The Benefits and Magic of Candles: Using candles for healing and intention setting
Alicia Leon - 1/26/18
Candles have been used for centuries, not only to light man’s way in darkness, but in ceremonial and ritualistic practices as well. The candle alone symbolizes illumination in the darkness of life, Divine Truth, Spirit and guidance into the other side or lighted path into the spirit realm.
There are many ways to use candles that reap various benefits:
In religion, candles are used to call in the divine light during worship or ceremony, and to light the way for loved ones whose souls are crossing over.
In holistic healing, candles are used for aromatherapy and also to add calming ambiance during healing or massage therapy sessions.
In the home, candles are used for decoration and aromatherapy as well.
In rituals or meditation practice, candles are used for intention setting and for connection to the spirit world.
Today I want to focus on using candles for intention setting meditation. I personally use candles for intention setting meditation just about everyday because when I use them, I am able to connect strongly with spirit. I really resonate with the power of candle use and feel they are a very powerful tool in my own spiritual and manifesting practices. Candles are a staple in my spiritual practice toolbox.
The way to use candles for intention setting practices can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. For instance, the color of a specific candle can determine the meaning or intent of the candle’s use. You can incorporate things like specific crystals and incense around the candle to magnify the power of your intent or symbolize the desired effect or outcome of what you want to manifest. I can go on and on but I will talk about more elaborate candle use later.
Basically, a white candle and the key principles are all you need to begin.
The key principles are:
Decide on a goal or intention
Visualize the end result
Ask your Angels, Guides, Spirit, Universe, whoever you call upon to help manifest the result
Focus your intent, or will, to manifest that result
You can write your intention down on a piece of paper if it’s a little lengthy, or carve it into the candle if it is just one word. If you write your intention on a piece of paper, fold it up and place it underneath your candle before lighting it. There are also candles that already have the intent printed on them for purchase as well. Be specific and clear about what you want your goal and the end result to be. Once you’ve visualized the goal/intent and it’s outcome, call in your Angels, Spirit Guides, Ancestors, whoever you feel comfortable calling on to help bring in a little “devine muscle” and guidance to manifest your wishes.
The candle size is up to you. If you wish to set the intent in one session and move on, use a small candle. That way it will burn all the way through quickly and you don’t have to worry about a fire hazard or coming back to it for further meditation on this specific intent. If you wish to spend a little more time working on manifesting your intention, you can use a bigger candle and set a specific amount of time daily to focus and meditate on the intention.
Once you have your candle, and decided on the size of your candle and your intention, you are ready to light the candle. Focus your energy as you light the flame. Call on your “spiritual team” for guidance and help. Believe in the power of the flame. Meditate on the purpose of your intention and the outcome you wish to manifest. When you are done, extinguish the flame with gratitude, at the same time asking the flame of intent to continue to burn as you blow it out. Have trust in knowing that the smoke will carry out the manifestation of your intention. Continue this ritual everyday or night until you’ve burned the candle down completely.
Here at The Red Lotus, we have quite a collection of candles, different colors, sizes and even specific set intention candles for you manifesting and healing needs. Let us know if you have any questions or if you’d like to stop by to check them out.
