The candle is a very influential symbol in our conscious mind. It may represent is the light in a world that would otherwise be dark; it speaks to the deepest part of our soul. For this reason the candles has such a profound meaning in so many cultures all over the world. Candles can be found in the ceremonies of just about every religion .
Judaism:
The candle is a significant symbol in Judaism; one is lit each Friday night to mark the beginning of the Sabbath. On Saturday evening, a Havdalah candle is lit to mark the end of the Sabbath. Candles are also used in the Chanukah ceremony, where a candle is lit each evening for eight nights, to commemorate the candle which miraculously burned for eight days, when the Jews recovered their temple from the Greek / Persian Invaders. For the Jewish people, the candles flame symbolizes the eternal burning flame of the divine being.In Judaism a candle is also used to honor those who have died and they are frequently lit to honor a loved one, or those who died tragically, such as in the holocaust.
In Christianity the candle is used for religious as well as decorative purposes}. In its decorative function, it is a representation of the Creators light, the light of Jesus. For this reason you will regularly find a candle lit and positioned on the altar. Religiously, candles are frequently lit and placed in front of pictures or icons in the orthodox tradition. A votive candle may also be lit to go with a prayer. Some churches also use a Paschal candle which represents Christ, and only lit on Easter and other extraordinary occasions.
Buddhism:
In Buddhism, candles are frequently placed in front of a statue of Buddah along with food or drink as a sign of reverence. Symbolically they represent the light of Buddah's teaching and the enlightenment of the world.
Hinduism:
In the Hindu tradition a diya, or clay lamp, is a very significant| part of all religious ceremonies. The lamp holds a candle during the ceremony, and acts as a symbol of prosperity and enlightenment . Every year they also celebrate Diwalli known as the festival of light. On this festival lamps are lit to symbolize life and hope for the conquest of good over evil.
New Age Religion or Metaphysics :
New age religion also known as Metaphysics use candles to perform what is called candle magic, this is one of the easiest forms of spells. It's a simple ritual that does not require a lot of materials. Anyone with a candle can perform this spell.
In this type of spell the type of candle and the color are very significant. First the candle must be new. Second it should be a short taper candle or a votive candle and must not be scented. Lastly the color should represent what you are working for. The following is a list of candle colors and what they are used for.
- Black: Negativity and banishment.
- Brown: Earth-related or animal-related workings.
- Red: Courage and health, sexual love and lust, Fast acting.
- Pink: Friendship , sweet love.
- Orange: Attraction and encouragement.
- Yellow: Persuasion and protection.
- Light Blue: Health, patience and understanding.
- Dark Blue: Depression and vulnerability.
- Green: Financial gain, abundance , fertility.
- Purple: Ambition and power.
- White: Purity and truth.
- Gold: Financial gain, business endeavors, solar connections.
- Silver: Reflection, intuition , lunar connections.
The spell should be written on a piece of paper of the same color as the candle. Fold the paper, concentrating on what you want. Chant your incantation and lit the corner of the folded paper and allow to burn completely. Allow the candle to burn completely out. If you have to extinguish the candle before it has burned completely snuff it out with a candle snuffer never blow the candle out.
The symbolic meaning of a candle and the importance it plays in many of the world's religions. Whether it represents the Supreme Being, or the hope for the enlightenment of mankind, the flicker of its light is an inspiration to many who see its light.
In concussion the question is would lighting a candle and saying a prayer before going to bed improve our probability of receiving enlightenment in our dreams . Would concentrating on that tiny flame as we meditate help to develop the enlightenment of our mind.
It may not make us the next jackpot winner or cause a movie star fall madly in love with us, but it may provide enlightenment in our dreams that would allow us to obtain the things we need and help us to live more productive lives.