Which Candle Is Good For Meditation?

Meditation is the practice of quieting the mind and focusing inward to increase calmness, physical relaxation, and mental clarity. Meditation has been practiced for centuries across many cultures and religions as a way to relieve stress, connect spiritually, and gain wisdom.

Candles are commonly used in meditation because flickering candlelight helps create a peaceful environment that is conducive to the mental state needed for effective meditation. The soft, natural light eliminates glare and visual distractions in the space. It also provides just enough light to remain alert, while being calming and soothing at the same time. The physical flame gives the eyes a focal point to rest on during meditation. Meanwhile, the dancing light and shadows cast on the walls create a tranquil ambiance. Candles engage the senses with their warm glow and aromatic scents, both of which can make it easier for practitioners to unwind, slow busy minds, and sink into a meditative state.

Different Types of Candles

There are several different types of candles that can be used for meditation. Some of the most common include:

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are thick, cylindrical candles. They are typically 2-3 inches in diameter and can range from just a couple inches tall to over a foot tall. Pillar candles burn slowly and evenly, so they are a great option for long meditation sessions.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are small, round candles that are approximately 1-2 inches tall. They are designed to fit into small glass holders. Votive candles provide a focused, concentrated flame that creates a serene environment for meditation.

Container Candles

Container candles come in jars or other vessels. They often have scented wax to provide aromatherapy benefits. Container candles are easy to place around a meditation space and provide ambient lighting.

Taper Candles

Taper candles are long, narrow candles that are approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. They are designed to fit into candle holders. The narrow flame of a taper candle can help focus attention during meditation.

Candle Scents

When choosing a candle for meditation, the scent can have a big impact on your experience. Certain aromas are known for their calming and relaxing properties that can enhance your meditation practice. Here are some of the most popular scent options:

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most common scents used for relaxation and sleep. Its floral and herbaceous aroma evokes feelings of peace and tranquility. Lavender can help relieve stress and anxiety during meditation.

Chamomile

Like lavender, chamomile has long been used for its soothing and calming benefits. It has a sweet, fruity scent that can promote relaxation during meditation. Chamomile is known for its ability to ease tension.

Jasmine

The rich, floral scent of jasmine incites feelings of optimism and confidence. It has an exotic aroma that can be uplifting yet calming. Jasmine is thought to help quiet the mind during meditation.

Sandalwood

With its deep, woody and slightly sweet scent, sandalwood is excellent for relieving stress. Its earthy, grounding aroma can help still the mind in preparation for meditation. Sandalwood also has a meditative quality.

Frankincense

Frankincense has a woody, spicy scent that can inspire feelings of spirituality. Its incense-like aroma is known for enhancing focus and stilling the mind’s chatter during meditation. Frankincense promotes deep reflection.

Candle Materials

Three of the most common materials used in candles for meditation are soy, beeswax, and paraffin. Each have their own benefits and drawbacks:

Soy candles utilize vegetable-based soy wax. Soy wax tends to burn more slowly and cooler than paraffin, and emits less soot. Soy is also a renewable and natural resource making it an eco-friendly option. The natural soy wax is also free from artificial dyes and additives. The drawback is the scent from soy candles tends to not fill a room or linger as long as paraffin candles.

Beeswax candles use wax produced by honey bees. Beeswax candles have a natural honey aroma and emit negative ions that help purify the surrounding air. They burn brighter, slower, and longer than other candles. Beeswax is non-toxic and biodegradable. The downside is beeswax candles can be more expensive and the natural scent may not be as appealing for some meditation settings.

Paraffin wax comes from petroleum waste products. It is inexpensive, readily available, and can hold fragrance oils well. Paraffin also melts and burns easily. However, paraffin produces more soot and releases toxic benzene and toluene as it burns. Plus, paraffin is not biodegradable or eco-friendly like natural waxes.

Flame Type

When selecting a candle for meditation, the type of flame is an important consideration. You’ll typically have a choice between a steady flame or a flickering flame.

A steady flame produces an unwavering, consistent flame that doesn’t flicker or dance. The light and ambiance stays the same throughout the duration of the candle’s burn. This can be symbolic of finding stillness and steadiness during meditation.

On the other hand, a flickering flame has more movement and variability. As the flame dances and flickers, it produces a dynamic play of light. Some find this motion calming and mesmerizing for meditation. It can help anchor attention and promote mindfulness.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you want a stable, unwavering flame, choose a candle with a steady flame. If you prefer the flickering motion, select a flickering flame. Test out both to see which enhances your meditation experience.

Candle Size

When choosing a candle for meditation, the size of the candle is an important factor to consider. The diameter, height, and burn time of the candle can impact the meditative experience.

A wider candle diameter will produce a stronger flame and more wax melt pool. This can be useful for creating a brighter light and stronger aroma. However, an extremely wide candle may be distracting or overpowering in a meditative setting. A diameter between 2-4 inches is often ideal.

For candle height, taller candles tend to have a longer burn time. A height between 4-6 inches is standard. Shorter candles may burn out more quickly, while extremely tall candles can feel imposing or uncomfortable in a tranquil environment.

In terms of burn time, a candle that burns for 4-8 hours is typically recommended for meditation. This allows the candle to last for the duration of your session without needing to be relit. Longer burn times also provide better value.

The right candle size can help set the mood for a relaxing, focused meditation. Consider diameter, height and burn time when selecting a candle that feels comforting and promotes inner reflection.

Safety

When using candles for meditation, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Candles have an open flame, which can lead to fire hazards if not used carefully.

Make sure to place candles on a stable, fireproof surface. Avoid placing them near anything flammable like curtains or paper. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving the room and before going to sleep.

Proper ventilation is key. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, and crack a window open to allow fresh airflow. The smoke and soot from candles can build up over time, so good ventilation helps clear the air.

Take care when moving a lit candle. Blow it out first and make sure the wax has hardened before attempting to move it. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excess smoking and dripping.

In summary, exercise caution with open flames, provide ample breathing room, and supervise candles at all times. Simple safety steps can prevent fires or other hazards when meditating with candles.

Setting the Mood

Creating the right ambience is key for an effective meditation session. The mood and environment that you create can help relax the mind and body, allowing you to focus inward.

Dim the lights in the room to create a calming atmosphere. Bright overhead lighting can feel disruptive. Use a small lamp, string lights or candles to gently illuminate the space.

Minimize external distractions by turning off electronics and background music. Silence or soft nature sounds can enhance concentration during meditation.

Make yourself comfortable with supportive cushions, blankets and clothing. Sit in a way that feels stable yet relaxed. Adjust the temperature to a mild level so you don’t get too warm or cold.

Surround yourself with calming accents like houseplants, flowers or inspiring artwork. Your meditation area should feel serene and removed from the bustle of everyday life.

Top Candle Recommendations for Meditation

When choosing a candle for meditation, consider the following top picks:

Yankee Candle Balsam and Cedar Scented Jar Candle

This evergreen-scented candle has a woodsy, refreshing aroma perfect for promoting a relaxed, meditative state. The soy wax blend burns clean and slow.

Paddywax Relish Jar Candle in Cabernet

Featuring a rich, wine-inspired scent, this candle has notes of plum, black cherry, and oakmoss. The aroma is calming and soothing.

Homesick Meditation Soy Candle

With soothing scents like sandalwood, iris, and frankincense, this candle is specially formulated to create a peaceful ambiance for meditation.

Lulu Candles Chakra Soy Wax Aromatherapy Candle Set

This set of 7 colored candles corresponds to each chakra and has custom blended essential oil scents designed to open and align the chakras during meditation.

Chesapeake Bay Mindfulness Soy Candle

Featuring an earthy blend of cedarwood, sage, and lavender, this candle has a grounding scent perfect for meditation and reflection.

Conclusion

In summary, there are a few key considerations when choosing a candle for meditation. The scent, flame type, size, and safety are all important factors that contribute to setting the right mood and environment. When selecting a scent, calming fragrances like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood can promote relaxation. Opting for a steady, flickering flame rather than a strongly dancing flame can be less visually distracting. A smaller candle size around 4-6 ounces is usually recommended so the flame isn’t too overwhelming in a meditation space. And it’s critical to take safety precautions like keeping the candle on a stable, non-flammable surface and away from anything flammable. With all of these elements in place, incorporating a candle into your meditation practice can provide a soothing focal point and help deepen your mindfulness. Carefully selecting a candle that fits your preferences can take your meditation experience to the next level.