(Image ID: a row of stone archways overlooking the coast and the ocean)
Been working on going back to college in the fall. It's something that I've been debating over for the better part of two years now. I took a gap year after I graduated high school and while I thought that was the best idea at the time, now I'm trying to apply and enroll, I feel nothing but lost.
I'm not sure why but this is one of the most daunting tasks I've ever tried to do. When Lady Athene reached out to me a little over a month ago, I wasn't entirely sure why, but I think now this is why. I woke up this morning with the intense desire to actually get all of my ducks in a row, per se, as enrollment for the Fall semester here opens tomorrow.
I lit Lady Athene's candle and got to work, but I was struck with the most paralyzing anxiety I have ever experienced. There were too many steps, too many things that needed to be done, too many requirements that I wasn't sure I met anymore.
So I prayed.
I've never been good at prayer, I stumble over my words, I back track, I second guess myself. But I called to Her, I asked for Her help, to guide me. It's been a slow, but steady process, but I know She is looking out for me.
The steps aren't as daunting now as they were two hours ago, the task not nearly as paralyzing. I can only begin to express how grateful I am for Her presence here, for guiding me through this maze and for Her never-ending wisdom and patience.
Taper, Pillar and Vatic and Tealight. The most well used candles [but if like me the only types of Candles I know is tea lights hence the image to show what is what]
Candles can be used in place of statues for deities or your chosen deity, have a candle colour that represents them or carve their symbol sigil into the candle.Â
A flame that splits into two or more flames means that there is a presence of spirits, deities, or another human being involved.Â
A flame that burns calmly, eventually and clean means your spell is going as planned, everything is going good and the spell will manifest as expected.
A tall bright and high candle flame: Means there is a lot of energy behind the spell, not much can go wrong, everything is going perfectly. Fast results are more likely.
A small steady low-burning flame means there is little energy behind the spell, a wanted result is still likely, but with a delay. If the size of the flame grows during the spell, that means the amount of energy is increasing.
A small, week flame that flickers and bends, means something bad, itâs just a bad sign could be wrong timing for the spell the outcome isnât likely if the flame drowns the wax then the spell wont work.
If the flame makes a cracking or popping sound then that means there is a conversation.
A flickering flame means there is a spirit around, or whichever deity you are trying to contact, if any is listening and you will be heard. If the flame pops while flickering then the spirit or deity is trying to communicate with you.
If you try to blow out the flame and it doesnât go out then this means that you are not yet done. Either the deity or spirit doesnât want you to extinguish the flame, you missed a step, etc. When you feel the time is right to try to extinguish the candle again, do so.
If the candle flame dances or moves rapidly then it means there is high energy in a spell, but also chaotic energy. A large dancing flame means success, but may bring possible challenges. A small dancing flame means the spell may be interfered with by other forces, meaning there may be other things (or even people) working against you.
If the flame suddenly goes out then the spell is already finished, so leave it be. Usually this means that the spell, or whatever working you were doing, will not manifest, or the wanted outcome is already there.
If the candle wonât light, This spell canât give you the result you want. The outcome may have already been decided, or isnât something you can control. Take some quality time (at least a day, up to a couple weeks) to focus on your intention again, then try it again. Meditation and spiritual cleansing may be helpful. Divination may also be able to help you discover what is blocking you.
If the candle produces lots of smoke then it means the element of Air is present in the spell or whatever working you are doing. The element of Air is the element of communication and observation. Observe the smoke closely to gather information about the situation.
If the candle makes white smoke then this is a really good sign. It means your wish will be granted. White smoke generally is a sign of blessing and benevolent spirits.Â
If the candle produces black smoke this is then a representation of negative energy. Opposing forces and bad luck are interfering. Prayer or meditation, and cleansing are needed before continuing.Â
If the smoke moves towards you then this is a good sign if you are performing a spell that brings something to you. If you are performing a spell that is a curse, hex, etc. then this definitely is a bad sign.
If the smoke moves away from you then this means something is escaping your control⊠this is a bad sign, unless it is a spell to heal, influence or manipulate others, then this means your spell is going as planned.
If the flame is mainly blue or blue- white then this is a sign of spiritual presence, the color of Angelic and Faery fire. This is a sign that higher spiritual beings have come to assist you with magick.
If the candle forms a crater in the center surrounding the flame, and leaves wax on the sides, then this isnât a good sign for you. It usually means that your intent is too weak for the spell to manifest, or something has blocked you from reaching the intended target.
If the candle quickly melts into a puddle then is not necessarily a bad sign. It can represent strong, passionate, increasing energy. The hardened wax is good for wax divination. Observe the hardened wax, looking for any shapes or messages or deeper meanings. You can look online or through other resources to find out what these meanings are, or trust your intuition to find the meanings yourself and apply it to whatever situation fits.
If the candle burns with no dripping then this spell has been very successful and properly performed.
