Once you have marked, dressed and measured your candle, it is time to baptize or name your candle. The act of baptizing a figural candle, used to represent a person, brings the candle alive.

If you have not written a petition or name paper, you should do it at this point in the ritual. Some people have their "paperwork" completed ahead of time, but I prefer to do it within the ritual process. Hopefully, you have altar candles lit and incense burning. Stopping to write your request or reaffirm the name of your target, helps to build a strong connection between the candle and the person it is designed to represent.

It is also at this point, that I insert personal concerns into the bottom of the candle. While it would be easier to do this when carving the candle, doing it now makes it part of a three step naming ritual:

1. Write a name paper or petition and place it under the candle
2. Make a hole in the bottom of the candle and insert any personal concerns
3. Baptize the candle

Baptizing the Candle

How you baptize the candle depends on your spiritual beliefs. It is a short and simple process.

If you are Christian / Spiritual, you can state:

I baptize you as [target's name] in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Make three signs of the cross over the candle in Holy Water while stating the words.

If you are Pagan, you can state:

Blessed be, thou creature made by art. By art made, by art changed. Thou art not wax but flesh and blood, I name thee [target's name]. Thou art this person, between the worlds, in all the worlds. Blessed be.

Some people further consecrate the candle with the four elements: Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Here is a simple method for doing this:

• Sprinkle some dirt or sand on the candle and say, "By Earth I baptize you as {target's name}."
• Sprinkle some water on the candle and say, "By Water I baptize you as {target's name}."
• Quickly pass the candle through the flame of your altar candle and say, "By Fire I baptize you as {target's name}."
• Pass the dressed candle through the incense smoke and say , "By Air I baptize you as {target's name}."

Remember, this is an optional practice and there are many, more involved ways to perform it. Now you are ready to light your fully marked, dressed, measured and named candle! Remember to state your prayers and or affirmations over the candle and then visualize the effects of your work on the target until the candle burns to the second pin or needle.

Good Luck with candle burning rituals. With faith and patience, you will see the results you desire.

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