A friend had a couple of us over one night in 2019 to make candles and lotion. It was a great time, and it inspired me to get creative with candle making so as to give personalized gifts to my family for Christmas. Things got busy, however, and I didn't get a chance to focus on the endeavor.
Fast-forward half a year, and the world unexpectedly shut down. Wanting to have activities I could do at home, I thought it was the perfect moment to finally learn more about candle making. At the time, I was also learning about Paganism and connecting with my spirituality. Still feeling very new and disoriented in my spiritual practice, I thought making my own candles to use in my rituals would be a great way to bring more meaning and intention to them. I immediately fell in love with my candle making craft and wanted to make more candles than I could possibly use! I also felt very inspired to share the energetic beauty of fire and color magick, as I discovered the energy I have myself to share with others.
It's difficult for me to put into words the inspiration I feel around candles, their many uses, the contexts in which they are lit, and the generations that have used them. There is the candle that is lit at home for relaxation, peace, aroma, concentration, or to uplift one's spirits. There's the candle that is lit for a loved one's perseverance, good fortune, healing, fortitude, or their memory. There are candles lit in every religion and sacred space, whether that is a temple, church, or even the table around which a family gathers to share special moments with each other. The spirit of the candle is all-purposeful, all-giving, and all-gathering, bringing light in the moments when we need it, or providing a peaceful dark space when we wish to connect and/or disconnect. Providing a candle that will do even one of these things for a person, family, or community, is my incredible honor.