Candles: How to Trim Carve Load Petition Pray Dress Arrange Light

[Miss Bri]

Hello again, this time my question revolves around the sectioning of candles for burning over a period of time.
With glass encased candles, I'm a little confused, are they burned non stop? I'm sure many are already aware that of course you cannot section off a candle directly when encased, but can you mark the glass with the same method of pins/needles to burn for another time?

Thanks!

I have seen people burn sectioned glass case candles when there were no taper, knob or figural candles to work with. Typically what you will see is people burning the glass candle straight through and not snuffing it out. But, let's say you want to burn a 7 days money stay with me candle and you don't have a 7 knob candle--can you use a glass vigil light? Sure. I have made my sections with a black sharpie and written my petitions right on the glass. I have also been in shops where I have seen the glass divided by strips of colored or white paper as well as colored tape. But again, this is not the most typical way you will seen vigil lights worked with.

good luck,
Bri

[jwmcclin]

I normally burn glass encased candles until they go out on their own; I might add that if the candle doesnt last the complete 7 or 9 days, I will light a candle to continue the work.

[starsinthesky7]

Sometimes I cant burn my candles straight through. I do what the previous posters have said, or I burn them for as long as I can each day, and put them out when I leave. But like someone said its hard to section them off sometimes because it may burn slower one day, and burn faster the next. So typically I will let it burn for a certain amount of time each day until it goes out.

[corazon]

Thank you SO much starsinthesky7. I really appreciate all your great advice.

I really have learned so much, and continue to do so on this forum. Everyone here is so great.

[Kulotito]

Thanks guys! I do like the idea of the colored tape and sharpie a lot! But since it seems like it is the more traditional way to burn the glass candle straight through & to keep it lit.

[tnish]

Hello!

I was wondering that since Im little scared to actually pinch out the flames for one of my mojo bags can I actually just snuff it out?

Secondly I had to fold my petition paper more than once to fit it in my mojo bag, is that alright?

Thanks In Advance

[freegirl]

You can use a snuffer, Lucky Mojo sells them. I have always been scared of the pinch thing too.

[tnish]

Oh thank you. Now does it have to be a snuffer because Ive just been doing it with a little piece of white paper.

[Devi Spring]

13-Herb bath on yourself, Chinese Wash for the house. You can use Road Opening incense.

[phoenixrising]

Oh thank you. Now does it have to be a snuffer beacuse Ive just been doing it with a little piece of white paper.

Tnish, I would definitely advise you not to use paper since it is flammable...what happens if the paper catches fire? That could potentially be very dangerous. You should get the snuffer or use some other non-flammable item. I bought the small snuffer from LM and I'm very happy with it. They're good quality and not too expensive...so definitely worth it for safety's sake. Here's the link:

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocattools.html#snuffers

Phoenix

[catherineyronwode]

1) Spit on your fingers and pinch out the candle or use a candle snuffer. Do not use paper.

2) There are no hard-and-fast "rules" about folding papers to place in a mojo. I was taught -- and prefer -- to fold toward me to draw things and to fold away to repel things, to rotate the paper clockwise for attraction and counter-clockwise for removal.

[tnish]

Oh yeah I know that sounded crazy I forgot to add in that it is wet/damp. Thanks again to everyone.

[jwmcclin]

The snuffer works better for me but I have wet my fingers and pinched out candles several times. Do what works for you.

[thegoldman]

I'll be dressing a 7-day black candle with Inflammatory Confusion oil, walnut leaves, a strand of the man's hair, and other herbs to increase confusion and discord in his romantic relations. I don't know the name of the girls so I'll write their name as My Romantic Rivals.

How do I write a name paper for cursing work? Both names9x on one piece of paper with my request in a circle? Each name on separate pieces of paper? If I do that, how do I write the request?

[starsinthesky7]

I would just curse him so that he is so driven with confusion, and discord in his one mind that he is not going to be able to handle and kind of romantic relationship. You can do this through a skull candle. In this situation, it seems like this man has a lot women, and your main focus should be HIM since you have a strong link to him through the strand of hair. If you are trying to make it so he is unable to have success in romantic relationship, then the command over his name could be "bad luck in relationships" If you want to curse his penis so he is unable to perform with other women then do so. I would not worry about the other rivals. HIT HIM.

