19 Dec 2024
Candle Gazing
In this article I want to share a ritual which is fantastic for calming the body and mind in this hectic world we now live in. It also helps with control, focus and balances our bodies. The best bit is this ritual does not require any tools other than a candle and a dark, quiet room and it can take as long as you personally want. Let’s have a look into the ancient ritual of candle gazing.
Candle gazing has been around for a long time. There are mentions of it in many of the ancient yoga practices along with Wiccan lore and ritual.
Candle gazing itself claims to have various health benefits when practiced regularly.
These benefits include:
- Increased cognitive performance and focus.
- Improved memory and spatial attention.
- Better mental health.
- Improved eye health.
- Better-quality sleep.
It has also been noted that candle gazing can increase performance and focus in individuals. In today’s stressful environments people whose gaze does not linger for long on a single thing, therefore people who show signs of constant eye movement are recognised as being more prone to having problems focusing mentally. Practicing candle gazing forces you to focus on one specific spot for a certain amount of time, naturally leading to increased focus and control.
Candle gazing has also been shown to improve mental health. It does this in the same way as any form of meditation does – slowing down the body and the nervous system and restoring balance and calm.
Here is a quick guide on how to perform your own candle gazing ritual:
*Remember as with any ritual you are entirely free to make it your own and evolve it to fit in with your own spiritual practices.
- Use a candle you are personally drawn to. Remember scents and colours have deep spiritual meanings. For example, black for protection, red for love and relationships, green for health and healing etc.
- Find the time of the day which you feel most spiritually aware to perform this ritual. Personally, I find it very useful last thing at night just before bed, but anytime is perfectly fine.
- It is important to find a quiet space with no chance of interruptions. Make sure it is a space you feel entirely safe in. A darker space is preferable but again not essential.
- Light your candle and take a few deep breaths to calm your nervous system. Start to let your eyes focus on the flame slowly and naturally.
- Start to follow the movements of the flame with your eyes, becoming more and more engrossed as you do so. Let any thoughts come into your mind but try not to dwell on anything in particular.
- Make an effort to blink as little as possible whilst not straining your eyes.
- Develop a sense that your eyes merge and become one eye, invoking the intuitive third eye chakra.
- It is sometimes interesting to let your eye lids close naturally and consider the patterns that dance behind them after candle gazing.
- Finish the ritual with gratitude and by blowing the candle out.
Personally, I think this ritual is a lovely simple way to connect with the element fire and calm your nervous system at the same time. I hope you enjoy giving it a go and feel its benefits too.
Best wishes as always,
Tweet
