The use candles have been around for centuries, though very little known about where candles actually originated. As we all know, candles have been used for centuries to provide warmth and light and have been included in many religious ceremonies. The history of the candle is intimately connected with the history of religion and although the symbolism and usage varies from religion to religion, the candle itself does not. Candles are unique tools indeed to link humankind to the Divine. The candle itself is often seen as a representation of the body and spirit, the wick a representation of the spirit and the wax a representation of the flesh of the human body. Many religions use candles in times of prayer and for honoring spirits of those who have passed away. We make a wish and blow them out on our birthdays. What is it about a candle that is so enticing? Is it the dancing flame, the color, the warmth? How is it that something so small create such a large change in the world?

In many pagan ceremonies, candles are used to represent the god and goddess. Candles are also used to represent the four elements in a ritual circle. In times of a ritual, candles are lit to represent the opening of the circle and extinguished to mark the closing of the ceremony. Candles are also used frequently during meditation, and when performing ceremonies of a magical nature. Some Pagans also use candles as a form of divination. Many in the pagan community however use candles in the same fashion that those of the non-Pagan community would use them.

Candle magic is often seen to be the simplest of all the magical forms. The reason that it is so simple is because there is very little that one would need in order to perform this type of magic, and candles can be found just about anywhere in the world. The size of the candles is also usually not of importance though many choose to use taller candles for more time intensive spells where smaller spells may only call for the use of a small tea light. The simplest form of candle magic is to write down the objective of your ritual on a piece of paper, and burning it using the flame of the candle that you have set to represent your purpose. Another way of accomplishing this is by carving your intention onto the candle itself using your athame or another sharp tool, and burning the candle to accomplish your goal. Most often then not, by the time the candle has ceased to burn your intention will have come to fruition. It is important to note that you should never re-use a candle that you have set to a specific magical purpose. If your candle has not burned down completely, you should dispose of it. Each new spell deserves a new and fresh start when working the magic.

To add to the energy influences of the candles you are going to be using in a ritual the candles need to first be blessed to remove any negative vibrations from them, and then anointed to set the desired energy you want to include in your working.  Dressing most often is the term used to mean anointing the candle with oil. The anointing of the candle most often is performed in the following procedure. Starting from the center of the candle, rub your oil on the candles surface with your power hand upward to the candles wick.  Continue rubbing the oil on the candles surface, from the center upwards until the entire top half of the candle is now anointed with the oil. Then beginning back at the candles center, rub downward to the bottom of the candle in the same fashion that you used to anoint the top half of the candle. Though it is not necessary to dress the candle before you use it in your magical workings it does help to add that bit of something extra to what you are trying to accomplish.

Another important thing to take into consideration when preparing to use candles for magic is they color of the candle that you will be using for your desired purpose. You will want to choose a candle that will work well with the intent of the energy that you are trying to send out into the world. You can choose the color that feels right to you or there are many places to which you can go to find a listing of colors and their magical meanings. Some candle magic practitioners will choose to use colored candles in their practice while others will choose only to use white candles to represent his or her intent. No matter what the choice is, choosing the right colored candle again will only add to the energy of the intent that you are meaning to send out with your magical working.

The last bit of information in regards to performing candle magic is how to go about lighting the candles you are using to perform your rituals. Several sources out there that will say not to use lighters when lighting candles for magical purposes, there are others will say not to use matches because of the sulfur emitted when the match is struck which will lessen the magical effect of what you are trying to accomplish. Some will say to light a candle using either of the previous mentioned methods and use this to light your candle with that you are using for magical purposes. Personally, I say use whatever method seems to work best for you.

Therefore, candle magic is probably the least costly form of magical working. You can use candles for just about any purpose. Candles illuminate the dark to show us the light. They light the way home for our hearts desire and intentions. So remember all you need is a candle, yourself, and the intent to make the necessary change within your life.

References:
http://www.witchway.net/ritual/candle.html
Wicca Candle Magick by Gerina Dunwich
Practical Candle Burning Rituals by Raymond Buckland