Lesson One: Week One – Light a Candle

Welcome to your first lesson in Mundane Witchcraft: Finding Magic in the Everyday! This week, we’re focusing on one of the simplest yet most effective magical practices: lighting a candle with intention.

This spell is not about elaborate setups or complicated rituals. You don’t need an altar, fancy tools, or an extensive knowledge of witchcraft. All you need is a candle, a clear intention, and a few moments of your time. This practice is a beautiful way to set the tone for your day, energize yourself, and create a connection between your inner self and the magic around you.

Why This Practice Matters

Meditation and intentional practices have been scientifically proven to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance focus. By pairing meditation with a simple candle-lighting ritual, you’ll not only set your intention for the day but also create a magical habit that energizes your spirit and centers your mind.

My Version of the Candle Ritual

Here’s an example of how I perform this ritual:

  • Time: I begin right after waking up.

  • Focus: For a Monday, I might focus on creative energy and inner knowledge.

  • Steps:

    1. Grab a yellow candle (or another color that aligns with my intention) and place it on my desk.

    2. Speak my intention out loud. For example, “Good morning. Today I want to focus on building more discipline in my writing.” I repeat this three times to connect with Spirit.

    3. Light the candle and spend 15–20 minutes meditating. I focus on my intention, visualize my goals for the day, and breathe deeply.

    4. When I’m finished, I blow out the candle and say, “May the rising of this smoke carry me through the day.”

This practice is simple, effective, and intentional.

Creating Your Version of the Ritual

  1. Set Your Intention
    Decide what you want to focus on for the day. It could be anything: tackling a task, preparing for a challenge, or simply staying calm and grounded.

  2. Choose Your Candle

    • Use any candle you have, even a white one, which can represent all intentions.

    • If you’d like, match the candle’s color to your intention. (For example, yellow for creativity or green for prosperity.)

  3. Incorporate a Sigil

    • Write a short, focused intention (e.g., “I am calm and productive today”).

    • Remove vowels and repeating letters from the sentence (e.g., “MCLMNDPRDCTV”).

    • Rearrange the remaining letters or draw symbols that represent your intention.

    • Carve the sigil into the candle, draw it on your skin with eyeliner, or carry it on a notecard.

  4. Light the Candle and Meditate

    • Speak your intention aloud and ask for assistance from your deities, guides, or the universe.

    • Spend a few moments meditating, focusing on your goals and how you’ll achieve them.

  5. Journal and Reflect

    • Record your experiences in a journal.

    • Reflect on how the day unfolded and how your intention influenced your actions.

Building Your Practice Over the Week

Each day, repeat the ritual with a new or continuing intention. Gradually increase the time you spend meditating. Start with 5–10 seconds if you’re new to the practice, and build up to longer periods as you grow more comfortable.

Look for signs throughout your day—moments of synchronicity or small shifts that show your intention is manifesting.

Your Magical Week

Over the next week, use this guide to create your own version of the candle ritual. Take your time, build your confidence, and explore how small acts of intention can lead to magical results. By the end of the week, you’ll have laid the foundation for a magical practice that’s uniquely yours.

Remember: The magic isn’t in the candle itself—it’s in you. Let your intention guide you, and embrace the power of the everyday.