Many of you have heard this line from me, spoken from my heart: "I'll light a candle for you." "And what, exactly, do you mean by that Elke?"
What I mean is this; I light a candle with the intention to shine a light on your situation, and ask for assistance from a Higher Power. I mean that I light the candle, or add my prayer to an already-lit long-life candle, and state very forthrightly: "I light this for the highest and the best interest of this person and his/her situation/ family/life."
Yep, its that simple.
Within the spiritual traditions of the world, lighting a candle is a way of extending one's prayer, as well as showing a solidarity with the person on whose behalf the prayer is offered. So, I figure, why not extend that prayer to whoever needs it, and contribute my energy and my light to their light, while helping fan the flame of healing or direction or peace.
Awhile ago, I visited one of my favorite spots in the world: Earth Sanctuary is a sacred park on Whidbey Island, WA, dedicated to the spirituality of sacred space. There are 2 stone circles there. There is a Tibetan Stupa. There is a labyrinth and a medicine wheel. And there is also a Dolmen: a cave-like creation of large stones, wherein people enter and offer prayers.
I have a ritual when I go to this park: Before I walkabout to other destinations, I visit the dolmen first. That day I entered the dolmen with reverence and an already sad mood: someone dear to me had just taken his life, and I wanted to offer prayers to him and his family. I gazed at the contributions on the altar: one of them was an already lit candle. Someone else was in the park, offering his or her prayers intentionally. I added mine to the power of the already lit candle and felt immediately comforted.
Dolmens were often used as tombs and a place to do ritual for the dead. Honestly, I don't know why there is one at the park, but to go inside reminds me of going inside when it's getting dark outside so early these last days of Fall. It reminds me that there is an opportunity to see the light in the darkness: my own light, and the light of my fellow humans.
So too with lighting a candle: with this small act, I remember who we are as light beings. I honor that fact. I cherish my connections with everyone I pray for.
In this hurried and harried season, don't forget to get quiet once in awhile. Light a candle, Offer a prayer. Offer your love--the world can certainly use it.
For your highest and best interest I light a candle on your behalf. Enjoy the light. With love, Elke PS: There is a Solstice Sound prayer and other activities to bring in more light....
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