Maddie James
Candles are used for various purposes, such as aromatherapy, meditation, and relaxation. They are also used in rituals and spells. Before using candles for such purposes, it is important to cleanse them of any residual energy they may have picked up during manufacturing, shipping, or handling. This ensures that the candle is a clean slate and that your spell work isn't influenced by lingering energy. There are various ways to cleanse a candle, including passing it through the smoke of sage or incense, wiping it with spiritual cologne, rubbing it with sea salt, or placing it in moonlight overnight.
Characteristics and methods of candle cleansing:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | To remove residual vibrations, negative energy, or energy from surroundings, and to achieve a clean slate |
| When to cleanse | When the candle has a dull flame, is burning unevenly, or after significant events |
| Frequency | Monthly or after significant events |
| Methods | Pass through smoke from sage, palo santo, incense, or dried herbs; wipe with spiritual cologne or moon water; rub with sea salt or place in moonlight overnight; use sound, crystals, or any other cleansing tool that feels good |
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What You'll Learn
Using smoke from herbs, sage, palo santo, or incense
Burning herbs, sage, palo santo, or incense is a traditional way of cleansing a candle. This practice, known as "smudging", has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples in North and South America.
To cleanse a candle using smoke, start by lighting your herb, sage, palo santo, or incense of choice. If you are using a bundle of herbs or a smudge stick, light the tip of the leaves or wood and allow it to burn for 5-10 seconds before gently blowing on it to create smoke. If you are using palo santo, hold it at a 45-degree angle, pointing the tip down toward the flame, and allow it to burn for 30-45 seconds before blowing it out. Place your burning herb or wood in a heat-proof container, smudge pot, or shell to catch any falling ashes.
Once your herb or wood is burning and producing smoke, begin to waft the smoke around your space and through different rooms with your intention in mind. You can start in one corner and "push" the energy toward a door or window to release any negative energy. Pay special attention to corners, mirrors, and high-traffic areas like hallways and doorways. You can also use incense to walk through your space in a consistent direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise), bringing the smoke through the features of each room.
After you have finished cleansing, allow the herb or wood to burn out on its own, or gently press it into a fireproof dish to extinguish it. You can then open any windows and doors to let the smoke and stuck energy out, creating a new, pure space.
It is important to note that burning anything indoors can pollute your indoor air and emit unhealthy fumes or particles. Some studies have indicated links between exposure to incense smoke and illnesses, including cancer and contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is recommended to ventilate your space and ensure that pregnant women and children are not exposed to the smoke. Additionally, be mindful when sourcing sacred herbs like white sage, as over-harvesting has made it difficult for Indigenous folks to access this plant for their traditional practices.
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Burying in sea salt or Himalayan salt
Burying a candle in sea salt or Himalayan salt is believed to help cleanse the air and improve the appearance of the candle.
To create a sea salt candle diffuser, place the salt in a bowl and add 10-20 drops of essential oil, stirring to combine. Place a candle in a glass jar or small bowl and pour the salt around the candle until it reaches about halfway up the sides. As the candle burns, the heat will activate the salt, diffusing the oils into the air. It is important to note that the salt needs to be warmed for it to purify the air. Therefore, it is recommended to use a short votive candle instead of a tall pillar candle, as the shorter candle will bring the heat closer to the salt.
Himalayan salt is believed to release negative ions when heated, which bind to the excessive positive ions emitted by electronic devices, neutralising electro-pollution and reducing allergens and irritants. It is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
When using sea salt or Himalayan salt to cleanse a candle, it is important to avoid using water directly on the candle, as this can be dangerous. Instead, use a wet cloth with a gentle soap solution to clean the outside of the candle. Additionally, always ensure that nothing flammable is placed near the candle setup.
By cleansing your candle with sea salt or Himalayan salt, you can improve its appearance, ensure a cleaner and more efficient burn, and create a soothing and tranquil environment.
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Wiping with spiritual cologne or moon water
To cleanse a candle, you must first remove any residual vibrations it may have picked up during manufacturing, shipping, or handling. This is done to ensure that your spell work isn't influenced or distorted by lingering energy.
