JUST AS A RECIPE contains ingredients, so there
are certain components that are needed in
magical workings, in order to enhance the
power and energy that is created. To the
uninitiated some of these may seem strange,
yet if we remember that much magic initially
had to be performed with only what was
immediately and easily available to the
practitioner, the use of such items makes a great
deal of sense. Candles, crystals, herbs and so on
thus become an important part of modern-day
spell working.
CANDLES
Candles should be chosen carefully with regard
to type, and colour, depending on the purpose
of the spell. It is often better to use your
intuition when choosing the type of candle,
although for ease of reference, below is a list of
the principal types. There are other types
available, but these are the most suitable for
magical working.
Table
The most readily available candle, they are
ideal for many of the spells in this book. They
usually burn for six to eight hours and need to
be properly seated in suitable candlesticks. All
colours can be used, but they should not be
dipped, except in exceptional circumstances,
and should be of the best quality possible. It is
sensible to keep a ready supply at hand.
Pillar
This is a free-standing candle. It is usually in
the form of a simple pillar, although it can
sometimes be made in other shapes which can
be used as part of the spell, for example heart
shapes for love spells. This type of candle is
best burned on a flat holder since it usually
takes some time to burn out.
Taper
These candles are tall and thin and need a
particularly stable candle-holder. They are
either made in a mould, or by the traditional
method of dipping a length of wick into hot
molten white or coloured wax. For magical
purposes they should be coloured all the way
through. They can often be used when a quick
result is required. Because they are quite
fragile, you need to be careful not to break them
when anointing them.
Tea lights
These small candles are excellent for use when
a candle must be left to burn out, but are less
easy to anoint with essential oils. Poured in
small metal pots like small votives, they are
normally used in oil burners or specially-made
tea-light holders. Depending on their size, they
usually burn for approximately four hours.
Votive
This type of candle is specially designed as an
offering, to carry prayers to whichever deity
you honour. As the wax melts, the holder,
which is made of glass, can become hot so some
care must be taken when using them. They are
designed to be long-burning, usually between
one and seven days.
