CANDLES: GAIN FOCUS WITH THIS MAGICAL TOOL

Local metaphysical & health food stores offer unique candles

Strong focus is essential to working a successful spell, but if you're like me, you might have a hard time staying focussed. Lots of unrelated thoughts jumbling around inside, certain obligations that must be performed each day and a never-ending list of things to do. It is difficult to keep the mind from wandering when working a spell. Candles are an important magical tool that some people incorporate into their spiritual practice for many reasons (colour symbolism, to represent the element fire, an aid to petition or prayer, ambiance, the light of deity) but I find candles can also assist in maintaining focus.

My spells are usually narrowed down into a simple and easy-to-remember verse of four rhyming stanzas. Once I have fine-tuned my goal into this concise form, I reach for a small candle and matches.

Can't burn candles in your space?
An old kitchen or egg timer will work nicely too!

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The flame of a candle is hypnotic.
​While fixing your gaze steadily on the flame, repeat your spell over and over in a whisper. It's okay to glance at the paper now and then to remind yourself of the wording. Keeping a spell simple will make it easier to memorize, adding a "power punch", as you are able to feel the outcome of your desire while repeating the words - absent distractions. Repeat and feel the words until the candle has completely burned down.

In essence, the candle becomes a timer for your spell!
Because small candles only take a few minutes to burn down, I feel an enormous amount of freedom knowing that at least I can devote, unequivocally, that small amount of time to my purpose - without being distracted by the other things I need to do. Maybe this easy technique will assist you in attaining focus in your spell work too!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2021, edited 2026

Can't find small candles? Use grocery store birthday candles for a sweet alternative!