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Magic in Many Guises
allowed to burn themselves out. Tradition holds that if a novena candle
is extinguished, then the spell is doomed to failure. Tradition also holds
that a spell cast using a novena candle will yield results within the week.
Seven-knob candles consist of a vertical row of seven round knobs of
wax strung together by a single wick. According to tradition, one knob
of the candle is burned each day for seven consecutive days. These
candles are sometimes called wish candles because as each section is
burning, the spell maker concentrates upon the wish that he or she hopes
will be granted. Again, it is inadvisable to extinguish one of the knobs
until it has burned away.
Double-action candles are sometimes known as reversing candles,
because they are mainly used to reverse the effects of ill-natured spells
cast in the magic maker’s direction. Such candles are usually white, red
and green, coated with black from the middle down. Those who use
double-action candles believe that as the melting coloured wax runs
down the candle and covers the black half, the black magic that was made
is neutralized.
Triple-action candles are tri-coloured, and are popular in some countries,
particularly in Latin America, banishing evil and restoring harmony to
homes that have been hit by hostility and arguments.
There are several other sorts of candles used, but as their purpose is by
and large to cast spells of a dark or at least darkish nature, we will not
discuss them here, or anywhere else in this book.
A candle used for one type of spell should not be reused for a spell of a
different nature as the remnants of magical and physical energy trapped
in the candle’s wax could possibly interfere with or, even worse, reverse
the outcome of the new spell.
In popular practice, different candle colours correspond to different
magical intent and additionally there are different astral colours
corresponding to the days of the week, phases of the moon and the
sabbats.
In candle magic, candles are often dressed or anointed with oil. Not only
does this help to ensure that the candle burns safely by drawing on an
oil with appropriate strengths, the spells cast are endowed with that
strength.
Usually drops of the chosen essential oil are mixed with a base oil – olive,
almond and apricot are all popular. The reason why pure essential oil is
not used to bless a candle with its powers (apart from the expense) is that
they are so potent that if they come into direct contact with the skin,
they can cause allergic reactions. The only exception to this rule is
lavender, which is so gentle that it can be safely rubbed directly onto the
skin. And lavender’s well-known insect repellent properties make it ideal
for spell casters who prefer to weave their magic outdoors!
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