Brooke Martin
Carved candles have been used for centuries in rituals and to create a sense of magic. They can be used for prayer, worship, or to manifest intentions. Carving a candle requires a medium wax, a vat, a heater, and a carving tool. Once the wax is melted, colour can be added, and then the carving can begin. The carving can be a word, a symbol, or a sigil representing the intention of the carver. Carved candles can be used for personal energy and clear intentions, or for more complex rituals and spells.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Medium wax |
| Wax colour | Clear, white, or coloured |
| Carving tools | Any type of carving tool |
| Carving location | Well-ventilated room with a warm temperature of around 78-79 F |
| Carving time | Within 7 minutes of the wax cooling |
| Carving technique | Lightly carve first, then go back and carve again with deep lines |
| Carving design | Name, word, symbol, sigil, rune, or image |
| Additional decorations | Essential oils, non-toxic glitter |
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What You'll Learn
Carving symbols, words, or runes
Once the wax is melted, colour can be added, although scented oils are typically not used in carved candles. After dipping the candle and allowing it to cool, it should be hung on a stand, and the bottom should be cut off to create a flat surface. With only about seven minutes before the wax hardens, carvers must act quickly, using any carving tool to inscribe their chosen designs. Some practitioners suggest starting by writing your name on the candle from top to bottom, while others focus on their intention, carving symbols, words, or sigils that represent their magical purpose.
For example, a green candle with a self-created sigil may be used for a spell related to finding a new job. Alternatively, runes can be carved into the candle, and a separate piece of paper with the intentions can be burned. The type of symbol, word, or rune carved into the candle is often a personal choice, guided by intuition and the specific intention of the spell. Carvers are encouraged to use their imagination and try different techniques to discover what works best for them.
After carving, the candle can be anointed with essential oils and coated in non-toxic glitter to further empower the intention. The timing of burning the candle is also important, with the phase of the moon considered when setting intentions. Burning a candle between the new moon and the full moon is suitable for intentions of building, growth, magnetizing, and bringing things towards you. Conversely, burning a candle between the full moon and the new moon is used for releasing or moving away from something or clearing away negativity.
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Candle colour meanings
The colour of a candle can be used to signify the purpose of a ritual or spell. Here is a guide to the meanings of different candle colours:
White Candles
White candles are the most classic and commonly used. They are associated with purity, clarity, spiritual awakening, and protection. They are considered universal and can be used as a substitute for any other colour. White candles are ideal for purification and protection rituals, amplifying spiritual acts, and the power of prayers.
Red Candles
Red is the colour of passion, love, and desire. Red candles are used in love spells and rituals to attract or deepen romantic connections and to reignite passion in relationships. They are also used to boost physical strength and energy, and to stimulate mental strength and power.
Pink Candles
Pink candles symbolise love, compassion, and emotional healing. They are used for self-love rituals and strengthening relationships, focusing on emotional connections.
Purple/Violet Candles
Purple or violet candles are associated with spiritual growth, wisdom, intuition, and psychic abilities. They are used to enhance meditation practices, clairvoyance, concentration, and relaxation.
Black Candles
Black candles are used for protection, banishing negativity, and grounding energy. They are powerful for warding off negative influences, breaking bad habits, and repelling misfortunes and evil spirits.
Green Candles
Green candles are used in money-drawing spells and rituals for personal growth and renewal. They symbolise fertility, new beginnings, luck, success, and healing.
Yellow Candles
Yellow candles are burned during study sessions or creative projects to enhance mental clarity, focus, and creativity. They are used in rituals to manifest positivity and joy.
Orange Candles
Orange candles represent creativity, enthusiasm, and success. They are used to boost confidence, attract attention, and awaken the senses. They are beneficial for prayers for speedy recovery and support during project creation or business ventures.
Blue Candles
Blue candles are recommended for administrative matters, unblocking lawsuits, solving problems, and achieving success in business or trade. They provide serenity, security, understanding, hope, trust, loyalty, and sincerity.
The colour of the candle is an important consideration when setting intentions and performing rituals or spells. However, it is also important to follow your intuition and choose a colour that you feel drawn to in the moment.
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Candle types
Candles are a great way to add a cosy, decorative touch to your home, and there are many different types to choose from. Here are some of the most popular candle types:
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are classic and versatile, characterised by their cylindrical shape and self-supporting nature. They are available in various sizes and colours, making them perfect for both decorative and practical purposes, adding warmth and elegance to any setting.
