Brooke Martin
Blowing out a candle is a common method to extinguish the flame, but it is not always the best option. Some people believe that blowing out a candle is disrespectful to angels and spirits, while others believe it interferes with manifestations and spells. Additionally, blowing out a candle can cause issues such as tunneling, unevenness, and a reduction in fragrance due to smoke. To avoid these problems, some recommend using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame safely and effectively, preserving the quality of the candle wax and fragrance.
Characteristics and values of blowing out a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preserves the fragrance | Yes |
| Avoids tunneling | No |
| Leaves soot on the wick | Yes |
| Safe | No |
| Even wax distribution | No |
| Respectful to fire | No |
| Shows disrespect to angels and spirits | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Blowing out candles for manifestations in witchcraft
Blowing out candles is a common practice in witchcraft, often associated with manifestations and wish-fulfilment. This act of blowing out candles is similar to the childhood practice of blowing out birthday candles while making a wish.
Some practitioners believe that blowing out a candle releases the intention or spell into the universe, allowing it to reach the gods and the universe through the smoke. This belief is likened to blowing on a dandelion, where the dispersing seeds carry your wish. The speed and intensity of blowing can also be varied to indicate the desired speed of manifestation.
However, there are differing opinions on this practice. Some traditions, like Wicca, consider blowing out candles disrespectful to the element of fire, suggesting that it indicates air is more powerful. Additionally, it is believed that blowing out a candle can cancel or blow away the spell or intention, preventing it from reaching its target. Instead, practitioners of this belief may snuff or pinch out the candle, considering it a more respectful way to extinguish the flame.
Practitioners also emphasise the importance of fire safety, prioritising practical considerations over superstition. Ultimately, the method of extinguishing a candle is a personal choice, and different practices may have their own preferences and beliefs.
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Blowing out birthday candles
For scented candles, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer (also known as a douter) to extinguish the flame. A wick dipper is a long-handled tool with a hook on one end that quickly dips the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame. A candle snuffer is similar, with a long handle and a bell shape on one end that is placed over the flame to extinguish it. These methods minimise smoke and help to preserve the quality and fragrance of the candle.
In the practice of witchcraft, some people believe that blowing out a candle can send intentions or spells up to the gods and the universe with the smoke. Others believe that pinching out the flame is more respectful to the element of fire. However, as with birthday candles, the smoke from blown-out candles can be unpleasant, and some witches choose to smother the flame with a candle holder to avoid this.
Overall, while blowing out birthday candles is a common tradition, there are alternative methods for extinguishing candles that may be more effective at preserving the candle's wax and fragrance.
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Using a candle snuffer
Blowing out a candle may be the most obvious way to extinguish it, but it is not always the best method. Blowing out candles can cause uneven wax, tunneling, and an unpleasant after-scent. Some people also believe that blowing out candles shows disrespect to angels and spirits.
- Candle snuffers are bell, cylinder, or cone-shaped with handles on one end. They come in various designs, such as a beehive, disk, or pyramid shape.
- When extinguishing the flame, hover the bell or cone-shaped end of the snuffer over the wick. This will deprive the flame of oxygen, gradually stifling it.
- Pay attention to how you hold the snuffer over the candle. Ensure the snuffer is close enough to the wick to extinguish the flame, but not so close that the wax melts onto the snuffer.
- Candle snuffers work well with most candles, including traditional candles, tapers, and pillars.
- It is recommended to burn candles for no more than 4-6 hours at a time to prevent overheating, uneven burns, and excess smoke.
- Candle snuffers are affordable and can be easily found online or at your local candle shop or craft store.
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Using a wick dipper
Blowing out a candle is a common practice, but it can cause issues such as an uneven wax buildup, smoke, and soot, which can affect the candle's fragrance and appearance. Some people also believe that blowing out candles shows disrespect to angels and spirits.
Now, let's talk about using a wick dipper:
A wick dipper is a slender instrument, typically made of metal, that is used to extinguish a candle's flame. It is designed to gently submerge the burning wick into the pool of molten wax at the top of the candle, effectively snuffing out the flame without causing any smoke or soot. This method of extinguishing candles has been around for centuries and was particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Antique wick dippers are often crafted from silver or brass and are prized by collectors for their intricate designs.
To use a wick dipper effectively, follow these steps:
- Ensure that your candle has been burning long enough to form a pool of molten wax around the wick.
- Use the curved end of the wick dipper to gently push the wick into the wax pool. For larger diameter candles, you may need to straighten the wick afterward.
- Check the height of the wick. If it is too low, adjust it to around 1/4 inch before relighting to prevent excessive smoking.
- Dispose of any trimmed wick properly to prevent fire hazards.
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Pros and cons of blowing out candles
Blowing out candles is a common practice, especially on birthday cakes. However, there are several reasons why one might choose to avoid this method of extinguishing a candle.
Pros of Blowing Out Candles
- It is a quick and easy way to extinguish a candle, especially if you do not have access to other tools.
- In witchcraft, some practices blow out candles to let the spell intention rise to the gods and the universe with the smoke.
Cons of Blowing Out Candles
- Blowing out candles can cause the wax to become uneven or push it to the side of the container, a phenomenon known as "tunneling." This results in wasted wax and a decreased fragrance throw.
- Blowing out candles can cause smoke, which leaves an unpleasant after-scent and soot on the wick and surrounding areas.
- The act of blowing out a candle may be considered disrespectful to angels and spirits by some.
- Blowing out a candle can result in hot wax being blown everywhere, creating a potential safety hazard.
- The wick can become buried in wax, making it harder to relight the candle.
Alternative Methods to Extinguish Candles
- Using a wick dipper: This involves using a long-handled tool to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lifting it back out, extinguishing the flame with minimal smoke.
- Using a candle snuffer: A candle snuffer, also known as a douter, has a long handle with a bell-shaped end. You hold the snuffer over the flame and lower it until the flame is fully extinguished.
- Pinching the flame with fingers: In witchcraft, this method is considered more respectful to the element of fire.
Overall, while blowing out candles may be convenient, there are several potential drawbacks to consider. Alternative methods, such as using a wick dipper or a candle snuffer, can help preserve the quality of the candle, minimise smoke, and ensure a more pleasant experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter everywhere. It can also cause tunneling, where the candle will only melt to a certain point, leaving a coating of unusable wax. Additionally, the wick can emit a lot of smoke, reducing the scent of the candle.
Some alternatives to blowing out a candle include using a wick dipper, a candle snuffer, or pinching the flame with your fingers.
Some people believe that blowing out a candle is disrespectful to angels and spirits. Others believe that it is disrespectful to the element of fire. However, some people blow out candles to release their intentions and manifestations.
Using a wick dipper to put out a candle preserves the quality of the wax and fragrance. It also helps to avoid tunneling and keeps the candle sootless and aesthetically pleasing.
Trimming the wick of a candle is recommended to ensure a cleaner and brighter burn. It also helps to prevent strange shapes from forming in the wick, which can dull and obscure the flame.
