"Lighting a candle for a particular purpose or intention is practiced worldwide from people of all walks of life, varied spiritual leanings, and a diverse array of religions. Lighting a candle symbolizes bringing light to our wishes or desires. A candle can be lit as a prayer for peace or a request for healing." How do you feel about candles? I have loved them most of my adult life. I love the scented ones most, and my favorite candles always smell like baking or dessert. Vanilla cookie, cinnamon stick, sticky buns, Christmas cookies. And you might not think that those would be your go-to scents for a spiritual practice, but as I am always after sweetness, they represent what is sweetest about my connection to life. Or you might think about the idea of connecting to the sweetness of your relationship with the divine.  "Lighted candles are reflections of our emotional self and help to illuminate our hearts when we feel burdened. You are invited to reflect on whatever is resonating within you at this the moment." - same source You can use candles, scented or not, in many different ways in your hygge spiritual practice. Lighting a candle is considered a good way to begin, and blowing it out a good final step in your spiritual ritual. I like the idea of making a wish as you blow it out. Or, of blowing it out right after you end a prayer. As a sort of punctuation point. How might you use lighting a candle as a way to begin? See you next time! love, Jeanine
12 Comments
4/23/2018 01:26:52 pm
I have never been a fan of candles. Unless, of course, we have no power and I want to read at night. 4/23/2018 02:17:50 pm
LOL about burning the candle at both ends! I was like that, too, though. I thought candles were for times when the electricity was out. But I have since discovered a whole new world. :) 4/23/2018 02:06:22 pm
I love candles, but since my husband was a volunteer firefighter I am hesitant to burn them. I do like to use the warming things to melt candles though. 4/23/2018 02:21:02 pm
Well, you never want to leave then unattended. And you want to remember to blow them out at night - I still remember how scared I was that time I woke up, many years ago, and realized I had left one burning. But you could always put one inside a hurricane or lantern and place it where you will keep seeing it until you blow it out. OTOH, there are warmers that can be used to put out the scent without your needing a flame. I have one of those, too. 4/24/2018 12:36:41 am
You know, I didn't, either, Elaine. So I totally get that. I didn't discover how wonderful candles could be until I was an adult. I love candles. I always have. In the winter when it's dark so long and any time when it's cloudy/dreary for several days in a row, I will light a candle to have a tiny ray of sunshine that's meant just for me. Sometimes I light a candle just because. And sometimes I light one with a specific purpose. Those are the most meaningful. If I do that often with one candle, I start to associate that scent with that purpose/person. 4/24/2018 12:39:39 am
I know just what you mean, Jen! This past winter, there were several dreary winter days when I had candles everywhere to cheer me up. And you're right, they started to represent comfort to me. We always have candles burning, they not only smell good, but give a bit of romance. (ok after 53 years we still got it! LOL) Hubby loves evergreen or spruce since Christmas is his favorite holiday and he could celebrate it every day! I like rose and lilac as my favorites. 4/24/2018 12:41:56 am
Tell your husband you notice someone who loves Christmas so much that Christmas candles are preferred!! Glad you still have the romance. Candles add loveliness to romantic dinners and evenings. 4/24/2018 03:33:01 pm
we light oil lamps traditionally for prayer and for festivals, and so the lighting of a lamp always has that meditative effect; and of late, scented candles are a favorite at home for that relaxing effect as well as during cooking.. 4/24/2018 05:27:36 pm
Neat! I love that for you, it is already connected to spirituality. Leave a Reply. |
Hi, I'm JeanineAuthor, hygge lifestyle blogger & connoisseur of delight writing about how to create a hygge lifestyle, with hearthcraft, comfy capsule wardrobe tips and cozy home decorating ideas. More here.
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