Tyler Brooks
Candles are used for various purposes, such as love, money, protection, or healing. They are also used in rituals and spells. However, without proper care, candles can burn unevenly, a phenomenon known as tunnelling. This not only affects the appearance of the candle but also results in some of the wax going unused, reducing the burn time. There are several ways to fix and prevent candle tunnelling, including using a candle topper, a hairdryer, or an oven to evenly melt the wax. Additionally, ensuring the candle burns long enough for the entire surface to melt can help prevent tunnelling. Some people also dress or fix candles with spiritual oils, herbs, and prayers to align with specific intentions and enhance their spiritual work.
How to fix a candle botanica
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for fixing | To prevent "tunnelling", which is when a candle burns unevenly, causing a sunken dip in the wax and shortening its lifespan |
| Cause of tunnelling | A wick that is not the right size or thickness, or not leaving the candle burning long enough |
| Fix | Ensure the candle burns for long enough to melt the entire surface, usually between two to four hours. Use a candle topper to control heat distribution and ensure the surface melts evenly |
| Other fixes | Use a hairdryer on the "Hot" or "Heating" setting to melt uneven wax. Place aluminium foil over the top of the candle jar and heat in the oven at 80 degrees Celsius for 2 minutes |
| Carving | Use pins, knives, or quartz points to carve names or symbols into the candle. Alternatively, write on parchment paper to save for another spell |
| Spells | Use for love, money, protection, success, or healing |
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What You'll Learn
Using a candle topper
A candle topper is a handy accessory that helps to fix candle tunnelling. Tunnelling occurs when a candle burns unevenly, creating a sunken dip in the wax. This can result in some of the wax going unused, reducing the burn time of your candle.
Candle toppers work by controlling the distribution of heat on the candle's surface, ensuring that the surface melts evenly. They are placed on top of the candle when it is lit and have an opening in the centre for the wick, allowing the candle to burn properly. This opening also ensures that the heat is distributed evenly, melting the wax all the way to the edge.
To use a candle topper, simply place it on top of your candle when you light it. The topper will help to control the heat distribution, creating a more even melt. If your candle has already started to tunnel, a candle topper can still be useful. It will help to melt the ring of unmelted wax around the edge, preventing the surface from becoming lumpy and unattractive.
Candle toppers are an effective way to fix and prevent candle tunnelling, helping you to get the most out of your scented candles and enjoy their fragrance for longer. They are a simple solution to the common problem of uneven wax melt, ensuring your candles burn beautifully and efficiently.
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The foil method
To fix this, you can use the foil method to trap and reflect the candle's heat, melting the extra wax and smoothing over the top layer. Here's how:
First, trim the wick and remove any debris inside the tunnel. Then, cut or fold a piece of aluminium foil with a small opening (around 1 inch) in the centre. Place the foil over the candle, light the wick, and let the candle burn for a few hours. The foil will trap the heat, melting the wax on the sides and creating an even surface.
If your flame goes out, the opening in the foil might be too small. Widen the hole and try again. You can also use a hairdryer or heat gun on a low setting to melt the wax around the edges, but be careful not to overexpose the wick to heat.
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Anointing with spiritual oils
In the literal sense, anointing involves the physical application of oil to a person, space, or object. For example, in biblical times, priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with oil as part of their inauguration into office. The oil used for these ceremonies was carefully crafted with fine spices, following a procedure outlined by the Lord in Exodus 30:22-32.
The figurative meaning of anointing extends to a spiritual context, representing the divine empowerment and favour bestowed upon individuals by the Holy Spirit for specific roles or tasks. This interpretation signifies a special status for those fulfilling a particular purpose or calling.
When anointing with spiritual oils, it is important to choose high-quality, biblically inspired oils. The type of oil and its ingredients are significant, as using the oil for any other purpose than that prescribed was considered a grave transgression in Exodus 30:33. Oils from the Holy Land, made with natural, aromatic ingredients, are ideal for this purpose.
The scent of the oil can also hold symbolic meaning. For instance, myrrh is used for healing, frankincense for prayer, and spikenard for worship. Before using the oil, it is customary to recite a blessing or personal prayer, asking for the oil to be blessed and used for a good purpose. Anointing is often followed by continued prayer and faith, with believers incorporating the oil into their spiritual routines.