For cursing work, write the person's name out 9x and then cross it with what you want to happen. So you could cross it with "suffer, confusion, discord" written 9x That seems to be what you are going for. Two name papers are typically used for break up work, or trying to get two people to split up.

[thegoldman]

thanks!

when using two name papers, do I write identical requests over their names? How should I place the 2 name papers under the glass candle? I like using 7 day vigil candles instead of figure candles because i like having the candles burn nonstop for a couple of days.

[starsinthesky7]

When doing two name papers to break or split people apart. I usually write their names or a name paper with break up. Then i place the papers back to back and some break up powder or a few dabs of oil in between then fold then place them under the glass candle.

[jwmcclin]

Read here about candle burning signs http://www.luckymojo.com/candlemagicdivination.html

[Maya28]

Am i doing right by inscribing my black candle (for breaking up) from base to wick?

[starsinthesky7]

It depends on what way you follow. Some people believe to do it away from you which would be base to wick. And others (me) believe it goes from wick to base.

http://www.luckymojo.com/candlemagic.html#dressing

This is from the above website...

Offertory and figural candles are dressed by rubbing them (for instance, upward to "draw" and downward to repel) with appropriate anointing oils, such as Fast Luck, Compelling, or John the Conqueror. Some practitioners then sprinkle them with sachet powders or roll them in finely cut magic herbs selected for their specific spiritual powers.

[jwmcclin]

Im with starsinthesky7 on this; wick to base when doing repelling and base to wick when doing attracting.

[ConjureMan]

Some people dress them in a similar fashion to the baths. Dress upward to draw and downward to repel. Other reverse it. And even other use the Gamache method of splitting the candle and dressing from the center to the poles. Experiment a bit and do what feels right to you.

[esmeluv]

i have a question regarding a novena candle: is it better to put the petition paper inside or underneath the candle?

[NotDorianGray]

Underneath is a bit less messy. Either is fine, it comes down to personal preference.

[catherineyronwode]

If you put paper in a glass novenacandle, it will likely catch on fire, which is a smoke and fire hazard. It is traditional to place the petition under a glass novena candle or to tape it to the outside of a glass novena candle.

[esmeluv]

thank u soo much... yeah i was a lil worried about putting it inside for that exact same reason...

[perezdavidangel]

Can someone tell me step by step how to dress a novena candle??

[catherineyronwode]

When you buy Novena Candles from Lucky Mojo, they come already dressed and prayed over.

See a list, with pictures: http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatcandles.html#catholic

Further information on burning glass encased candles can be found on the "Hoodoo in Theory and practice" page

Candle Magic in the Hoodoo Tradition: http://www.luckymojo.com/candlemagic.html

Please understand that this is a Lucky Mojo customer forum. Thanks.

This post has been moved from the section "General Lucky Mojo Curio Co. Matters" to the section "Ritual Candles." Please help your hard-working moderators by posting your questions in the appropriate section of the forum. Thanks!

[tnish]

Hello to the Forum!

I was wondering -- even if you do have a pre-consecrated item, such as a blessed candle, could you still rub it with blessing oil to heighten its power or does it become redundant?

Thanks in Advance

[J Simulcik]

Redundant, and in some cases, depending on the type of candle, a fire hazard.

[jwmcclin]

You are talking about LM dressed vigil candles right? They are dressed, prepared, fixed and prayed over for the intended purpose; have you read about them here? http://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatcandles.html

[Donnalee2]

Good evening all.
I have a question. Many years ago I was told to never trim a wick, no matter the length.It was explained that the wick is the heart of the candle. And you are cutting the effectiveness of the ritual. Has any one else heard this? Would like your opinion.
Thank you.

[Devi Spring]

If you don't trim the wick, the candle won't burn properly. I trim all my wicks, and then keep the trimmings which can be used in case you need to add a wick to a drowning candle. It's a trick that Miss Cat turned me onto, and I've been soooo glad to have those extra wick trimmings.

[jwmcclin]

I do not trim my candles although its something to think about. I have always loved candles and read that you trim a candle before you burn it each time that was before I used 'magical candles.'

