Candle Magic

Ember Grant

Spring, as the time of rebirth, is the perfect time for floating candle spells. Why? Because these candle spells also utilize the element of water—a powerful symbol of cleansing, renewal, and birth. The creation myths of many cultures begin with water.

Displays of floating candles are enchanting to the eye and can be truly powerful as magic—they’re an ideal way to combine all four elements into a spell. The candle represents both fire and air, then you have water to float the candle on, and you can add earth by the type of container you use or by putting crystals or herbs and flowers in the water.

Floating Candle Spells

Floating candles are available in a variety of colors and shapes, but small plain white or ivory ones (approximately the size of tea lights) are inexpensive and relatively easy to find. The type of candle you use is your choice—as long as it floats.

Glass bowls or containers work best because they keep the water visible and allow you to see decorative items such as stones or plant materials. You can use just about any shape or size, as long as it accommodates the number of candles you need.

Fire-Infused Water

This spell is intended to create infused water that you can use for other magical purposes after the candles burn out. This standard recipe is intended for basic renewal, but it can be adapted for a variety of purposes, as you’ll see.

You will need:

Container for water (your choice of size and shape)

White floating candles (one or more, your choice)

Clear quartz cluster or point

One small grain of sea salt

Put the salt and crystal into the container, then add the water and candle. This water can be used to anoint magical tools or other objects (or yourself). It can also be added to a refreshing magical bath. Light the candle and visualize the power of the fire element infusing the element of water, and the water mingling with the energy of the crystal.

Adaptations

For each of these, add ingredients to the standard recipe as indicated; the plant materials can be fresh or dried. Choose one or more stones from the list or use all of them. Put stones into the container first and add water followed by plant materials before adding the candle.

Cleansing and purification (to remove negativity): three small sprigs of rosemary, three drops each of frankincense oil and cedar oil, one cluster of lavender flowers (or one drop of oil), citrine, kyanite, Herkimer diamond, or black tourmaline

Protection: one leaf each of basil and holly, one rose thorn, a piece of oak bark, three pine needles, six drops of rosemary oil, pyrite, tiger’s-eye, iron, or garnet

Prosperity and success: a pinch of ground ginger, five peppermint leaves or three drops of peppermint oil, a sassafras or oak leaf or piece of oak bark, one drop of patchouli oil, tiger’s-eye, or malachite

Love: a daisy flower or cluster of lavender flowers, five rose petals, one cluster of yarrow flowers or one violet, a sprig of rosemary, emerald or rose quartz

Psychic ability (dot on third eye): a pinch of ground cinnamon, one cluster of yarrow flowers, five drops of lemongrass oil, lapis lazuli, moonstone, amethyst, or sapphire

You can adapt the standard recipe to suit your specific need. There are endless combinations of herbs, oils, crystals, shells, and candle colors.

After the candle burns out, strain any plant materials and bury them; save the water in a tightly sealed container and use within a year. Cleanse the crystal and dispose of the candle wax as you choose. If desired, you can keep the crystal in the container with the water.

“Fire in Water” Spell for Inspiration and Wisdom

Water was very important to the Celts. There is evidence they believed water was magically potent—it was the source of wisdom and inspiration in addition to holding the power to heal and transform. They viewed special bodies of water as emerging from a sacred source in the otherworld—a great well of wisdom. And they’re not the only culture whose mythology reveals a reverence for water. But there’s something noteworthy about the fire and water combination that we can connect with.

According to Celtic Cosmology and the Otherworld by Sharon Paice MacLeod, their cultural cosmology contained a concept of “fire in water,” the spark of creative power, a “fire” was said to reside in some special bodies of water; a special “wisdom and … manifestation of poetic or prophetic skill” (MacLeod 2018, loc 4819).

Use this spell to evoke that divine wisdom and creativity. Visualize yourself being open to receiving boosted mental power and stimulation. You’ll need a floating candle, a glass container or bowl, and any combination of herbs, oils, and stones from this list:

Herbs: your choice of seven rosemary leaves or a sprig of spearmint (fresh or dried)

Essential oils: honeysuckle, lilac, rosemary (combine as desired)

Stones: ametrine, celestite, jade, kunzite, kyanite, Picasso stone, sodalite, tiger’s-eye, turquoise, yellow fluorite, or clear quartz

Visualize your intent as you put water in the container, add your chosen ingredients, and place the candle on the water. You can place the arrangement on your desk or other creative workspace. As you light the candle, chant and visualize your specific goal or need.

Chant:

Fire in water, bring wisdom—inspire.

Fire in water, bring power—burn higher.

You don’t need to let the candle completely burn out—you can snuff it and relight it as desired to invite the spark of inspiration. After the candle burns out, discard it as you choose. If you wish, you can use the water to anoint your creative tools; otherwise, pour it out in a safe place along with the plant materials.

Reference

MacLeod, Sharon Paice. Celtic Cosmology and the Otherworld. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co., Inc. Kindle edition, 2018.