If you plan to let candles burn out, you need to use a
marble board or a thick piece of tempered glass on your
altar and set each candle into a metal container or
holder. This will prevent any accidents that might cause
a fire. Porcelain and glass holders or containers will
occasionally break from the heat.
Before you burn the small votive candles, remove the
metal tab from the bottom of the candle to avoid
cracking the glass container into which you put it. Better
yet, coat the bottom of a small metal cauldron with an
appropriate oil and set the votive candle inside to burn.
Small cast-iron cauldrons are best because they take
heat well. The oil will keep the wax from sticking. You
should always clean away all old wax before using a
holder or cauldron for another spell. If you burn seven-
day candles that come in a glass container, they are
ordinarily safe from breakage. If you feel uneasy about
them, however, set the candle into a metal cauldron or
onto a marble board.
If you burn request papers after a candle spell is
finished, do not burn the paper in a cauldron or holder
that still has candle wax in it. This will cause a
dangerous flame that is difficult to extinguish and will
be strong enough to set off smoke alarms and probably
burn marks into your altar. It can also set fire to
surrounding objects.
Messages and Symbols
After you have worked with candle magick for a time,
you will recognize certain patterns of candle-flame
behavior that have traditional meanings. Even in the
absence of drafts, the flames of some candles will wave
and dip. This is a type of communication. If the flame
bends to the north, it symbolizes that something of a