[ConjureMan]

I was personally taught not to trim candles, generally. There are sometimes that I do trim them, like on vigil candles, before I light them I trim the wick because its simply too long. There isn't any dogmatic reason I don't trim, I include the actions of the wick in my divinations. Sometimes I find the wick grows long and a piece snaps off and creates a second flame that supports the original. Actions like this are significant to my candle readings.

[catherineyronwode]

I was specifically taught to trim my wicks.

In fact, i was taught to trim my wicks by reference to the old gospel song, "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning."

Over the years this song has been recorded by Blind Willie Johnson, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Reverend Gary Davis, and many others -- way up to the present time.

Listen to it here, beautifully performed by a youtuber named "JR" (StillJreming) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxTLHpFFJs4

Keep your lamp trimmed and burning
Keep your lamp trimmed and burning
Keep your lamp trimmed and burning
See what my Lord has done

That's good advice, i think.

[ConjureMan]

Would you recommend trimming all the candles or specific ones? For example if you are burning a 4" in straight through, do you go in an trim it while its burning?

[Devi Spring]

I should have been more specific - I was referring specifically to glass-encased vigil lights. I pretty much always trim them when cleansing them in preparation for fixing them.

In the case of tapers, altar candles, chime, tealights, etc, I only trim if the wicks are excessively long.

[catherineyronwode]

Agreed, Devi -- we don't trim our wicks just to be trimming them. We trim wicks that are over-long or that are burning a "knot," or are in other ways in need of trimming.

[ConjureMan]

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification. I was taught to let it burn without trimming and to interpret knots, the wick breaking off and creating separate flames etc, so I'm behind on my wick trimming education. While I trim the wicks on vigils, maybe I should start trimming when it calls for it. Seems more attentive.

[Devi Spring]

ConjureMan, would you mind sharing (if you are able) the basics of what you were taught about knots and such? It's always fantastic to expand one's understanding on these matters by hearing various practitioner's perspectives.

[catherineyronwode]

Here is the deal as i teach it:

If you are passively burning a candle, then let the knots stay, watch the twin flames, watch the wax run, watch the glass break and spill wax all over, and so forth. In my shop we call these passively burned "test candles" -- that is, candles burned for the sole purpose of divination by wax or ceromancy.

If you want to WORK the situation through candle magic and you do not like the way that the candle is going, you do not have to sit back and watch it go nuts with knots, runny wax, or out-of-control flames. Get the message the candle gives -- and then rectify the unfortunate candle signs as you work. This is YOUR WORK, and you owe it to yourself and/or your client to make the outcome of the candle spell as good as possible.

[Devi Spring]

Thank you for that insight Miss Cat.

[Donnalee2]

Thanks so much for all the feed back. I guess it goes to show how important different viewpoints are. I will start trimming vigils now, I always was so happy to see a really long wick thinking the candle had a long life line. It made sense to me. However I am always open to new information.
Who said you can't teach a old dog a new "trick"

[Donnalee2]

Hi Devi, Just out of curiousity. If a candle is dressed & you trim the wick and use it to save a drowning candle. Does the wick carry over any magic DNA for lack of a better term. I mean effect the candle you put it in. I'm not being nit picky just wondered if you can get cross cantamination in Spells? If there is such a thing. I like the idea about reusing the wick if needed. Am I being to careful ?
Thank you.

[Devi Spring]

The wicks are trimmed before the candle is dressed.

[ConjureMan]

Thanks for the info, Miss cat.

My teacher only trimmed vigil candles. For other candle work she didn't trim. For example if we were burning a 6" candle or a 4" and it would twist up into a snake like formation she took it as a sign that things were progressing, but that caution should be taken (she had a strong relationship with snakes so seeing the wick in such a manner was not negative for her). If on the other hand the looked like it was spiraling then she took it as a sign that the prayer was on its way. If the wick began to twist into a little ball, she recognized that as an obstacle. She didn't trim it, but instead would have a Road Opener or what she called a "blockbuster" candle ready. She'd add prayers to open the paths and clear out the blockage. Then if the knot fell down and created a second flame that supported the first to make a larger flame, she saw this as the blockbuster/ Road Opening lending a helping hand and overcoming the obstacle. If the knot didn't fall down and continued twisting then she'd finish the work do a divination and approach it from a different angle.

