Yuletide Candle Carving

Merry Christmas! For this week’s recipe, we’ve combined a couple ancient traditions and rituals to celebrate this holiday. Christmas was once known as Yuletide, and it was the celebration of the returning of the Light, between December 21st (the Winter Solstice) and January 1st.

During this time, people celebrated in simple ways, like creating a nature-based altar, having feasts, burning a yule log, decorating the home with candles and plants, and giving thanks to nature spirits and the slumbering trees.

This all still sounds pretty familiar, right? Well, we haven’t strayed too far; as long as we remember to keep our connection to nature and the roots of this holiday season, in our opinion, the Christmas Spirit is alive and well!

This week we invite you to take part in a little old ritual of candle carving and decoration. The act of intentionally carving a candle is known to some as candle magic. It can be a way of giving thanks for what has come to be, and setting wholesome intentions for the time ahead. You can try this fun and soulful activity as you sit by the fire with your loved ones.

1. Gather one pillar candle for each member (make sure it’s thick enough to carve into)
2. Take a few moments to reflect on the year that has passed and what you’d like to invite into your life from here on out. Maybe you’d like to journal about it, and create a visual representation of your intentions through symbols, words or designs.
3. With a light marker, draw your image, symbol, or design onto the candle.
4. Using an exacto-knife, gently carve out your design. Make sure to maintain your focus and have your clear intention held in your mind as you do this activity. That’s how magic works!
5. Place your carved candle on your altar, mantel, or bedside table. Let it burn through the day or night (never leave lit candles unattended!) Your intentions will be transferred to the Spirit World, where your wishes may be granted!

Happy Holidays, and thank you for sticking with us this year!