Tyler Brooks
Devotional candles are used for both religious and magical purposes. They are often lit during prayer or meditation, and can be placed in front of an image or statue of a deity or a photo of a deceased loved one. It is considered respectful to allow devotional candles to self-extinguish, rather than blowing them out, as blowing can be symbolic of blowing away the prayer. Once the candle has finished burning, it can be ritually disposed of by burning or burying it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to light | Using wooden matches |
| How to light | Saying a charm or prayer |
| How to light | In silence |
| How to dispose | Burning |
| How to dispose | Burying |
| How to dispose | Giving away |
| How to dispose | Throwing away |
| How to extinguish | Allowing it to self-extinguish |
| How to extinguish | Snuffing it out with a candle snuffer or another method |
| How to extinguish | Not blowing it out |
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What You'll Learn
If the candle is blessed, respectfully burn or bury it
Blessed devotional candles are considered sacred items in the Catholic Church. They are believed to invoke God's presence and protection, fostering spiritual growth and serving as powerful symbols of faith and devotion. The blessing of a candle is a solemn ritual where the priest uses holy water and prayers to sanctify the candle, casting out evil spirits and inviting divine grace.
If you have a blessed devotional candle, there are respectful ways to dispose of it after it has burned down. Firstly, it is considered proper to let the candle burn down entirely. This practice honours the sacred nature of the candle and ensures that it is not extinguished prematurely. However, if burning the candle completely poses a hazard, such as the risk of breaking the glass candle holder, it is acceptable to burn it alone to minimise potential dangers.
Alternatively, if you need to extinguish the candle before it has burned down, there are a few respectful methods to do so. Some individuals prefer to snuff out the flame with a damp paper towel or pinch it with wet fingers to avoid blowing it out. Blowing out a candle is generally discouraged as it is considered rude to use air, implying that this element is more powerful than fire. However, this belief can be contradicted by the fact that any method of extinguishing involves using another element to overcome the fire.
Once the candle has been respectfully extinguished, you can perform a simple divinatory reading of the remaining wax and glass. This practice is common with glass-encased devotional candles and can provide insights into the manifestation of your intentions. After this reading, you can either burn the candle completely or bury it. If you choose to burn it, ensure you collect the ashes and bury them on church grounds or in a Catholic cemetery. If burning is not possible, disassemble or destroy the candle to prevent any profane reuse, and then bury the remnants in a sacred location.
Remember, while these practices are traditionally associated with Catholic devotional candles, they can also be adapted and respected by individuals from various spiritual backgrounds who utilise devotional candles in their rituals and practices.
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If unblessed, dispose of it or give it away
If your devotional candle is unblessed, you have a few options for disposal or regifting. You can give it away to someone else who could use it. If you can't find anyone to take it, you can dispose of it in the trash. While it is not considered a sin to throw away unblessed devotional items, it is respectful to dispose of blessed candles by burning or burying them.
Devotional candles are used by a variety of practitioners for both religious and magical purposes. Pagans who were raised in or around the Catholic tradition may be familiar with the practice of blessing and dressing a candle. However, if you are not comfortable with blessing your candle, you can simply dispose of it or give it away after use.
Blessing a devotional candle is a common practice for many Catholics. They may have their candles blessed by a priest, deacon, or bishop, or they may bless the candle themselves using sacred oil, holy water, or a prayer. The candle is then lit during prayer, and it is believed that as long as the candle continues to burn, the prayer is still being sent to God, Christ, or another saint.
If you choose to bless your devotional candle, there are several ways to do so. You can take it to a Catholic Church and have it blessed by a priest, bishop, or deacon. You can also bless the candle yourself by using sacred oil, holy water, or simply praying to Christ to bless your candle.
After your candle has burned down, you can perform a simple divinatory reading of the glass and candle to determine whether your work is on its way to manifesting or needs to be repeated or refined. This practice allows you to interpret signs and symbols that may have specific meanings related to your situation.
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Read the glass and candle for signs and symbols
Reading devotional candles for signs and symbols is a highly subjective practice. It involves observing the behaviour of the candle as it burns and interpreting any patterns or marks left on the glass or wax. This is known as candle watching or divination.
Firstly, one must consider the context in which the candle is burned. Devotional candles are often used in religious or magical settings, and the intention behind the candle's use will influence the interpretation of any signs and symbols that appear. For example, a candle burned for a specific deity or spirit may indicate contact with that entity if the flame flickers.
