Who hasn’t seen those amazing spell candles decorated with dried botanicals and crystals? They’re almost too pretty to burn, and maybe you shouldn’t. At least not without some pruning.
Herbs
Herbs add that connection to the earth, and the warm glow from the candle flame helps put us in a magical sense of awareness. While herbs and other botanicals add to the overall energy of the spell and the aesthetic, what are the chances that your candle will go up in flames? I don’t know the answer, but do you want the experience? Having dried herbs too close to the candle flame can cause them to catch fire unexpectedly. Even if they only smolder, you may get excessive smoke, an uneven burn, or cause the flame to flicker. Remove as much of the herbs as possible before lighting the candle, you reduce the risk of a flair-up.
Crystals
We all love our crystals and often add them to our spell work. However, adding them to candles can pose a problem. Some crystals do not react well to heat. Crystals with water inclusions or ones with delicate mineral components can crack, explode, or release toxic fumes when exposed to heat. Research any crystals in your candle or any that you plan to add to find out if it is resistant to heat or not.
Safer Alternatives
A better alternative is to set the candle on a plate or in a shallow bowl, then sprinkle the removed herbs around the base of the candle and add your crystals to the bowl. The herbs can be powdered, and a pinch can added to the wax pool around the candle flame. This reduces the fire hazards.
Fire is a sacred and powerful element; respecting its nature ensures your magical work remains both effective and responsible.