I recently had an individual inquiring about my Candle Altar Services. It was pretty much the usual type of email that I get… relationship issues, unhappiness, not knowing what to do, desperate to find something that would help them with their situation. This person was interested in purchasing a candle vigil and had some questions, like which candle to choose — which stumped me, because the only options at this page are a one candle vigil and a three candle vigil.

I told this person that the difference between these options were the fact that, with the three candle vigil, I could burn more than one candle for different intentions, which would include different colors, different herbs, different oils, etc. I explained that the issues involved in some of life’s circumstances are a bit complex. And I choose the candles.

They appreciated my quick response, and came back with this question:

Do they (candle vigils) really work?

• I wouldn’t be burning candles for intentions (both for myself, and family, as well as outsiders) if I didn’t believe that it worked.
• The success, or failure, of a spell, spiritual ritual, or prayer can lay with the strength of someone’s belief, as in “knowing”, or as in “faith” for some spiritual paths.
• If you don’t “believe” that something’s going to work, there is a great chance that it won’t.
• I stated that no one can guarantee the success of a spiritual ritual or prayer. (Would you think of asking a Catholic priest if his novena to St. Anne “worked”?)
• I explained that, although this is my spiritual path and practice, and I take it quite seriously, for legal reasons I have to include a disclaimer at the bottom of my website that states: “All magickal merchandise and services are sold for entertainment purposes only.” The fact that, to protect myself legally, I have to include this statement does not mean that I don’t personally believe that witchcraft, candle magick, and spells REALLY work.

Since I haven’t heard back from this individual, I can only assume that they wanted some sort of guarantee. Spirit doesn’t work that way.