If the wax drips on one side only then something is out of balance. Some say that drips on the left represent an emotional or psychic imbalance, while drips on the right mean your thoughts or beliefs are blocking you. An incomplete outcome is awaiting. .
If burnt wick pieces appear in the wax then this means there is accidental consequences or other things to work on after the spell is finished. Guilt, broken hearts, karma, new challenges, etc. this is usually minor, but still unenjoyable.
If soot collects on the candle container: Black soot is a sign of negative energy or interference. If it appears only at the top of the jar, the challenging force has likely already been dealt with. If it covers the entire surface of the container, then youâre better off re-doing the working, something has interfered with it. White soot is rare, and represents spiritual assistance.
If the candle/ container explodes, breaks, or something else drastic happens, abandon the spell and cleanse yourself and your space. This working has been ended by a higher force or a reason. Do not continue until youâve acquired more information.
[Source] @awake-by-the-moon
Flame Meanings: Source
Puny flame: Small weak candle flame.
A small flame that flickers and bends is not a great sign in candle magick. The timing of the working could be wrong, or you could be asking for an outcome that is unlikely or unfavourable in the long run. If the small flame falters or drowns in the melted wax, that is a sure sign that your petition will not be granted at this time.
Dancing flame: Candle flame moves or dances.
An erratic, dancing flame signifies high energy in a spell - but also chaotic energy. A large dancing flame suggests success, but with potential complications. A small one means the spell may be overhwelemed by opposing forces. There may be other wills conciousl or unconsciously working against you. Watch the flame closely to see if its shape or motion reveals anything to you.
Rapidly flickering flame.
Sometimes a candle flame will dim and brighten, dim and brighten as if someone is flickering a slight switch. Some folk magick traditions, a flickering candle flame is a certain indicator that spirits are present. If the candle is being used for devotional work. [e.g with gods, angels or higher spirits] it means that the invocation was successful and your prayers are being acknowledged a flickering candle flame is mildly trance inducing. So you can use it as an opportunity to scry the fire additional insights.
The flame suddenly goes out.
The working is finished. A stronger opposing force has put an end to it. You should open the circle, ground yourself and leave it be. Usually this means that your petition or spell- whatever it may be- will not manifest. However in some cases it can mean that the objective working has been attained.
Flame will not extinguish.
A candle flame that stays stubbornly lit, means âsit down youre not done.â Perhaps ou skipped a step or missed some important message during your candle magick ritual. Some helpful spirit or guide is nudging you to go back for what you forgot. Traditionally spell candles are pinched or snuffed out- never blown.
Candle wont light.
The spell cannot help you win the result you seek. The outcome may have been decided or be outside your control, take some time, refocus your intention before trying again [or do divination instead to find out more about what is blocking you] Meditation and spiritual cleansing may be required before you can proceed with the spell.
Lots of smoke: Abundant smoke is not a good or a bad sign.
It indicates the element of Air is present in the spell, the element of communication and observation. When a spell candle puts out lots of smoke, you are being called upon to use your eyes and mind to read the situation. Look at the shape, color, timing, and movement of the smoke to gather helpful information about the working.
Candle makes a puff of white smoke.
White smoke is widely regarded to be a sign of blessings and benevolent spirits. If a candle breathes out a puff of white smoke, especially at a significant moment, it means that your wish will be granted.
Candle smoke moves towards you.
If the smoke from a ritual candle moves towards you, it portends success in attracting what you seek. For spells to draw love, money, or healing, this is a great sign. It means you will shortly achieve what you desire. The exception is for negative workingsâcurses, hexes, and tricks. If the candle smoke from a hexing candle moves toward you (or fills the room), it hints that you will not be able to escape responsibility for the effects of your magick.
Smoke moves away from you.
Smoke that moves dramatically away from you represents energies that are outward bound. In most spells, this is not a good omen. It means that something is escaping your grasp.
Candle crater:
When the wax melts and concaves inwards This is most common with large pillars and container candles, but it can also happen with votives and other candle shapes. The melted wax is centered closely around the wick, leaving tall walls of wax on the sides.
Nobody likes it when a candle burns incompletely, and itâs not a good sign in magick, either. It usually means that your will is too weak to cast an effective spell at this time. Or that the spellâs energies have been blocked from reaching their intended target.
Candle melts quickly into a puddle of wax:
A candle that is not properly contained or leveled will often develop a hole in the side, causing melted wax to drip out quickly and shortening the life of the candle. âSpendingâ a candle quickly is not necessarily a bad signâit can mean that there is passionate, accelerated energy behind your spell.
Wax drips:
Something is out of balance. Expect an incomplete result. Some say that drips on the left (in relation to the magick worker) represent an emotional or psychic imbalance, while drips on the right mean your thoughts and beliefs are getting in the way of the spell.