Secondly, the physical characteristics of the candle itself are important. The placement of surrounding herbs, the amount of oil or herbs used, and the position of the wick can all impact the way the flame burns and any resulting patterns or marks on the glass or wax. For example, a candle loaded with too many herbs may produce excess smoke, which can affect the interpretation of signs.
Thirdly, the behaviour of the flame and any resulting marks or patterns on the glass or wax are key indicators. A clean burn, with no soot, black smoke, or unusual wax formations, is considered a good sign, indicating that everything will go well. On the other hand, a candle that goes out may be a bad sign, suggesting resistance or negative influences. If the glass cracks, this could signify that an evil spell has been broken or that a person is resisting being cast off. Soot in the glass may indicate that your work needs to be repeated or refined. Additionally, the interpretation of signs and symbols may vary depending on the type of candle used. For example, a knot in the wick of a freestanding candle may have a different interpretation from that of a glass-encased candle.
Lastly, it is important to trust your intuition and personal interpretation of the signs and symbols. The meaning of these indicators may vary depending on your unique situation and perspective. Combining multiple signs, such as soot, burned label art, and glass cracks, can help form a fuller picture of the outcome.
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Seal the candle by clapping, knocking, or tapping
Sealing your devotional candle after performing a reading is a crucial step to ensure that your intentions and energy are contained within the candle and not released prematurely. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to seal your candle through clapping, knocking, or tapping:
Begin by centering yourself and ensuring you are still in a calm and meditative state. This is important to maintain the connection with your candle and your intentions. Focus on your breathing for a few moments to regain that sense of calm and clarity.
Now, you can start the sealing process. Using your dominant hand, gently but firmly clap above the flame of the candle. As you clap, visualize a transparent barrier forming around the candle, almost like an invisible bubble encapsulating it. With each clap, see this barrier strengthening and becoming more solid, reinforcing your intentions and protecting the energy of the candle.
If clapping isn't feasible, you can also knock or tap gently on the surface where the candle is placed. Use your index and middle fingers to gently tap the surface three times. As you do so, visualize the energy of the candle being sealed within. With each tap, feel the energy stabilizing and your intentions being locked into the candle.
For this sealing method, you can use a specific mantra or affirmation to enhance the process. For example, you can say, "With this clap [or knock/tap], I seal my devotional candle. My intentions are locked within, and the energy is contained until it is time to release it. So mote it be." Repeat this affirmation with each clap, knock, or tap to empower the sealing process.
Finally, take a moment to visualize the sealed candle radiating with a soft, protective light. See this light as a representation of your intentions and energy being preserved until you are ready to take further action with your candle, such as burning it or performing another reading. This visualization reinforces the sealing process and ensures that your devotional candle remains a powerful tool for your spiritual practice.
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Light at a significant time, like a feast day or during a storm
Devotional candles are often used to mark significant events and occasions, and they can be lit during storms or on feast days. They are a powerful reminder of our light in the world, and they serve as a visual representation of prayer.
During a storm, a devotional candle can be lit as a reminder to remain faithful and praise God even during challenging times. The candle provides light and warmth during a power outage, and it serves as a practical tool as well as a spiritual one. After the storm passes, a prayer of thanksgiving is said, and the candle is extinguished. The candle's light symbolises the light of the world, as mentioned in Matthew 5:14-16, and it is a way to shine brightly and glorify God.
Feast days, such as All Saints' Day, are also significant times to light devotional candles. In some traditions, candles are lit during the liturgy of Good Friday, and in others, they are lit to commemorate the dead on All Saints' Day. Devotional candles can be used to honour a specific saint, as well as to give light and energy to the devotees' prayers. In some cases, a petition or intention is written on a piece of paper and taped to the candle or inscribed directly onto its glass.
When lighting devotional candles, some people prefer to use wooden matches. They may say a charm or prayer over the candle or light it in silence. The candles can be placed in a safe location, such as a large pot, a glass dish filled with water or sand, or a fireplace, to burn uninterrupted.
After the candle has burned down, a simple divinatory reading can be performed on the remaining wax and glass to determine if the work is manifesting or needs to be repeated. It is important to respectfully dispose of blessed candles by burning or burying them.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to ritually dispose of devotional candles. If they have been blessed, it is respectful to burn or bury them, preferably the former. If they haven't been blessed, they can be thrown away.
If you are burning the candles, it is important to ensure that they are burned down entirely. This can be done safely by placing them in a fireproof container or a space where they can burn without causing a fire hazard.
If the candles are still usable, you can give them to others who may find them useful.
It is not recommended to reuse devotional candles. Once they have been ritually disposed of, they have served their purpose and should not be reused.
