The Surprising Truth About Paraffin vs. Soy Wax: Why We Made the Switch Back When soy wax first became all the rage, we were ready to jump on the bandwagon. Why wouldn’t we? The buzz around soy was all about sustainability, health, and being better for the environment. Like everyone else, we wanted to do what was right. But before we made a change, we paused, took a deep breath, and dug into the research. What we found was shocking—and it completely changed the way we look at candles. We’re sharing our journey not to ruffle feathers, but to shed light on why we ultimately chose paraffin wax. Let’s dive into the science, the myths, and the reality of soy vs. paraffin. You might find yourself rethinking what’s burning in your home. Our Research Process We didn’t make this decision lightly. Over two months, we consulted a biochemist, a nutritionist, and...

You’ve seen them in stores, read about them in articles, and spotted them all over social media. Intention candles are everywhere, lighting up the lives of people from all walks of life. But what exactly are intention candles? How do you use them? And, most importantly, are they right for you? Spoiler alert: Yes, they are. Intention candles are for EVERYBODY. Let’s dive into what makes these candles so special and how they can help you manifest your best life. What Exactly Are Intention Candles? Every candle has a purpose. Some add a cozy vibe to your home with soft lighting and a pleasant scent. Some are the centerpiece of birthday celebrations, holding your wishes as you blow them out. Intention candles? They take that wish-making energy and amplify it, focusing your thoughts and emotions toward achieving your goals. At their core, intention candles are tools. But they’re not just any...

Stop Blaming the Universe: The Real Work of Magic

What if I told you magic wasn’t about celestial whims or cosmic favoritism? That the universe isn’t a vending machine, ready to dispense your every wish with the right combination of words and herbs? The truth is, magic isn’t about luck—it’s about learning, self-discovery, and practice. Yes, practice. Lots of it.

Spells don’t succeed—or fail—because the universe is stingy. They succeed when you’ve aligned your intention, clarified your desires, and honed your craft. And when they fail? That’s where the juicy part begins. It’s not a rejection; it’s an invitation to look deeper, refine your magic, and uncover the lessons waiting for you.

Magic isn’t an act of desperation or blind hope—it’s a process of growth. It’s about peeling back the layers of your need, facing your fears, and building the skill to craft spells that truly work. Let’s explore how to do that, step by step, and discover how you can deepen your magical practice along the way.

The Seven Steps to Magical Mastery

1. Get Clear on Your Intention
   • Practical Application: Start with a simple question: “What do I want?” Write it down. Now ask yourself “Why?” five times, digging deeper each time. For example:
     • “I want more money.”
     • “Why? To pay my bills.”
     • “Why? So I can feel secure.”
     • “Why? Because I’ve never felt truly stable.”
     • Boom. Your spell isn’t about money—it’s about healing your sense of security.
   • Deepen Your Practice: Explore intention-setting techniques like sigil magic or affirmations. The act of boiling your desires down into a single image or phrase is a powerful way to crystallize your magic.

2. Examine Your Motivation
   • Practical Application: Journal about your feelings around your desire. Are you casting from a place of fear, revenge, or ego? Transform those motivations into empowerment. For instance, instead of casting a love spell to "win someone back," focus on attracting love that supports your highest good.
   • Deepen Your Practice: Shadow work is your friend here. Dive into what you’re avoiding or afraid of. Resources like Do It Yourself Akashic Wisdom offer tools for confronting your inner barriers​.

3. Uncover Limiting Beliefs
   • Practical Application: Pull out your tarot deck and try a spread focused on blocks. Ask:
     • “What belief is holding me back?”
     • “What do I need to heal?”
     • “How can I shift my perspective?”
   • Deepen Your Practice: Work with energy healing modalities like Reiki or explore guided meditations that focus on releasing old patterns. Recognizing and rewriting these beliefs can transform your magic.

4. Align Your Timing
   • Practical Application: Use the lunar cycle as your guide. The waxing moon is perfect for building energy and manifesting, while the waning moon is ideal for release and banishment. Plan your spells accordingly.
   • Deepen Your Practice: Dive into astrological magic, learning how planetary influences can amplify your spellwork. Timing is everything, and astrology offers a cosmic map to guide you.

5. Assess Your Tools
   • Practical Application: Review the components of your spell. Did you choose the right candle color? Are your herbs aligned with your intention? Experiment with substitutions to find what resonates best.
   • Deepen Your Practice: Study folk magic traditions like Hoodoo or Wicca to learn the properties of herbs, oils, and tools. Books like Coventry Magic or The Big Book of Candle Magic are great resources​​.

6. Refine Your Practice
   • Practical Application: Keep a magic journal. After each spell, jot down what you did, how you felt, and the results. Patterns will emerge, showing you what works and what doesn’t.
   • Deepen Your Practice: Join a magical community or attend workshops to learn advanced techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment and grow. Magic is as much about exploration as it is about intention.

7. Reflect on Your Results
   • Practical Application: Once your spell manifests—or doesn’t—ask yourself: “What did I learn?” Treat every outcome as a teacher. Even “failures” can reveal critical insights about your craft.
   • Deepen Your Practice: Use divination tools like pendulums or runes to gain clarity on your results. Reflection isn’t just a final step; it’s an ongoing part of your magical journey.

