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The Master Book of Candle Burning: How to Burn Candles for Every Purpose
In this new revised edition the author attempts to aid the reader in the art of candle burning to bring the most satisfaction and consolation in the endeavor. Some historical and other data are included to better illustrate the symbolism involved in modern candle burning. The modern rituals outlined in the book are based on practices which have been described by mediums, spiritual advisors, evangelists, and others who should be in a position to know. All the candle burning rituals include a Psalm best suited to the purpose you want to achieve, whether it is to find love, attain money, stop slander, overcome an enemy, or countless others. 106 pgs.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1942
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 8, 2015
A number of websites highly recommend this book. This was the book to get when it came to using candles in the more Southern forms of ritual. By the time it did come in, I had read so many good things about it, it felt like hype. So I was well prepared to be disappointed. This book failed to disappoint.
Next to other books I've read on candle magic, this made almost all of them pale in comparison. It's well-written for as old as it is (1942) and as thin as it is (only 104 pages altogether, including ads on the final pages.) It gave me a better understanding on why most Southern forms of magic might be practiced in such a Protestant form now. Before then, I was kind of lost on why there was such a sharp distinction between Wicca and Hoodoo candle magic, or any other magic, besides one uses verbal spells and the other uses passages from Scripture, if any words at all. It makes so much better sense now.
Whatever a person might think about Southern magical practices, it's still the most highly recommended book on this form of candle ritual. No wonder; the author, for whatever his personal reasons, seems to have taken however much time for research to quickly touch on such background as known anthropology and informal interviews, and even has gone so far as to site different scriptures for support, even though, according to Gamache, the old world practices had to be modified for use for the modern America of the time.
I'm not sure just how interested an average person would have been in academic background, instead wanting to get down to the business of solving personal problems, but at this time, I can't see this book as being just a fly-by-night, created only for the sale of commercially manufactured products (although it does mention lots of brand-name candles, oils, incenses, and baths of the day that a person had to buy, reasoning that, Why hunt through the forest foraging for needed roots and herbs? Why go through the toil and trouble of making your own candles and incense? when you can go to your friendly neighborhood supply shop and obtain them? Ah the wonders of convenience!....Of course such reasonings wouldn't go over well now, since it's considered better to create your own everything after all.) The author has done least some research in an age without web access in order to provide background for this thin book; for that alone I applaud him. I can see why this is seen as the go-to book for "candle burning", since hardly anyone cared enough in past books to give support for why things are done the way they are. It's just assumed that a person simply follows along with the instructions without question, trusting that it was going to work because "it is written". Personally, I don't like rolling like that.
So my recommendation? Get the book. And don't lend it out.
Next to other books I've read on candle magic, this made almost all of them pale in comparison. It's well-written for as old as it is (1942) and as thin as it is (only 104 pages altogether, including ads on the final pages.) It gave me a better understanding on why most Southern forms of magic might be practiced in such a Protestant form now. Before then, I was kind of lost on why there was such a sharp distinction between Wicca and Hoodoo candle magic, or any other magic, besides one uses verbal spells and the other uses passages from Scripture, if any words at all. It makes so much better sense now.
Whatever a person might think about Southern magical practices, it's still the most highly recommended book on this form of candle ritual. No wonder; the author, for whatever his personal reasons, seems to have taken however much time for research to quickly touch on such background as known anthropology and informal interviews, and even has gone so far as to site different scriptures for support, even though, according to Gamache, the old world practices had to be modified for use for the modern America of the time.
I'm not sure just how interested an average person would have been in academic background, instead wanting to get down to the business of solving personal problems, but at this time, I can't see this book as being just a fly-by-night, created only for the sale of commercially manufactured products (although it does mention lots of brand-name candles, oils, incenses, and baths of the day that a person had to buy, reasoning that, Why hunt through the forest foraging for needed roots and herbs? Why go through the toil and trouble of making your own candles and incense? when you can go to your friendly neighborhood supply shop and obtain them? Ah the wonders of convenience!....Of course such reasonings wouldn't go over well now, since it's considered better to create your own everything after all.) The author has done least some research in an age without web access in order to provide background for this thin book; for that alone I applaud him. I can see why this is seen as the go-to book for "candle burning", since hardly anyone cared enough in past books to give support for why things are done the way they are. It's just assumed that a person simply follows along with the instructions without question, trusting that it was going to work because "it is written". Personally, I don't like rolling like that.
So my recommendation? Get the book. And don't lend it out.
May 12, 2021
I read the kindle version of this book which is now only available in book form. This book is one of the original classics in candle burning rituals. It is read by all knowledgeable people who practice magic.
The book is not pagan but rather very Judea Christian centered. Using fire for ritual purposes goes back thousands of years. It was believed that fire both protected and purified the area around.Fire provided warmth and the ability to cook food.
It was also believed that certain colors face of certain vibrations. These vibrations could be helpful in helping a person achieve their goal. There are also colors that represent the different birth sign. Like all magic the magic presented here is sympathetic meaning that like effects like, so gathering hair, nail clipping and other personal belonging could help in a love spell or hexing someone . The book has rituals for all sorts of purposes whether it be for money, love success you name it.
Altar set up is simple, any surface can be used. The set up is simple. Two crucifix candles at the head of the altar . They are colors white for purity and dressed in high alter oil. The bottom left hand corner is where the Bible is placed. On the table space between there is where the petitioner candles go and the goal candles. Candle are anointed with oils for the purpose as are they colored so. The oils would probably have to be store bought as there are no oil recipes. Candles are annointed from the middle to the top and from the middle to the bottom.
Symbolism is everything and colors and goals have their own symbology. Important to realize is that colors may symbolize different thing to different people. Your own symbology is what you should use.
The candle are burned and different bible verses are read while the candle are burning. The spell has different lengths that the candle burns after prayer are said.
For those wanting to access magic with a no frills approach and no baggage this book is it. They do advise using vegetable products and avoid any ingredients made with animal products. Great book.
The book is not pagan but rather very Judea Christian centered. Using fire for ritual purposes goes back thousands of years. It was believed that fire both protected and purified the area around.Fire provided warmth and the ability to cook food.
It was also believed that certain colors face of certain vibrations. These vibrations could be helpful in helping a person achieve their goal. There are also colors that represent the different birth sign. Like all magic the magic presented here is sympathetic meaning that like effects like, so gathering hair, nail clipping and other personal belonging could help in a love spell or hexing someone . The book has rituals for all sorts of purposes whether it be for money, love success you name it.
Altar set up is simple, any surface can be used. The set up is simple. Two crucifix candles at the head of the altar . They are colors white for purity and dressed in high alter oil. The bottom left hand corner is where the Bible is placed. On the table space between there is where the petitioner candles go and the goal candles. Candle are anointed with oils for the purpose as are they colored so. The oils would probably have to be store bought as there are no oil recipes. Candles are annointed from the middle to the top and from the middle to the bottom.
Symbolism is everything and colors and goals have their own symbology. Important to realize is that colors may symbolize different thing to different people. Your own symbology is what you should use.
The candle are burned and different bible verses are read while the candle are burning. The spell has different lengths that the candle burns after prayer are said.
For those wanting to access magic with a no frills approach and no baggage this book is it. They do advise using vegetable products and avoid any ingredients made with animal products. Great book.
June 2, 2019
Really practical clear book. Awkwardly written in some areas, but also kinda charming because of that.
November 23, 2015
Practical hoodoo for candle magic. Great for more advanced candle magic practitioners. To be used as a reference guide.
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September 9, 2017i think it is a good book and i will love to have it
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews