Herbs have extraordinary healing powers, and this power does not have to be limited to potions and other concoctions. The power of herbs can be added to candles, both homemade and store-bought.
Adding Herbs to Homemade Candles
Incorporating herbs into homemade candles is a fairly simple process. The process of candle crafting is almost identical, with one small difference. When the wax is melted in the double boiler, powdered herbs should be added. This should be done by pinches, not in large patches, to avoid igniting the powdered herbs.
Never add whole herbs, or even crushed herbs to hot wax. Not only do they have a chance to catch fire in the high heat of the wax, but they may ignite when the candle is burning, posing a fire hazard.
Adding Herbal Power to Store-Bought Candles
There is no real way to add actual herbs to a store-bought or ready-made candle. However, a similar benefit can be achieved thought the anointing and consecrating of the candle in question. In this case, an oil made from the appropriate herb would be used to ‘dress’ the candle.
Dressing a candle involves taking a small amount of oil and anointing the candle on all surfaces. Allow the candle to dry before burning, to avoid having the oil ignite.
Herbal List for Healing Candle Magick
Presented here are just a few of the herbs that could be helpful in incorporating herbology into candle magick. The information presented here is not medical advice. The properties listed here are magickal in nature, designed for use in candle magick, and not to be taken internally for these purposes.
- Agrimony: diseases of the liver, including jaundice
- Aloe Vera: external wounds, including and especially burns
- Angelica: toothache pain, alcohol and/or drug abuse
- Chamomile: fever, colic, inflammation, nervousness, menstrual cramps
- Crimson Clover: cancer and cancer-related ailments
- Dandelion: liver ailments, gall stones, constipation, ailments of the pancreas, spleen, or feminine organs
- Garlic: bronchial ailments, infections, arthritis, rheumatism
- Ginseng: all sex-related ailments
- Goldenseal: eczema and other skin ailments, eye ailments, internal infections, ringworm, poison ivy and other plant-related skin conditions
- Lavender: depression, fatigue, sprains, neuralgic pains, rheumatism
- Mallow: tonsillitis
- Milkweed: warts
- Myrrh: gum irritation and other mouth pain
- Peppermint: headache, menstrual cramps
- Rosemary: vertigo, stress, weakness of the limbs, depression, headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, heart conditions, paralysis, rheumatism, colds, colic, liver problems
- Sage: sprains, varicose veins, depression, flu, fever
- Solomon’s Seal: bruises, skin irritations
- Willow Bark: headaches
- Witch Hazel: tumors, swellings, inflammation, anxiety, eczema
- Yarrow: muscle pains, liver ailments, canker sores, colds, fever
Combining the powers of candle magick and herbology to aid in healing can be extremely effective. Herbs have very powerful healing properties, and combining these with the strength of candle magick can heighten any healing spell.
General References:
Buckland, Raymond, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2007.
Buckland, Raymond, Witchcraft … The Religion, Bay Shore, NY: Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, 1966.
Cunningham, Scott, Wicca, A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1999.
Cunningham, Scott, Living Wicca, A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2000.
Dunwich, Gerina, Wicca Candle Magick. Secaucus, NJ: Citadel Press, 1999.
Leek, Sybil, The Complete Art of Witchcraft. New York, NY: World Publishing, 1971.
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