Tyler Brooks
Prayer candles are often blessed and dedicated to God for sacred use, and as such, they should be treated with reverence and respect when disposing of them. While some people recycle or repurpose their old prayer candles, others believe in burning or burying them to neutralise any negative energy and complete the cycle of spell work. In some cases, people may also choose to bring their prayer candles to a priest for disposal. Ultimately, the method of disposal depends on an individual's beliefs and intentions, with the goal of maintaining positive energy flow and honouring one's intentions.
How to dispose of prayer candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse the container | As a pencil holder, kitchen utensil holder, or shelf up the collection |
| Recycle | Shatter the jars and put the shards in the recycling |
| Bury | Burying the candle remains lets the earth absorb and transform the energy of your spell |
| Burn | Burning the candle remains helps neutralize the energy, ensuring no residual negativity remains to interfere with future intentions |
| Melt | Melt the wax down in an open fire, ensuring the fire is well-contained and manageable to avoid any accidental spreading |
| Reuse | Give the candle a makeover by adding new saints, scrubbing to remove soot and holy images, and using boiling water to melt the wax |
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What You'll Learn
Burying prayer candles
When it comes to burying prayer candles, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to choose an appropriate location for burial based on the intentions behind the candle's use. For example, if the candle was used to banish negativity or harmful energies, burying the remains in a cemetery can help keep those negative energies away from your home. The cemetery acts as a symbolic resting place, sealing the spell's intention, and the spirits of those laid to rest there can act as guardians, preventing the negative energies from returning.
Another important aspect of burying prayer candles is the preparation of the candle remains. It is recommended to break down the candle stubs into smaller pieces before burial. This act of breaking the shape and form of the candle helps to "undistinguish" it, ensuring that it cannot be recognised or associated with any specific intentions or rituals. This step is particularly important for candles that have been used in glass jars. Before burial, it is essential to separate the wax remnants from the glass containers. The glass jars can then be recycled or disposed of safely, while the wax remnants can be buried.
The physical act of burying the candle remains can be a symbolic ritual in itself. Some people visualise the earth absorbing and transforming the energy of their intentions as they lower the candle remnants into the ground. This act symbolises the completion of the cycle of spell work, allowing for a fresh start and the manifestation of new intentions.
It is worth noting that the decision to bury prayer candles may also depend on whether they have been blessed by a priest. In Catholic tradition, blessed items are typically burned or buried, with burning being the preferred method for candles. However, if burning is not feasible or presents a hazard due to glass candle holders, burying the candles is an acceptable alternative. Ultimately, the decision to bury prayer candles should be made with consideration for the energy and intentions associated with the candles, as well as any specific religious guidelines or personal beliefs.
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Burning and then burying the ashes
To burn a prayer candle, place the remnants in a well-contained and manageable fire, such as a bonfire, fireplace, or fire pit. Make sure the area is clear of any flammable materials and practice good fire safety. By allowing the candle to melt away into nothingness, you are leaving no residual energy behind.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of simply throwing away the empty container of a prayer candle, there are several alternative options. You could recycle the glass jar or use it for another purpose, such as a pencil holder or kitchen utensil holder. Alternatively, you could give the jar a makeover by removing soot and worn-out holy images, melting the wax, and adding new images or prayer prompts.
For those who wish to dispose of the jar in a more ceremonial way, burying the remnants is a time-honoured method of completing the cycle of spell work. This allows the earth to absorb and transform the energy of your spell. However, it is important to choose the right location and method based on your intentions.
Ultimately, the decision of how to dispose of a prayer candle is a personal one. Some people may prefer to recycle or repurpose the jar, while others may feel more comfortable with burning or burying the candle to neutralise any residual energy.
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Recycling the glass jars
Cleaning the Jars
First, ensure the jar is free from any wax residue and burnt wick pieces. You can melt the remaining wax by placing the jar in a pot with an inch or two of boiling water. However, be cautious as the images on the jar may get damaged during this process. Alternatively, scrub the jar to remove any soot or worn-out images.