Black pieces appear in melted wax;
Candle crud. Sometimes, little bits of burnt wick will break off and sink in the melted wax. ("Candle crud" is the scientific term.) Debris in the wax signifies unintended consequences or work that will need to be done after the spell is complete. Guilt, broken hearts, karmic baggage, new hassles, and so on. Usually it's not super-seriousâbut not fun, either. Proceed with the working, but be ready to do some clean-up afterwards.
A candle explodes, or a container breaks or some dramatic candle mishap.
A dramatic ending to your candle-burning ritual means the spellwork has been vetoed by a greater power. Cleanse yourself and your ritual space, and abandon the working until you have more information.
Or other logical causes such as glass hitting that breaking point as most glass candles cannot be returned to stores as their policy state that a candle can break/explode once its use is done with.Â
The wick can also change how a flame burns like a untrimmed wick for a tall flame, black soot is a result of oils or colourants being exposed to high heat, a candle going out is a sign of an unfriendly spirit. Or a stiff breeze.Â
 White candle:
 Peace, purity, healing, innocence, divination, exorcism.
For purification, healing and regeneration, unity and all kinds of blessings improve your spirituality and connection with the source of all things, for protection, and used generally when not sure which colour.Â
Black Candle:
 safety, protection, banish negativity, pride, shapeshifting.
To conjure and the aspects of Saturn, to absorb and remove negativity (unblocking, uncrossing, to get rid off bad habits) And unwanted situations to contact the ancestors to honour the dark aspects of the divine and to honour death
Brown Candle:
 House blessing, pets, animals, Earth, stability, locating lost items,Â
For creativity, inspiration, attention expression and attraction use as a road opener and for new ventures, to bring good luck and positivity in your life.
Purple candle:
 Spiritual power, third eye, government, break habit, drive away evil.
 To empower your psychic abilities and your magical practice, in divination for dream magic and astral projection for attunement and higher realms.
Yellow candle:
 sun, intelligent, luxury, memory, masculinity, positive attitude.
For intellect, mental, clarity, communication, to contact spirits and other realms, to summon and honour the element of air, for an extra energy boost.
Pink candle:
 love, caring friendship, maturity, affection nurturing, femininity.Â
For love, friendship, romance, peace, for both physical and mental health, emotions family relationions, to heal the heart.
Green Candle:
 growth, luck, tree, plants, earth, nature, money, success, jealousy.
For healing, fertility, growth, sensation to summon the element of Earth and the aspects of the planet Venus, used in abundance, prosperity, health and money spells.
Blue candle:
 Protection, focus, forgiveness, good fortune, water, truth, calm.
For peace, calm, renewal, healing, protection (Physical and psychic) for meditation, use in dream magic, job spells, weather spells, to summon and to honour the element of water and the planet jupiter.
Red candle:
 Passion, strength, fire, survival, career, lust, action, independence.
For passion, power, sex, speed, to summon and honour the element of fire, to summon the aspects of mars, for good health and vigour.
Silver Candle:
To empower you intuition for the prophetic dreams, for connection with the astral plane & Lunar forces, for manifestation of your dreams, anything associated with the female aspects of the Divine.
Gold candle:
 For success, wealth and Money spells for good health and good luck, for attraction and glow to summon the aspects of the sun, anything associated with the masculine aspects of the divine.Â
Candle magic. Choose an intention. Select a candle colour for your intention. Cleanse your candle *Moonlight. Anoint your candle *Cup in your hand-your energy or rub with oil* Light your candle and stay with it as it burns and visualise attaining your desires.
Make your body wash/shampoo/conditioner rose scented
Have a rose or sweet scented candle that you light (doesn't have to be on an altar)
Create a skin/body care routine
Have perfume/cologne that you dedicate to her
Wear jewelry that reminds you of her
Carry a pocket charm that reminds you of her (dove works well in a Christian household and is a sacred animal of hers)
Keep a small picture of her in your wallet (maybe carry modern art and claim she is a character from something if asked)
Wear a locket with a picture of someone you love or of her
Give compliments to strangers
Drink water regularly and dedicate a glass of it to her
Collect seashells (if possible)
Collect things you simply find pretty
Get a stuffed animal of a dove or swan/have imagery of those animals around (dove works especially well in a Christian household)
Plan your outfits/wear clothes that make you feel good
Keep a journal of poetry dedicated to Aphrodite and love-related topics; can also be a general positivity journal or diary (maybe a diary in a way of writing letters to her but saying a code name instead of "Aphrodite")
Keep heart-shaped imagery around
Embrace yourself; give yourself love
Forgive yourself of past mistakes
Give yourself compliments; start small if needed; I recommend doing this in a mirror
Pin up pictures of loved ones on a mirror or wall
If possible, burn some incense in honor of her; strawberry always has a great smell to it
Watch a love-focused movie (romantic or platonic)
Listen to or read stories about acts of kindness and love
Paint your nails or wear make-up (if you enjoy those things and are able to)
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