Candles in the Dark of Winter

A moment of breathing in and calming our energies.

The light of a candle flame attracts focus to it. It draws us inward as a fire draws us close on a cold night. Lighting a candle is a simple ritual and one that can be done anywhere.

The Celtic calendar is followed in our house and February is the time we honor Bridget.  The making and blessing of candles marks this time in  Celtic pagan homes as well as Catholic homes.  Candlemas is the christian name for this month’s holy day.  Friends and neighbors are lovely to invite for a morning of candle making.  A shared activity that weaves the old and the new paths together.

In the past I have rolled beeswax candles with the kids and decorated store bought candles with glitter, beeswax cutouts and pressed flowers. We also use votive candles and little potpourri pots. These are stable candles and are free of drips or mess. There are all sorts of holders available for votive candles. I have even used various sized bell jars with unscented kitty litter in the bottom to nestle the candle. It sounds goofy, but in a kitchen it is fun!

Now that the “kids” are in their late teens and twenties, I annoint several candles with oil and place as many candles as I can around the house.

Here are some ideas.

Kitchen

On a windowsill to focus and get centered

Vanilla scent

Bathtime

For winding down and preparing for sleep

Lavender scent

Dinner

Focus for mealtime blessing

Seasonal color

Unscented or vanilla

Storytime

To shift energy

Favorite color of the child

Sick room

To lift spirits and settle tummies

Green color

Peppermint scent

Office or desk space

To settle down to the task at hand

Favorite scent and color