Until the question was asked, I hadn't really thought about it other than that I absolutely do not want to use flameless candles for any reason whatsoever. I didn't even bother to figure out why... but I realized once the question was posed and I was trying to answer it, for me it's more than just aesthetically pleasing to burn actual candles. Fire is a portal - it's a visual representation of the principle of energy. Fire is a powerful offering and a powerful manifesting tool, for spirit and spell workings. Fire is primordial - we aren't sure which came first, control of fire, or eating meat - but once we had control of fire and began eating COOKED foods, we began the road to becoming human. Fire is the living embodiment of the journey from animal to divinity.
That being said... fire is not safe - even when you're watching it, fire can go WRONG (just ask Oflight Lokebrenna - he has a few hundred pictures of wax gone wild)
If you're in a situation where candles just aren't going to work for you, here are two articles about the use of flameless candles in magick and ritual. Since I have absolutely no desire to test out the information, I would really love for people who are in this situation to share their experiences and the choices they make as they go.
Some of the questions I've had come up are: "When I'm done with the spell, do I just turn the candle off?" "Can I use a spell candle for more than one ritual? Spell? Offering?"
I honestly have no idea on the first one - my suggestion is trial and error. My second answer is, possibly? I think that flameless candles used as offerings to deities, demons, and companions should probably be only used for that particular deity, demon, or companion, but that means you may end up with a LOT of flameless candles and if you don't have storage space, that's a bad idea - plus, I'm not sure how delicate these types of "candles" are, so I don't know if storing them would work long term or would cause them damage. What I recommend is that you put the candle on top of a charged sigil, and when you're finished, smudge/cleanse the candle. The sigil can be stored and reused, or disposed of as you see fit.
The two articles below were all I could find on this topic, which is why I'm asking those of you who have used, or are using, flameless candles, to please weigh in on this subject.
https://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2184
The Magic of Using Flameless Candles in Ritual
MARCH 28, 2011 BY EMBER GRANT
As pagans, we love what's natural and real—we seek the authenticity of things, especially in our magic. We cherish hand-made, carefully crafted items. We love real stone, wood, metal, and plant materials. Most of us would never consider a plastic ritual chalice or artificial oils; some pagans even insist on real matches for lighting fires—no modern lighters allowed. While that may be an extreme case, we do tend to scorn the modern, "fake" things in favor of what we deem real or "traditional."
As a maker of candles, I can't imagine ever abandoning the real flame. In fact, I just wrote a book on the subject—Magical Candle Crafting—in which I explore making candles for rituals and spells, charging the wax with your energy. For magic, I still prefer this type of candle. But, in some situations, it's nice to have a flameless candle on hand. They can be used to complement real candles on an altar, or to safely illuminate your sacred space, leaving you free to focus on your magic.
We already know that many modern conveniences can be useful in magical practice. Many of us use a computer for our Book of Shadows, or use an mp3 player for ritual music. And so, why not the "flameless" candle? Many people have invested in these recently, and some of them are made of real wax. In fact, from a distance, they are often indistinguishable from real candles. One good thing about them is that they last forever (although you may have to replace the battery), and they are safe from pets and human forgetfulness or clumsiness. Some of them simulate a flicker or have a scent, and some have a sensor so you can actually "blow" them out! These have a sensor activated by sound. Flameless candles may just have a place in magic and ritual after all. I can hear everyone groaning. But I just bought my first one during the winter holiday clearance. Everyone thinks it’s real—sometimes I even forget it’s not!
For some types of candle magic, you really do want to burn something. But sometimes the candle light is secondary, especially if you’re creating a mood. Obviously, without a real flame, I don’t recommend these be the basis of candle magic itself, but they can certainly enhance a ritual space or be used for convenience when you need them. And batteries are energy, after all.
Batteries convert chemical energy to electrical energy; a chemical reaction produces electrons. The first battery, created by Alessandro Volta in 1800, was made of zinc, paper soaked in salt water, and silver. Today’s batteries are made of a variety of chemicals and metals. Rechargeable batteries are common now, helping to conserve our resources. Electricity is everywhere—we sometimes forget it’s part of nature. We know matter is composed of atoms. In metals, there are electrons that move around more freely than in others substances, making them good conductors of electricity. We’ve all played with a magnet at some time in our lives; magnets are like generators of electricity. A generator is like moving a magnet toward a wire so the electrons can flow—it pushes them; a battery acts as a source of electricity, like a generator. This is a form of energy. It might not seem as mystical as the beautiful flame of fire, but this is still energy. It’s more sophisticated, perhaps, than a primitive flame, but it can serve a purpose in our modern age. Certainly our modern harnessing of this power would seem like magic to those living thousands of years ago.
