Candle Magic

It’s that dreaded planetary aspect — the one that has us running for cover, for we know that the next 21 days will be sheer chaos! Mercury in retrograde is responsible for breakdowns in communications, delays, mechanical problems. It affects travel, business, and if at any time you are to experience computer or cell phone problems — it is now! It isn’t wise during this period to purchase a new car, a major appliance, or to sign contracts. Mercury retrograde is the universal “Murphy’s Law” — anything that can go wrong, will.

For those not familiar with Mercury Retrograde, let me explain.

The word retrograde means ‘moving or tending backwards.’ When a planet is in retrograde it doesn’t really travel backwards — it just appears to be traveling in reverse. Each planet goes through a retrograde period and each brings a different effect.

Mercury, named after the wing-footed Roman God of commerce and communication, governs our thought processes and all forms of contact. Mercury goes retrograde 3–4 times each year and each retrograde lasts approximately 21 days.

So what can we do when the planets dictate our movements? Learn what the retrogrades are beneficial for. Mercury retrograde is useful for finishing up old projects, meditation, editing the book, songs or articles you’ve been writing, house cleaning — that means your emotional house as well! Get rid of all that you don’t need. Clean out your desk or closets, listen to music, paint, and catch up on sleep!

Candle Magic is a beautiful, simple practice to work with during this inward time. We dress and enchant our candles using the correct Moon cycle and planetary influences to further empower. Pure essential oils, herbs, flowers, and carved symbols help bring about the most positive outcome.

A simple candle divination: Light a candle and carefully hold it over a bowl of water so that the wax drips into the bowl. As you do this, repeat three times: “Candle light, Candle flame, show me what is mine to claim.” Snuff out the candle and look to see what pattern has formed in the bowl. Hearts are good — daggers not so good.

Never blow out a candle’s flame — it blows the wish away. Always snuff it.