Candles are an important part of the Wiccan philosophy, and are used frequently during rituals and spell making. Aside from providing light for rituals, there are several different types that have additional functions that make them in important part of those rituals. The three different primary types of candles that are used in Wicca are: taper candles, jar candles, and various specialty candles.
Taper candles are much as they sound. They are long, slender candles that stand atop a base during ceremonies. As they burn and their wax drips down, it is collected on the plate or pan that they are sitting on, giving the candle a much more tapered appearance as it burns. Though it is not always the case when the ritual being performed does not require it, the wax drippings are often read in a similar manner that tea leaves might be.
Jar candles, on the other hand, have a very different purpose during Wiccan ceremonies. Jar candles often contain scents and herbs that allow them to become specialized for different rituals or types of spells that are going to be performed. They are also anointed at the tips.
Aside from the first two types, there are many more that are designed specifically for certain situations. From spell candles that are designed to be used in the performing of specific spells to seven knob candles, which are designed to be burned for seven days in a row, one knob each day, there are a huge variety of different ones out there. There are also figure candles meant the represent the God and the Goddess, which are very important to most rituals.
There are many different ones, of course, but the basics of Wicca for beginners will begin with only a few. Depending on your needs, you may want to look into a specialty candle instead of a more all-purpose variety the next time you perform a ritual.
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