Reusing the Jars
Once the jar is clean, you can reuse it for various purposes:
- Use the jar as a decorative item by adding new wicks and pouring in melted wax. You can also add religious images, such as Saints, to the outside of the jar using craft kits or by painting your own.
- Utilise the jar as a practical storage item, such as a pencil holder or a kitchen utensil holder.
- Get creative and make collages with any religious images removed from the jar. Frame the collages as artwork.
Recycling the Glass
If you are unable to reuse the jar, check with your local recycling program to see if glass is accepted. If so, you can recycle the jar by placing it in your recycling bin. Some people also suggested shattering the glass and then putting the shards in the recycling bin. However, this method should be approached with caution due to the potential safety risks associated with handling broken glass.
Remember, it is important to treat religious items with respect and reverence, so be mindful of any images or blessings associated with the prayer candle jars when disposing of them.
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Reusing the jars for storage
Once a prayer candle has burned down, you might be reluctant to throw away the empty container, especially if it features religious imagery. One option is to reuse the jars for storage. Here are some ideas for how to do this:
Firstly, you'll need to clean the jars. This involves removing any remnants of wicks and scrubbing off any soot or wax. You could use boiling water to melt away the remaining wax, but be careful not to damage any religious images on the jar.
Once the jar is clean, you can use it for storage. One idea is to use it as a pencil or kitchen utensil holder. You could also use it to store other small items, such as paper clips, rubber bands, or coins. If you're feeling creative, you could decorate the jar by painting it or adding stickers.
If you have multiple jars, you could use them to organize items in your home. For example, you could use one jar to store cotton balls and another to store Q-tips in your bathroom. In the kitchen, you could use the jars to store spices, tea, or coffee.
By reusing the jars for storage, you can give them a new purpose while also reducing waste. This is a simple way to be more environmentally friendly and respectful towards religious items.
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Making new candles with leftover wax
If you have leftover wax from your prayer candles and want to make new candles, there are several methods you can try. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Preparing the Wax
First, you will need to melt the leftover wax. Fill a pot with water, about 1-2 inches deep, and bring it to a boil. Place your old candles into the pot to melt. You can also rub the wax with liquid paraffin to help release it from the jar. Different types of wax have different melting points, so some waxes may take longer to melt.
Once the wax is melted, use tweezers or tongs to remove any metal wick holders, leftover wicks, and matchsticks. You can pour the melted wax into a smaller pot or a Perspex jug to make pouring easier.
Adding Scents and Colours
At this stage, you can add colours and scents to your wax. It is best to start with small amounts and build up as needed. Too much dye or essential oil can affect how well the candle burns, so less is more. You can also add wax cubes or melts to enhance the scent and colour.
Pouring the Wax
Prepare your candle holder by cutting a piece of wicking about 2 inches taller than the holder. Knot one end and thread it through a wick tab. Secure the free end around a wooden skewer and dip it into the melted wax to coat. Press the wick tab to the bottom of the holder and rest the skewer on the rim.
Pour the melted wax into your candle holder, stopping about half an inch below the rim. Allow the wax to set for about an hour. If there is a well in the centre, pour more wax to even it out, stopping a quarter-inch below the rim.
Finishing Touches
Once the wax has fully set, trim the wick with scissors or wick trimmers. You can save any leftover wax for future projects or to top up your new candle if needed.
And there you have it! You have successfully made new candles from your leftover prayer candle wax. Enjoy your eco-friendly and eye-pleasing creations!
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally considered disrespectful to throw away a prayer candle, especially if it has religious imagery on it. Some people choose to repurpose the candle container, for example, as a pencil holder. If you are disposing of blessed candles, it is recommended that you bury them or burn them and bury the ashes.
Yes, prayer candles can be recycled. You can melt down the wax and use it to make new candles. You can also add new wicks and images of saints to the old candle containers.
It is important to dispose of spell candles properly, as improper disposal can affect the energy and outcome of your spell. Burning or burying the candle remains is a common way to dispose of them, as it helps to neutralise any negative energy and maintain a positive energy flow.
