Magic Is Reality, Reality Is Magic: Candles

Magic is Reality, Reality is Magic is a series that highlights aspects of religions, particularly Paganism. We pull things from everyday life to use in our fiction. Magic is one of the key attributes of fantasy. Why not explore the realm of magic that many people already have in their lives?

Picture By Arunravi.signs Candles are used as symbols for many things, and their use is incorporated into several religions. Judaism has the Menorah, and Christianity utilizes candles in many of its rituals. Paganism also uses candles, in ritual, as well as for practicing candle magic.

A candle flame illuminates objects around us in the dark that we otherwise can't see. That flame can also reveal the magic around us, the flame feeding a spell. It's not as simple as lighting a candle and the spell is done, though. Depending on your intention and goal of the spell, you can use a specific type of candle.

Color is important in candle magic. Each color symbolizes different things. I've already touched on the meanings of green and orange in this series. If you're casting a spell to improve your financial situation, you'd choose a green candle, for example.

Some people also use different shapes for their candles, depending on the spell. You can etch symbols into the wax as well as rub oils on the candle. Color, shape, symbols, and oils can each represent something different in the spell you are casting.

However, in magic, intent is usually the strongest factor. The colors and other items help us focus and direct that intent.

So, the next time you blow out your candles on your birthday cake, think of magic when you make your wish.

If you'd like to learn more about candle magic, please check out the following websites: Candle Magic, The Meaning of Candles, and Candle Magic 101: An Introduction to Candle Magic.

Further Reading Suggestions:

Dunwich, Gerina. Wicca Candle Magick. New York: Kensington Publishing Corp., 1996.

I hope you found this tidbit interesting! If you would like me to touch on a particular topic that fits in this series, please don't hesitate to contact me with suggestions.

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Magic Is Reality, Reality Is Magic: Yule

Magic is Reality, Reality is Magic is a series that highlights aspects of religions, particularly Paganism. We pull things from everyday life to use in our fiction. Magic is one of the key attributes of fantasy. Why not explore the realm of magic that many people already have in their lives?

Graphic By petercui (Bide Cui) This time of year, most people are thinking about Christmas. Well, Christmas actually is derived from an older holiday--Yule, or the Winter Solstice. Yule is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Once the Winter Solstice passes, the days will start getting longer again! The date Yule lands on can be different from year to year, since it marks the aforementioned--it's usually anywhere from December 19 through December 22 (this year it lands on December 21). For many Pagans, the heralding of the sun's return is a symbol of rebirth (the God reborn of the Goddess).

Many of the symbols associated with Yule will be quite familiar, since Christmas has borrowed many of them. A decorated tree is one (we just call it a Yule tree in our house, instead of a Christmas tree!). Wreaths--symbolizing the Wheel of the Year--burning candles and Yule fires--calling back the sun--bells, and feasting all represent the Winter Solstice. So, when Yule comes around, try to remember that it means sunnier days are ahead!

Clearly there is more to Yule than I've summed up here. You may want to visit the following websites: The Winter Solstice--Yule Lore, History of Yule and All About Yule.

Further Reading Suggestions:

McCoy, Edain. The Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways. St. Paul: Llwellyn Publications, 1999.

I hope you found this tidbit interesting! If you would like me to touch on a particular topic that fits in this series, please don't hesitate to contact me with suggestions.

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