One way to do this is by wiping the candle with spiritual cologne or moon water. Spiritual colognes, such as Florida Water, are commercially available and can be used to wipe your candle. Alternatively, you can make your own moon water by filling a clear container with water and setting it outside or on a windowsill under the moonlight. If possible, let it sit for a few hours to allow any chlorine to evaporate. You can whisper intentions or add crystals to the container to enhance the water's energetic properties.
After cleansing your candle, you can proceed with your ritual. Remember to always snuff out the candle instead of blowing it out, as blowing it out can scatter energies. Spiritual cleansing is not a one-time practice; it is a continuous journey. Simple daily rituals like lighting candles with intention, meditating, or maintaining a clutter-free environment can help sustain positive energy.
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Leaving in moonlight overnight
Leaving a candle in moonlight overnight is a popular method for cleansing and charging magical tools. This method can be used to remove any unwanted energy attached to the candle and reset it to its original state.
To cleanse a candle using moonlight, place the candle outdoors or on a windowsill overnight. It is recommended to do this at nightfall, taking a moment to sit with the candle and bask in the moonlight. Deep breathing and visualisation techniques can also be used during this process. For example, one can visualise the white light emanating from the moon surrounding the candle and repeating a mantra such as "I call upon the moon to use her cleansing properties on this candle. Please remove and return all energies attached to this candle back to Mother Earth so that she may recycle this energy into loving compassion."
The next morning, up to an hour after sunrise, the candle can be retrieved, now cleansed and charged with lunar energy.
It is important to note that candles can absorb energy from their surroundings, so it is recommended to keep them in an area with positive energy after they have been cleansed and charged.
Candle cleansing is an important step in preparing a candle for ritual or spell work, as it ensures that the candle is free from any residual vibrations or energies that may interfere with the intention of the ritual. This process is not just about maintaining the physical appearance of the candle but also about ensuring it functions as an energetic tool.
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Using sound or other tools with good vibes
Sound is a powerful tool for cleansing a candle. To do this, you must first ensure you are in a calm and relaxed space. Hold the candle and set your intention, such as "I cleanse this candle with my mind’s energy". Then, move the candle through the sound waves, ensuring the vibrations pass through it. Visualize the sound vibrations purifying the candle of negative energy and infusing it with positive energy.
You can also use other tools with "good vibes" to cleanse a candle. One such tool is sound's cousin, music. Music can be used in a similar way to sound, by visualizing the music's vibrations purifying the candle. Choose music that makes you feel good and that you associate with positive energy.
Burning herbs are another way to cleanse a candle. This ancient practice, called smudging, uses the smoke from burning herbs to remove negative energy. You will need a bundle of dried sage, cedar, and sweetgrass, a fireproof container, and matches or a lighter. Hold the candle and set your intention, then light the herbs and let them smolder, producing smoke. Gently wave the candle through the smoke, ensuring it is completely enveloped.
Salt is a powerful natural cleanser and can be used to absorb and neutralize negative energy. Hold the candle and set your intention, then pour salt into a bowl and bury the candle in it, leaving it overnight. The salt will absorb any negative energy. After 12 hours, remove the candle and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Moonlight is also an effective way to cleanse a candle, harnessing the moon's gentle, purifying energy. Place the candle in moonlight, especially during a full or new moon, and repeat a mantra such as "I call upon the moon to use her cleansing properties on this candle". Remove the candle the following morning, up to an hour after sunrise.
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Frequently asked questions
Cleansing a candle removes any residual vibrations it may have picked up during manufacturing, shipping, or handling. It ensures that your spell work isn't influenced or distorted by lingering energy.
A candle may need cleansing if it has a dull flame, is burning unevenly, or has a weak or flickering light.
There are several ways to cleanse a candle, including:
- Passing it through smoke from sage, palo santo, or incense
- Wiping it with spiritual cologne or moon water
- Burying it in sea salt or leaving it in moonlight overnight
- Using sound, such as chanting
After cleansing, you can dress your candle by rubbing it with oil and rolling it in herbs. You can also carve symbols or words into the wax to align with your intentions.
