CANDLES, MEDITATION AND HEALING is a hotch-potch of a little book with no underlying and unifying religious or spiritual tradition which may or may not appeal to the average reader. Whitaker suggests her book can be used by any spiritual person and she does not link her candle magic to a particular religious orientation. She tosses in a little of this and a little of that, and although I don't mind an eclectic mix, I do mind a mishmash. Unfortunately, as Whitaker mixes "Christian" and "Wiccan" themes, I find the book more disconcerting than comforting. Many traditions hold with burning candles and incense. From services and candle stands in Roman Catholic Churches to the Hanukkah candles to lighted vespers on feast days to incense and money in Hindu shrines, folks light up all over the world. We light candles for special meals, Jack-o-Lanterns, and in past times the Tannenbaum tree. Whitaker's little book lightly passes over all the glorious ways and whys folks light up and jumps into building home alters and burning specific candles (such as green) for specific requests (money) from some source to be named by the candle burner. If you're looking for innovation and can overlook an unstructured and crazy-quilt approach, CANDLES might prove helpful. If you're looking for something profound this is not the book to buy. From Amazon.com
An astrologer and metaphysician, Charlene Whitaker teaches, counsels, and writes. She's also the founder of the Cosmic Academy of Metaphysical Arts, and has been featured in newspapers and on radio and television. Candles, Meditation, & Healing is her second book. She says that some people are wary of rituals, but points out that we all have daily rituals that we follow, such as brushing our teeth. There's nothing inherently fearful about a ritual, including those involving burning candles. When asked what candles do, she replies that "candles do nothing except burn when lit. You are the one who makes extraordinary things manifest in your life and the lives of others." She emphasizes that "doing candle rituals is not incompatible with Christianity or other belief systems." Whitaker starts with an explanation of how to create your own inner sanctuary using meditation. She then describes how to create a physical altar for your candle work. This can be very simple, or as elaborate as you wish. Once you've done that, you're ready to begin--she says that the "possibilities are endless as to how you can use your altar." She provides suggestions for using money, blessing newborns, and general healing. Candles can also be combined with astrology to do readings for others. Whitaker explains how to purchase the candles best suited for your purpose, how to care for them, and the significance of the ways in which they may burn. She also says that using the right color of candles is important, and describes the meanings and uses of each color. Melted candle wax can also form meaningful shapes, and Whitaker provides a complete dictionary of symbols to aid in interpretation. "Candles are a natural source of light and guidance--[Candles, Meditation, & Healing] will show you how to use candles to fire up your prayer, healing, and divination work."
From Amazon.com
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