Candles

[Spiderman]

I must be weird but I can just sit in a dark room gazing at a candle's flame for hours chanting mantras on my rosary beads.

Do candles make our prayers more powerful in your opinion, if you believe in Gods or Spirits?

Catholic churches have candles burning in them 24 hours a day. The Church Must spend billions of dollars on candles every year.

Are Gods or spirits attracted to candles? Do you use candles? What are your reasons for using them?

It seems nearly every religious tradition uses candles for prayers and spiritual practices... I just wonder if there's power released into the universe by the candle itself or if Spirits are attracted to such things in the same way that incense can attract spirits

I find candles put me at peace and into a trance-like state if I silence the mind and concentrate on the flame while reciting a mantra.

Any thoughts about candles?

 

[SabahTheLoner]

One of my matron goddesses responds best to candles. I think it's mainly her association with fire. But in general, candles are powerful tools.

I think it has to do with the fact that fire is beneficial for many things, from warmth to cleansing (even figuratively).

 

[Spiderman]

One of my matron goddesses responds best to candles. I think it's mainly her association with fire. But in general, candles are powerful tools.

I think it has to do with the fact that fire is beneficial for many things, from warmth to cleansing (even figuratively).

Do you feel closer to your deities when you're alone than when your around people?

 

[SabahTheLoner]

Do you feel closer to your deities when you're alone than when your around people?

Generally, yes. Especially in nature or near spiritual places.

 

[Maponos]

Candles are kind of like a focus. The flame typically attracts energy or spirits. Candles can also be imbued with power. The color of a candle also has certain properties as well. They're rather complex wax cylinders.

 

[SalixIncendium]

I used candles when I first started meditating, as back then I needed a visual focal point to help keep my mind from wandering into thought. At some point, I stopped using them, as they were no longer needed.

They do serve purpose in religious ritual as well. I went to a Durga Puja this afternoon where a fire oblation was offered in the form of 108 candles, one for each of the Goddess Durga's names.

I have also used them in private ritual in the past as a representation of the fire elemental.

 

[SomeRandom]

Fire is a very primal form of communication I think for humans. We associate it with both life and death on some level.
In my traditions fire is considered very sacred. With many auspicious rituals and events tied intrinsically to fire. Even weddings.
It's a very powerful symbolic tool. So sure, candles are useful. Very convenient fire carriers.

 

[pearl]

It's a very powerful symbolic tool.

The Easter Vigil begins with a "blazing fire" outside the Church dispelling the darkness with its light and with its warmth and light gathers the people together.

 

[metis]

Do you use candles? What are your reasons for using them?

A lot, especially in the winter.

BTW, know which country uses more candles per capita than any other?






Answer: Sweden.

 

[SomeRandom]

The Easter Vigil begins with a "blazing fire" outside the Church dispelling the darkness with its light and with its warmth and light gathers the people together.

Yes that seems to be a popular motif.
We believe that light chases away evil spirits and that it is a way to dispel untruths. Light symbolises knowledge and goodness.
So it features very prominently among our events as well. Like Diwali next week which is sort of like our Easter and Christmas. Enough candles to burn down half of Queensland!!