There are some very practical reasons for using a flameless candle. For example, sometimes we want to bring magic into a place where candles aren’t allowed, such as our workplace. Battery candles can offer a solution. Safety and cleanliness are two of the other factors in favor of the flameless candle. Since you can let them "burn" all night without having to worry about leaving them unattended, they are ideal for keeping a vigil. You can set them in a windowsill without worrying about catching your curtains or blinds on fire. And, since there’s no dripping, you can use them in wall sconces and in pillar holders without worry. In meditation, these candles can provide perfect lighting, smoke free, and no worries about keeping the candle safe. Without the concern of an open flame, you can use them on low shelves or in other tight spaces. You can put them in jars, bags, wrap them in fabric, or decorate them almost any way you like. You can use herbs, leaves, and flowers near them without catching them on fire. Many of them even have a timer that turns the candle off after a few hours.
Just as you magically charge any real candle you purchase, you can charge these or anoint them with oil on the outside. Like other man-made magical tools, our intent makes them special. Buy a few that you can dedicate to magical use and soon they’ll become part of your practice.
For use outdoors, try these as quarter candles. No more fumbling with the lighter or matches, no more worrying about the wind blowing out the flame or knocking them over. And, since these candles are available in all shapes, colors, and sizes, you can find them in all the Elemental colors.
As modern magicians, we know that there are times to hold to ancient traditions, and time to embrace new inventions. We can combine the old and new to create our own brand of magic, which is no less authentic, as long as our intent is true.
https://www.spellsofmagic.com/read_post ... ost=427946
Flameless candles
By: RubyJade
Post # 1
I just bought a white flameless, battery operated candle, and was wondering about how I would go about consecrating it? I read somewhere you use "Lucky Oil" or "Love Oil". Would that be safe for a battery operated candle? And how would I make/find it?
And would there be limitations on spellwork and ritual, like if something I wanted to do involved passing something through a candle flame? Would the flameless ones have the same effect as real ones?
Re: Flameless candles
By: yajra009
Post # 2
intentions are more useful than tools.. tools are just a way of setting your mind to a particular situation in doing magick.. if you would want to use battery operated tools or electronics, then do so but the danger of using electronics than the natural ones are much higher (especially upon consecrations, and if you are using liquids in rituals).. you should also consider your safety in doing rituals/spells..
namaste..
Re: Flameless candles
By: ArteziaCroix / Beginner
Post # 3
Although battery operated candles are safe and all, but I would rather choose candles that spill wax anyday. It's not just because of the safety of it or the convenience of just flicking a switch never striking matches ever again. I just would like to use a real candle as it gives a representation to your unconsciousness. The flame stands for activity and the color of the candle stands for something else (depends on the color.) I am not saying the flame less candle is obsolete, just that I would prefer real candles, there are no limitations to magick, but what you don't feel comfortable with limits your progress.
The thing is for me, if you consecrate a candle for a purpose or spell then it is suppose to burn out until the wax is all or mostly gone. This is a form of transformation or messaging from the physical plane to the astral plane, as the rule of all magick states: "It must be in the astral plane for it to manifest in the physical plane." As for annointing of oils, I do not think it is safe as most oils are highly flammable and the candle might spark (Yes, this does happen in some cases.) The flame less candle can still be useful but I urge you still not to use it and purchase the original candle. But you know, be creative see what works best
Re: Flameless candles
By: bttrflymoon
Post # 4
Jul 17, 2012
I don't know, I'd be afraid to put oil on it, but that's just me. Beyond that, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.
Re: Flameless candles
By: WhiteRav3n / Knowledgeable
Post # 5
If you're using a battery operated candle then it is just for a focal point or to create the an atmosphere you desire. Atmosphere and focus points are very important for the beginner, and even the more experienced enjoy it. I take it you're not allowed to burn candles in your home.
I wouldn't do anything to it besides cleanse it with smoke. The "power" of a candle is within the flame's energy, the energy you place into the candle, and it slowly burning down, releasing the energy within you have charged it with. And since you don't have a flame or burning down activity, there will be no added "magick" to the item.