the element of Fire, thank Djjin and the entities and energies within the element and mote that you are ending this part of the ritual as you snuff the candles flame. Crafting the Candle of Water: Receptive Feminine Energy (absorption and germination) Around the base of the Blue Candle (using Black Enamel Paint) paint the astrological symbols for Scorpio(t), Pisces(x), and Cancer(p) & on the face of the candle paint the name Niska and the silhouette of a nymph or mermaid and the symbol of a full moon (A). Also, if an Amethyst is available, inset it below the symbol of the moon. Charging the Candle of Water: Be sure to meditate and ground yourself and then consecrate and dedicate the tool to the Goddess and the God before charging (an example of a dedication ritual is included at the end of this document). After crafting your Candle of Water, it is time to charge it with the element and the entities therein. Sit in a peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. Using your sword or wand, starting at the east draw circle around yourself three times in a counter-clockwise direction and envision a trail of bluish-white light remaining where you’ve traced the tip of your sword or wand, the trail becoming brighter with each pass. Take a moment to realize that all negativity has been banished and cannot exist within your circle, and that only positive and creative energy remains. Turn your body so that you are facing west and while holding the candle in both hands, raise it skyward, and mote the following: "Element of Water, keeper of the West Wind Niska, ruler of those within, thy power send." Place the candle upon the plate along with a corresponding offering of invitation (perhaps a sprinkling of water from a bowl of water you have sipped from while remembering something or someone that has great meaning and makes you very happy) and light the candle before saying the following: "Knowledge of maturity and bearer of the autumn leaves energies of absorption, germination and fertility, within my circle ye are welcomed to be, as I offer this candle as an alter and thy key." This charging ritual invites the element of Water, and all the positive and creative entities and energies of the element into your circle, and motes that those energies are welcomed into all of your circles when you light the candle during ritual work.After you invite and mote your intention to the element of Water, thank Niska and the entities and energies within the element and mote that you are ending this part of the ritual as you snuff the candles flame. continued