She came from a long family of conjurers and she certainly wouldn't have seen what she did as "passive" in any way .

I guess it's one of those wonderful things about conjure-that people approach it from different ways.

[Devi Spring]

Thanks for that great info ConjureMan.

[catherineyronwode]

ConjureMan, we are talking about ENTIRELY different things here. I am sorry that you took what i wrote in such a confusing way. I will try to clarify.

A candle that burns with a knot or breaks into two flames can be used for divination, but as a reader, i already know the divination score, and once i see that, i need to fix it, because what i want is results. I will trim, groom, and work the candle to get the results i want. Many people don't -- God bless them. But then they have to light more candles, until they get one to burn right. For me, it's like raising animals -- if one falls sick, i don't just buy a second one to replace it. I nurse it back to health.

When vigil candles burn with a knot, they will always end up smoking the glass. It is passive to let that happen if you can avoid it. Why settle for a bad divination sign and set a second light if you can work on the candle and correct it as it burns?

In terms of trimming wicks on free-standing candles, i was responding to Devi, and she understood me -- the wicks are trimmed BEFORE lighting, if necessary. Some candles have very long wicks -- maybe you have not had the experience of seeing these, but i have seen figural candles with up to 2" of free wick. I am not talking here about factory offertory candles, but figurals and such that are made by hand. Attempting to light a 2" long wick is just a waste of time -- it cannot draw the wax up it. You have to trim it first.

[ConjureMan]

Ah, I understand now. The confusion was on my part, thank you cat.

The knot divination was merely an explaination of how I was taught to interpret them in response to Devi's request.

Thank you for the clarification. I believe we are on the same page. I apply the same thing in my practice as you've outlined, I believe I was merely misunderstanding you.

[Donnalee2]

Thanks Cat , I like your comparison as to the candle being like a pet. A little nurturing when needed would only make our bond stronger. I will no longer feel that I am interfering with the spell, In fact I would be ensuring that the spell would be successful. I have had my share of sick candles. Thanks again, Even tho I have always felt I was empowering the spell I didn't quite connect the dots. I will see things in a different light.

[tnish]

Oh ok thank so much. I was referring to Lucky Mojo candles described as blessed and dressed beforehand. Thanks Again

[jwmcclin]

I wouldn't add additional oils.

[Funkydory]

I just got my LM oils and incense powders and I am so excited. I was wondering what is the best way to dress a 7 day glass encased candle using LM oils. Any suggestion, comments, or info on how you personally dress candles would greatly appreciated.... Thank you!

[Devi Spring]

I carve the name of the target &/or any symbols of the work into the top using an inscribing tool. Then I rub 2 or 3 drops into the top while praying my intents. You can also add a sprinkle of associated herbs if you wish. Then I set the candle working.

You can then add a petition or picture underneath the candle as well if you like, or depending on the work at hand.

[catherineyronwode]

Information on how to dress candles can be found here:

http://www.luckymojo.com/candlemagic.html#dressing

[catherineyronwode]

It's exactly the same as bathing -- down from head to feet to remove things, up from feet to head to draw things. The standing candle is just like a standing person in this regard.

[MightyAphrodite]

It's exactly the same as bathing -- down from head to feet to remove things, up from feet to head to draw things. The standing candle is just like a standing person in this regard.

Finally, a description that makes sense to me! (I always got hung up on the away/towards part.) Got it at last.

[starsinthesky7]

How I remember this is that negativity enters and leaves through the feet. So when I am trying to get something out of me I do as cat stated. But some people dress candle in various ways. It all depends on what works for you, but I like the method that is previously mentioned.

[Beach]

Hi, I have several vigil candles that I have going at once. Does it matter how I have them placed on my alter? Meaning, should I have them all lined up in a straight line? Does it matter if I have one behind other ones? Will the ones in the back "feel like" they are of lesser importance? Should I use some sort of configuration like that 5 point pattern when disposing of spell materials? So basically, does it matter how I have them all placed?

thanks....