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The Book of Practical Candle Magic
Candle magic is a simple but effective magical technique, involving a minimum of equipment and experience. In this complete manual are instructions for making, dressing, and anointing candles and for using them in a variety of rituals—attraction, banishment, peace and contemplation, and the Mystical Novena.
The Book of Practical Candle Magic, written by an experienced occultist, offers expert guidance on a fascinating aspect of magical theory and includes a historical survey of the candle in religion and folklore as well as essential information on color symbolism, angelic signatures, planetary signs, and zodiacal correspondences.
The Book of Practical Candle Magic, written by an experienced occultist, offers expert guidance on a fascinating aspect of magical theory and includes a historical survey of the candle in religion and folklore as well as essential information on color symbolism, angelic signatures, planetary signs, and zodiacal correspondences.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 9, 2018
Consisting of only four chapters: Candle Making, Equipment and General Notes, The Importance of Color, and Candle Rituals. A compact, general work to give an elementary working frame when exploring candle work; a collection of solid ideas and inspirations to begin. The framework is often Christian-inspired. I appreciate the author including all of the planets in the Solar System for use with ritual, and in the planetary hours-- that is rarely seen in magic books that often references astrological woks no later than the Renaissance-- for that I will add a star.
A few historical points of religious, and cultural use of flame, particularly through the Christian, Roman and Celtic regions for celebration, purification, the dead, and divination. Moving on to the types of candles (their materials) offered for practice: altar (to represent Divinity), zodiac/astral (to represent those doing the working), and offertory (to represent active principle in any situation); and their location on the altar.
A helpful section mentions various methods for creating one's own candles; which adds potency to their work; suggestions for candle holders, and how to anoint them for best effect. When discussing altar figures, the author uses saints, as well as deities from several pantheons. Recommendations for ritual preparation such as a spiritual bath, specific clothing, and the timing is mentioned before taking a dive into chapter 3 with Color.
Acknowledging that color has many deep cultural significances, and differences, therefore, no definitive list exists for correspondences, however, there is a rich vein to tap in many areas of experimentation. He examines a few historical, and traditional associations with the colors to give one a better foundation of associations to work with color in ritual.
Regrettably, the author chooses to regurgitate the nonsense regarding Right- and Left- Hand paths, and the black candle as a means of only doing evil. These assertions should have been eliminated decades ago, dare I say centuries ago when any average person knows that there is a "blessing and a curse" with everything; nothing is entirely good, or entirely evil. I would argue the use of 'bright' or 'dark' colors to signify beneficial, and detrimental aspects is following too close to this ideology. Yet, under the category of Black, the author extols the benefits of using it because of associations to dark, rich, fertile soil, "as gestation of all kinds takes place in its dark, brooding kingdom".
The last chapter is Rituals, utilizing the three candle types model for them. The first is one for a Newborn that seeks to limit the power of Lilith against the child; incorporating a talisman, and angelic names. Second, a method for Attraction, of any kind, with one for Banishment following.
Wisely, ritual for Peace and Contemplation is next. Finally, addressing emergency rituals, and how to manage them before exploring Mystical or Magical Novenas.
The Reference section gives Zodiac colors, signs, planetary hours, and archangel rulership. The author spends several pages explaining the two ways to use a table of Planetary Hours. Lastly, a Pronunciation Guide for Angelic Names.
A few historical points of religious, and cultural use of flame, particularly through the Christian, Roman and Celtic regions for celebration, purification, the dead, and divination. Moving on to the types of candles (their materials) offered for practice: altar (to represent Divinity), zodiac/astral (to represent those doing the working), and offertory (to represent active principle in any situation); and their location on the altar.
A helpful section mentions various methods for creating one's own candles; which adds potency to their work; suggestions for candle holders, and how to anoint them for best effect. When discussing altar figures, the author uses saints, as well as deities from several pantheons. Recommendations for ritual preparation such as a spiritual bath, specific clothing, and the timing is mentioned before taking a dive into chapter 3 with Color.
Acknowledging that color has many deep cultural significances, and differences, therefore, no definitive list exists for correspondences, however, there is a rich vein to tap in many areas of experimentation. He examines a few historical, and traditional associations with the colors to give one a better foundation of associations to work with color in ritual.
Regrettably, the author chooses to regurgitate the nonsense regarding Right- and Left- Hand paths, and the black candle as a means of only doing evil. These assertions should have been eliminated decades ago, dare I say centuries ago when any average person knows that there is a "blessing and a curse" with everything; nothing is entirely good, or entirely evil. I would argue the use of 'bright' or 'dark' colors to signify beneficial, and detrimental aspects is following too close to this ideology. Yet, under the category of Black, the author extols the benefits of using it because of associations to dark, rich, fertile soil, "as gestation of all kinds takes place in its dark, brooding kingdom".
The last chapter is Rituals, utilizing the three candle types model for them. The first is one for a Newborn that seeks to limit the power of Lilith against the child; incorporating a talisman, and angelic names. Second, a method for Attraction, of any kind, with one for Banishment following.
Wisely, ritual for Peace and Contemplation is next. Finally, addressing emergency rituals, and how to manage them before exploring Mystical or Magical Novenas.
The Reference section gives Zodiac colors, signs, planetary hours, and archangel rulership. The author spends several pages explaining the two ways to use a table of Planetary Hours. Lastly, a Pronunciation Guide for Angelic Names.
July 11, 2018
It's okay, but a bit preachy about the left-hand path and is very bias towards the depiction of Lilith as a creature of hate and evil. Though it teaches you to rub your candles the right way, so it's got that going for it. :p
April 23, 2020
An unusual subject, dealt with in a surprisingly straight forward way. My candle are burning away behind me now as I tap away on this laptop. Have not burnt anything down.
April 5, 2016
I found this to be a very interesting book. I liked how the author has a section for candle making. In the candle rituals portion of the book I liked that there is a page that tells us which Psalms to read depending on what we are looking for. In the back of the book there is a reference table that deals with the Zodiacs and their colors and which days is best to work the candle magic.
Very interesting and informative book for a first timer in the arts of Candle Magic. Thank you to the goodreads giveaway program.
To see more check out my blog at apotpourrioflife.wordpress.com
Very interesting and informative book for a first timer in the arts of Candle Magic. Thank you to the goodreads giveaway program.
To see more check out my blog at apotpourrioflife.wordpress.com
July 10, 2020
Some parts excellent, some thoroughly over-written, and quite heavily based in Christian beliefs and practices (which was unexpected, but would probably make it excellent reading for folks looking to combine their Christian beliefs with a magical practice)
January 7, 2008
A tiny and obscure book but one of the best I've ever read on practical magick.
January 30, 2016
Great book on Candle making!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews