This year, at a time when the turning of the wheel is marked by some as “Imbolc”, we travelled west to worship in the wild and celebrate candlemas.
Quartz contributed an activity where we all made candles in the ground.
- We used “Candle Sand” which has a low melting point and can be poured cold. We folded paper to make a poke, with the thin end open so it acts as a funnel.
- Fold tinfoil round a stick to make a pocket.
- Use the stick to make a hole in the ground
- place a short wick into the wax
- light and wonder.
- Think about fire risks. The ground and vegetation were very wet, so there was no risk of the flame spreading when we met!
- Take care where you place the candles. Think about where participants will walk.
- We found using a taper is much easier the matches or a lighter for lighting the candles.
- Pre-wax the wick to make it easier to place and light
- Leave no trace. We used the tinfoil pocket so the the wax could be lifted out of the ground at the end, which also gives people something to take away.
- Consider using other fuels suitable for your environment, like oil or fat. Fibres like nettle or rush cores could be gathered and used as a candle wick.
This is the prayer we contributed.
It should be read, leaving pauses to take advantage of being in the environment. Pray with the location, not just in it. That means listening, and having your eyes open?
Earth Candle Blessing
All things come from dust and return to dust, but you bring life from the soil.
Thank you for light, especially when the sun is obscured by clouds.
Lord Jesus you are the light of the world, your light scatters the darkness,
Transforming our fears, doubts and worries; revealing hope, peace and strength.
As we watch these candles burn in the ground,
We thank you for your invitation to us to become light where we are placed.
Thank you for the light of the saints who inspire and encourage us along the way. (Mention particular saints, like Simeon and Anna)
Bless this moment, and keep the flame of your love burning brightly within us.
Help us kindle sparks of love that others might ken your light.
Bless these candles, bless our lives,
Watch over, guard, lead and guide us in your paths of light and truth.
May this light shine in us and from us.
that your peace, love, and joy may be evident to all.
Amen
The leader of this, or one half of those gathered, reads words in italics.
This “Earth Candle” activity is one of many “#SensingSpirituality” activities used in Quartz. This site is a place where we record our use of them – and are trying to index them so others can find them!
We use #tags to help make them visible on social media. This is one way we try to make #SensingSpirituality visible and develop a language which works online as well as offline.
One reply on “Earth Candles”
It was amazing how the cndles stayed alight during the damp breezy conditions of the cold January day – because they were low to the ground and just underneath the swirling air currents. Metaphors for the protection God gives us from the icy currents of life…