I love candles and pretty much all of my spells involve them. I like simple rituals and candles are perfect for that :)
Here are some simple candle rituals that can be used for any working.
1. Rub a candle with appropriate oil. Pray over it. Light it. Done. Simple. This can be used for anything. If you like, you can write out your petition on parchment paper and place under the candle. You can also inscribe names or intent on the candle with a nail or pin. Burn incense if you like (I always do) Frankincense is a good all purpose incense.
2. Take a thicker candle (votive or small pillar) carve a shallow hole in the bottom. Anoint your candle with oil, then roll in herbs that are appropriate to your working that you have blessed. Mix some of the herbs with a few drops of your oil and stuff the bottom of the candle as well. This is called a "Loaded" candle. This is visually appealing as well as very effective.
3.Drawing spell- This is for when you wish to bring something to yourself (love, money, luck, happiness etc...) In these types of spells I usually use colored candles, its easier to maintain your visualization and keep track of, when each aspect has its own color. Place a candle that represents you in the center (your astral color) then place one or more candles that represent your intention, a short distance from your candle (in the proper colors). Anoint all candles with oil and name them for your intention. Pray over them and light. Allow to burn 15-30 minutes then extinguish. Repeat each day, first moving desired aspect closer to your astral candle, until they touch, then allow candles to burn out. Here's an example of a money spell- your candle in the center, green candles dressed with money drawing oil placed a few inches away. Each day move the green "Money" candles closer to your candle until they touch.
4.Banishing spell- same as drawing spell, only start with candles touching, then bad aspect is moved away from your candle.
5. Vigil or Novena candle- these are burned for a particular saint or spirit. Basically, you light it each day and say an appropriate prayer to your saint or spirit for your intention. A novena, as the name would suggest, is worked over nine days (or sometimes, nine hours). Usually an altar is set up for your saint and offerings such as cake, wine, water, coins, shells etc.. are placed on it with your candle, as well as a statue, holy card or image of some kind. Novenas are one of my favorite ways to work. When you work novenas often, you develop a certain bond with your saints and spirits. You come to feel like they are "Your" special saint :)
6. My daily ritual - I light altar candles, bless myself and my space with holy water. I light altar incense. I pray for whatever it is I need that day (peace, guidance, patience etc..) light a tea light and meditate on my life for a few minutes. After meditating, I give thanks and extinguish the altar candles. I usually let the tea light burn out. I do this each day to help center and prepare myself for whatever the day holds.
Candles can be used for simple fire spells such as - write your petition on parchment, then burn it in the flame of a blessed and anointed candle. Thus releasing your intention to the universe. You can also purify amulets and talismans by passing them through the flame of a blessed and anointed candle or incense smoke.
Candles are super versatile and I'm sure with a little creative thought you can expand on these ideas and come up with your own meaningful rituals. The possibilities are endless :)
Peace and abundance,
Lavinia
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, February 24, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Significance of color
In the magical/spiritual journey, you will most likely come across many correspondence tables listing what color to use for a specific purpose. Most are similar, a few may be slightly different between the various traditions. Is it really necessary to use the specified color?
Well, yes and no. Yes, in as much as we have come to associate certain colors with certain aspects. Such as: green = money, red or pink = love, white = purity, spirituality, etc... And in this respect, there is a definite psychological impact on our perception of the ritual. We see the color, know its association, and it strengthens the visualization of our intent. Also, it is believed that the various colors have a specific vibratory influence on our work. Whether that influence is because of the association with a certain deity, saint, planetary ruler or zodiac sign; it is thought that the particular color gains strength and influence from that source. Thus, adding to the power of the ritual being performed. So we see how color can be important.
But is it necessary? I personally don't think it is. After all, prior to the 20th century, most people used plain white candles for their prayers and rituals and I really don't believe that they were any less effective. The majority of folk magic traditions come to us from rural areas and humble people. I doubt very much that they had access to a wide variety of colored candles, so they used what they had available to them. Which is, of course, the very nature of folk magic and the reason I love it so! Simple techniques and using what you have to make the needed changes in your life. What could be easier and more satisfying than that? I believe the power of the intent you put into your ritual and belief in it's outcome to be the most important aspect of any prayer or ritual. Throughout the new testament of the bible, Jesus repeatedly tells the people that are cured "Your faith has healed you." Obviously his message was meant to convey the idea that it is your OWN belief that brings about the change, not some external force. My point is, if you need money like yesterday, are you going to wait until you can find a green candle? I don't think so, especially if you're strapped for cash and all you have is white candles. What if you're in need of healing, are you really going to root around for a blue candle when you feel like crap? Use what you have, colors are great but not entirely neccessary.
So at the end of it all, yes, color can help in its own way, but ultimately, it's your own conviction and perseverance that bring about change. Use what you have and try not to get hung up on all the trappings and what someone else says is the "Right way." The power and intent are channeled through YOU, all you have to do is believe :)
Love and Blessings,
Lavinia
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Well, yes and no. Yes, in as much as we have come to associate certain colors with certain aspects. Such as: green = money, red or pink = love, white = purity, spirituality, etc... And in this respect, there is a definite psychological impact on our perception of the ritual. We see the color, know its association, and it strengthens the visualization of our intent. Also, it is believed that the various colors have a specific vibratory influence on our work. Whether that influence is because of the association with a certain deity, saint, planetary ruler or zodiac sign; it is thought that the particular color gains strength and influence from that source. Thus, adding to the power of the ritual being performed. So we see how color can be important.
But is it necessary? I personally don't think it is. After all, prior to the 20th century, most people used plain white candles for their prayers and rituals and I really don't believe that they were any less effective. The majority of folk magic traditions come to us from rural areas and humble people. I doubt very much that they had access to a wide variety of colored candles, so they used what they had available to them. Which is, of course, the very nature of folk magic and the reason I love it so! Simple techniques and using what you have to make the needed changes in your life. What could be easier and more satisfying than that? I believe the power of the intent you put into your ritual and belief in it's outcome to be the most important aspect of any prayer or ritual. Throughout the new testament of the bible, Jesus repeatedly tells the people that are cured "Your faith has healed you." Obviously his message was meant to convey the idea that it is your OWN belief that brings about the change, not some external force. My point is, if you need money like yesterday, are you going to wait until you can find a green candle? I don't think so, especially if you're strapped for cash and all you have is white candles. What if you're in need of healing, are you really going to root around for a blue candle when you feel like crap? Use what you have, colors are great but not entirely neccessary.
So at the end of it all, yes, color can help in its own way, but ultimately, it's your own conviction and perseverance that bring about change. Use what you have and try not to get hung up on all the trappings and what someone else says is the "Right way." The power and intent are channeled through YOU, all you have to do is believe :)
Love and Blessings,
Lavinia
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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