Taper Candles
Taper candles are slender and elegant, tapering towards one end. They are traditionally used for formal occasions such as dinners and weddings and come in a range of colours and lengths, allowing for creative arrangements and displays.
Tealight Candles
Tealight candles are small and come packaged in a metal or plastic container. They are mainly used for decor and accent lighting and typically burn for up to five hours. They are often placed in various holders or seasonal decorations, such as pumpkins, to create a cosy atmosphere.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are small and do not come packaged in a container, which means they burn into the holder they are placed in. They are perfect for table or shelf ambiance, adding a warm and elegant touch to any setting.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are made from natural beeswax, which gives them a warm, honey-like aroma. They are known for their clean-burning properties and are environmentally friendly, helping to reduce pollutants that cause asthma and allergies. Beeswax candles are prized for their natural beauty and subtle hexagonal pattern.
Soy Candles
Soy candles are a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers as they are made from soybean wax, a renewable resource that burns cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin wax. They come in a variety of colours and scents, adding a personalised touch to any space.
In addition to these types, there are also floating candles, jar candles, and handmade candles, each with its unique characteristics and purposes. Whether you choose a traditional candle or a flameless option, always remember to prioritise safety and never leave a burning candle unattended.
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Carving tools
- Vat or Tub: You will need a container to melt and hold your wax. A metal vat or tub is ideal, as it can withstand the heat and handle the weight of the wax. A galvanized sheet metal tub is an excellent option, but it can be challenging to solder, so a light or medium-gauge metal tub is recommended. Ensure your tub is large enough to accommodate multiple colours of wax.
- Heater: To melt your wax, you will need a heater. A 120-volt heater is typically sufficient for melting wax in your vat or tub.
- Wax: Choose a medium wax that hardens at the right pace for carving. Avoid wax that stays warm for too long, as it may cause your designs to sag. Microcrystalline wax is a good option, as it has a soft and tacky texture with a melting point of 152-161 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Colours and Dyes: Add colours to your wax to create vibrant designs. You can find wax colours at craft stores or wholesalers. Avoid adding scents to your carved candles, as it is not typically done.
- Carving Knife or Blade: Invest in a good-quality carving knife or blade specifically designed for candle carving. A round blade is often used to carve the top of the candle, creating a decorative pattern.
- Candle Handle: A candle handle is a useful tool to hold your candle securely while dipping, carving, glazing, and drying. It ensures you don't have to touch the candle with your hands, providing a more comfortable and stable grip.
- Carving Rack: A carving rack is essential for holding your candle steady while you work. It also helps to catch any wax drippings, keeping your workspace neat and organised.
- Guidance Materials: Consider investing in guidance materials, such as books, DVDs, or online tutorials, to learn the basic techniques of candle carving. These can provide you with templates and step-by-step instructions to improve your skills.
Remember to maintain a warm and well-ventilated workspace, as this is crucial for successful candle carving. With the right tools, practice, and dedication, you can master the art of candle carving and create stunning decorative pieces.
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Candle magic rituals
Once the candle and the space have been purified, it is time to carve your intention into the candle. This can be done by writing your name on the candle from top to bottom, and then carving a word, symbol, or sigil that represents your intention. This could include ancient runes, magical symbols, or simply writing out your intention in words. If you are focusing your spell on a specific person, you can carve their name into the candle as well. The more specific and heartfelt your words and visualizations, the stronger the charge embedded into the wax will be.
After carving your intention into the candle, it is time to anoint it with oil. Choose a natural oil like an essential oil that aligns with your mystical goal, and rub it into the candle from top to middle, then bottom to middle. You can also dress your candle with herbs by lightly dusting them onto the base of the candle, and small crystals can be placed on top.
Finally, it is time to light your candle. Use a decorative matchstick or thin taper candle to add a lovely glamour to your ritual. If your candle spell is only for one day, let it burn all the way down. If it is for multiple days, use a candle snuffer or a fan to put it out, and relight it every day until the spell is finished. When you are done with your ritual, connect back to Earth and thank the universe for its magic.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're just starting out with candle carving, a good first project is to carve your name into a candle from top to bottom. You can also try carving a sigil, a symbol, or a word that represents your intention.
Medium wax is best for candle carving because you don't want it to stay warm for too long and sag, or harden too quickly before you're finished carving.
You will need a vat or tub made out of metal, a heater, and a carving tool. You may also want to use essential oils and non-toxic glitter to decorate your candle.