Expanding Your Magical Toolbox

As you refine your spellwork, consider branching out into new traditions and techniques. Here are a few areas to explore:

• Candle Magic: Start simple, with color correspondences, and build to more complex rituals. Coventry Candles are a great starting point for meaningful, intentional work.
• Herbalism: Learn how to incorporate the natural properties of plants into your magic. From healing baths to protective sachets, herbs are incredibly versatile.
• Hoodoo: This African-American folk magic tradition offers powerful techniques rooted in practicality and spirit.
• Astrological Magic: Align your spells with planetary influences for amplified results.
• Divination: Deepen your ability to analyze your magic with tools like tarot, runes, or scrying.

Why Magic Fails—and Why That’s a Good Thing

Here’s the truth: magic doesn’t fail because the universe is saying “no.” It fails because something within the process—or within you—isn’t ready. And that’s okay. Every missed target is a step toward mastery. Failure is not a door slamming shut; it’s a gentle nudge toward growth.

When spells work on the first try, it’s often because you’ve already done the internal work. But when they don’t, it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and try again. Magic is a practice of persistence and evolution.

The Real Work of Magic

Magic isn’t about forcing the universe to comply with your will. It’s about aligning your energy, intentions, and actions with the world around you. It’s about learning, growing, and evolving into the kind of person who can manifest their desires with clarity and confidence.

So, let’s stop blaming the universe and start embracing the real work of magic. Because when you commit to the process, you’ll find that the universe isn’t against you—it’s been rooting for your success all along. And that, dear one, is the most magical realization of all.

January 2025 Astro Magic

Let’s start with the big question: Is candle magic evil? It’s one of those questions that makes me smile, mostly because it reveals just how much mystery and misunderstanding still surrounds magic. So, let’s sit down, grab a candle (preferably a Coventry one), and unpack this idea together. Spoiler alert: the answer might surprise you.   The Roots of the Fear Let’s take a quick walk through history. For centuries, anything outside of the dominant religious or cultural norms was labeled as “evil.” If it didn’t fit within the sanctioned belief system, it was shunned or demonized. Magic, being an empowering practice that often bypassed institutional authority, landed squarely in the crosshairs. Think about it: candle magic is deeply personal. It’s about you taking control of your energy and intentions, and that’s powerful stuff. Historically, anything that put power back into the hands of the individual made those in control a...

  Setting intent is the beating heart of magic—it’s the spark that ignites the flame and sets your desires in motion. Without intent, you’re just going through the motions, like a GPS without a destination. But when you set your intent with clarity and purpose, you align your energy with the universe in a way that’s almost impossible to ignore. Intent isn’t just a wish; it’s a declaration. It’s planting your flag in the soil of possibility and claiming your space in the world. So, let’s talk about how to set your intent in a way that’s not just effective but downright transformative.   Start with the “Why” Intent begins with asking yourself, why? Why do you want what you want? Why is this goal important to you? Too often, we skip this step and jump straight into the “how” of making things happen. But understanding your “why” gives your intent...

Let’s talk about something vital to your magical practice: candle safety. It may not be the most glamorous part of working with candles, but trust me, it’s just as magical as any spell you’ll cast. The flame you light isn’t just fire—it’s alive. It’s a living, moving force that transforms energy. And with great magic comes great responsibility. Every time you light a candle, you’re entering into a relationship with that flame. It’s powerful, it’s dynamic, and yes, it’s unpredictable. Over the years, I’ve seen flames do things that defy logic—jumping impossibly far to catch a flammable surface. So, let’s talk about how to keep your magic safe, your eyebrows intact, and your spellwork drama-free.   First Things First: Use a Fire-Safe Candle Holder Rule number one: always use a fire-safe candle holder. I don’t care how sturdy your altar or table looks—a proper holder is non-negotiable. It keeps your candle...

When was the last time you let yourself dream? I mean really dream—fearlessly, with your heart wide open. Because, let me tell you, dreams are where the magic starts. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and light a fire under those dreams, then you’re in the right place. Candle magic isn’t just about setting an intention; it’s about creating a spark—literally and spiritually. This isn’t a passive process where you whisper to the universe and wait. Nope. This is a co-creative dance with the cosmos, and every step matters. Let me guide you through it, one flame at a time. Step One: Name That Desire Manifestation starts with clarity. If your dreams are murky or undecided, the universe will have no idea what to do with them. Sit down with a notebook and your favorite pen, and write out what you want. Not what your mom wants, not what...

  There is a mood that comes from candles lit in a dim room.  You are immediately relieved of your earthy (daily) concerns, your brain slows down and you can breathe a little slower.   Candle magic taps into the mood set with this hue of light and starts to unwind your spirit to align with your intent. Every part of candle magic contributes to the weave of magic you are creating.  The flame, the scent, the blessing, the space you are in and the color all contribute to the magic.   Don’t discount the importance of color in your candle magic.  Each color carries its own unique energy that assists in the transformation you are intending.  In the Big Book of Candle magic (page 80) I dive into the color feedback loop where your emotional reaction to a color affects its vibrations and the vibration of the color affects our energy....