In addition to its symbolic and ceremonial uses, anointing with oil has also been associated with healing the sick. References to this practice can be found in the Bible, such as in James 5:14-15 and Mark 6:13, where anointing with oil is mentioned in conjunction with prayer for the recovery of the ill.
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Carving names or symbols
The type of candle often dictates where you should carve or write a name. On figurative candles, like a face-to-face or separation candle, the base is the best place to carve or write a name. On a votive, tea light, chime, or pull-out candle, the sides are usually carved. On a candle poured in glass, it may be easier to write the name or names on the glass or place a petition paper beneath the candle.
If you are carving names, it is important to consider the focus of the spell. If it is to soothe a family argument, include all first names or just the last name of the family. If it is intended to bring two people together, use the names of both partners. If the spell is targeted at an individual, use just one name. You can use first names if you wish, as long as it will not be confusing. Some people give their ritual targets secret magical aliases or symbols if they do not know the target's name or are afraid that they might find the spell materials. Birthdates can also be helpful when more than one person shares the same name or when working on ancestral lines.
When carving symbols, you are using an ancient language of intention that is understood across spiritual traditions. Carve a heart for love, an arrow for direction or movement, an evil eye for protection, or a rune for strength or clarity. A sigil is another type of symbol that can be used, condensing a desire into a single magical symbol. Affirmations or prayers can also be carved into the candle, such as "I am protected" or "Money flows to me", creating repetition and confidence. Biblical Psalms, verses, or Oriki (praise poems in the Yoruba tradition) may also be carved to call in divine forces.
Any object that is hard and sharp enough to mark wax will work for carving. Pins, knives, and quartz points are all common carving tools. If you cannot carve the candle, or want to save the paper for another spell, you can write on paper instead. Parchment paper is a special option that adds to your rituals in a way that regular copy paper does not. You can also use any ink you like.
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Snuffing out, not blowing
When it comes to candles, particularly those used in rituals, it is important to remember to snuff them out, rather than blowing them. Blowing out a candle is considered an insult to the flame and is believed to negatively impact your spell. It is also a safety hazard, as it can cause hot wax or burning herbs to splatter.
Instead, snuffing out a candle is the recommended method. This involves using a snuffing tool to extinguish the flame, which is safer and more respectful. If you do not have a snuffing tool, you can use a spoon or another heat-resistant object to gently smother the flame. This method ensures that the flame is extinguished without causing any disruption or mess.
Another important aspect to consider is the wick of the candle. To prevent tunnelling, or uneven burning, it is crucial to ensure that the wick is the appropriate size and thickness. A wick that is too thin may not generate enough heat to melt the wax evenly, resulting in a small wax pool that solidifies and creates a dip in the wax. Conversely, a wick that is too thick can generate excessive heat, causing flickering, smoking, and potentially becoming a fire hazard. Therefore, trimming the wick to the correct size is essential for maintaining an even burn.
Additionally, allowing the candle to burn for a sufficient amount of time is necessary to prevent tunnelling. When you first light the candle, let it burn for at least two to four hours, or until the entire surface of the wax has melted, creating a flat layer. This initial burn sets the foundation for subsequent burns and helps prevent the formation of a sunken dip in the wax.
Furthermore, using a candle topper or lid can also help distribute heat evenly across the surface of the wax, reducing the likelihood of tunnelling. These accessories act as insulators, ensuring that the heat is evenly distributed, allowing the wax to melt uniformly. By using these tools and techniques, you can ensure that your candles burn evenly and that your rituals are conducted respectfully and safely.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle tunnelling occurs when the wick isn't the right size or thickness to generate enough heat when lit to melt the candle's entire surface. To prevent this, ensure your candle burns for long enough that the entire surface has melted, usually between two to four hours.
You can use a candle topper, which looks like a miniature crown, to restore the surface of your candle. Toppers work by controlling the distribution of heat on the surface of the candle, so the surface melts evenly.
Yes, you can use a hairdryer to direct hot air towards the uneven sides of your candle. Alternatively, set your oven to 80 degrees Celsius or 175 degrees Fahrenheit and heat your candle for 2 minutes.
