Magickal Winds -

In addition to plain offertory candles, spiritual suppliers, as early as the 1930s, provided figural or "symbolic" candles for special uses. Most of these styles are still manufactured today. The most popular are the listed in the exhibit 1. Following Henri Gamache's instructions, conjure-workers of the 1940s-1960s burned small free-standing pillar candles (called "altar" or "offertory" candles) of various colors to draw luck, love, and money; for protection from evil; and to wreak vengeance or exert control over others. Because many, if not most, of the spiritual suppliers then catering to the African-American market were Jews, they usually offered 7-branched menorah candle-holders to their customers, which gave hoodoo candle burning ceremonies of the period a slightly Kabalistic cast. The color symbolism ascribed to altar candle colors was likewise influenced by European magical traditions, admixed with remnants of African religious symbolism. Refer to Exhibit 3 for the Color Symbolism.

Today, with the growth in the neo-pagan and other non structured religions, the demand for image (figural) candles is growing. Examples of candles used in ceremonies and rituals include: altar candles (which are traditionally tall white candles); offeratory candles with symbolic colors, images, etc.; astral candles that are aligned with the petitioners birth date (includes zodiac colors and symbolisms); day candles (which are aligned to the day being used); birthday candles; funeral candles; vigilance candles; wedding candles; and Sabbath candles (Yule, Samhain, etc.). Refer to exhibits 3 and 6 that show tables of various colors and their symbolism for altar, image, zodiac and day candles.

Candles are a portable means of harvesting a controlled fire. The candle’s flame is the magickal tool or petition conveyance of the candle’s owner for their intent. Dedicated candles serve many purposes, depending on the intent, whether it is light, heat, ambiance, celebration, ceremony, or spiritual works. In spiritual works, fire represents the ultimate power and ability to purify. It represents spirit in its purest form, the manifestation of God and Goddess and the candle smoke represents the vehicle by which to reach them.