What Is The Meaning Of The Dragon Candle?
A dragon candle is a type of scented candle that has a dragon design or motif. Dragon candles originate from Chinese culture, where the dragon is an important mythical creature that symbolizes power, strength, and good fortune. The Chinese have long used dragon imagery in art, statues, architecture, and artifacts as a sign of protection and prosperity.
Dragon candles emerged as a popular home decor item and spiritual tool in the 20th century. Chinese artisans began crafting elaborate dragon candles often combining exotic scents like sandalwood, jasmine, rose, and spices. The candles were made to honor Chinese astrology, feng shui principles, and for various spiritual rituals. Over time dragon candles became more ornamental and spread to Western markets while retaining their auspicious Chinese symbolism.
Today dragon candles come in many styles from simple votives to ornate pillars. They are commonly found at Chinese shops, feng shui retailers, metaphysical stores, and online. While the designs can vary, traditional dragon candles feature bold Eastern-inspired dragon motifs to invoke good chi and positive energy.
Symbolism
Dragon candles hold a great deal of symbolism and meaning. The dragon image represents strength, power and protection (source). In many cultures, dragons are seen as mythical creatures that safeguard treasure and ward off evil spirits. The dragon is a guardian energy, so lighting a dragon candle can call upon those protective qualities.
In Chinese culture, the dragon is a positive symbol of strength and good luck. The winding shape of the dragon also symbolizes the flow of qi or energy. Dragon candles are thought to stimulate the flow of energy and power within us when lit (source). The dragon image can represent tapping into our inner wisdom, overcoming challenges, and protecting what matters most to us.
Overall, dragon candles connect us to primordial energy and the symbolic power of the dragon as a fierce protector and source of ancient wisdom. Lighting the candle calls upon the dragon spirit to lend us courage, strength of will, and shield us from harm.
Uses
Dragon’s blood candles have a variety of uses, especially in spiritual practices like feng shui, spellwork, and meditation. In feng shui, they are often used to enhance the fire energy in a space and promote passion, romance, and sexuality (source). The red color represents the fire element and the dragon symbolizes power and strength.
For spellwork, dragon’s blood candles can be used for protection spells, to increase power, purification, and to draw love and passion into one’s life (source). The mystical dragon’s blood resin utilized in these candles adds potency. The smoke is thought to carry one’s intentions out into the universe.
In meditation, dragon candles help create a focused, magical atmosphere. The flickering light and scent engage the senses to promote inner reflection and awareness. Visualizing the dragon and its qualities can be a powerful meditation anchor.
Colors
The color of a dragon candle holds special meaning and symbolism. Different colors represent various energies, goals, and desires.
For example, a red dragon candle represents passion, love, romance, courage, and primal energy. Red dragons bring power and vitality for any magical working. According to Candle Color Meanings and Associations, red corresponds to Tuesday, the planet Mars, and the astrological signs Aries and Scorpio.
A green dragon candle stands for growth, success, money, fertility, and abundance. As explained on Candle colors and their meanings, green is the traditional color for attracting wealth and prosperity. It relates to Wednesday, Mercury, Taurus, and Virgo.
For protection and banishing, a black dragon candle dispels negativity. According to Candle Color Meanings and Associations, black corresponds with Saturday, Saturn, Scorpio, and Capricorn.
A white dragon candle represents purity, truth, spirituality, and cleansing. It’s great for healing spells and purification rituals. Other colors like blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple, silver, and gold have their own distinct energies and associations.
Selecting the right dragon candle color aligns the candle’s power with your intention and desired outcome.
Design
Dragon candles come in a variety of designs and shapes. Some common designs include:
- Coiled dragon – The candle is shaped like a dragon coiled around itself or wrapped around a column or crystal. This design represents the cyclical nature of the dragon and its healing energies.
- Flying dragon – The candle shows a dragon in flight, with wings outstretched. This symbolizes the dragon’s celestial connections and ability to bridge heaven and earth.
- Dragon’s head – Just the dragon’s head is shaped for the candle. Focusing on the head emphasizes wisdom, intuition and spiritual vision.
- Dragon egg – Shaped like an egg with a dragon emerging or wrapped around it. Represents potential, birth and creativity.
- Dragon claw – Fashioned with a claw design. The claws stand for power, strength and protection.
In terms of shape, dragon candles are often sculpted in pillars, jars, tapers, votives, and other standard candle forms. Colorful dyed wax or paint is sometimes used to bring out intricate scale and facial details.
Placement
It is recommended to place Dragon candles in areas that align with their symbolic purpose and meaning. Here are some tips for optimal placement:
- For prosperity and success – Place them in the Southeast corner of a home or business, as this direction represents prosperity.
- For protection – Place them by the main entrance of a home or business to ward off evil spirits and misfortune from entering.
- For newlyweds – Display Dragon & Phoenix candles prominently by the wedding altar or head table to represent the union and balance of yin and yang.
- For studying – Put them on a study desk to invoke the dragon’s wisdom and concentration.
“Due to the design of our candle, we recommend placing the candle on top of a dish or plate to prevent wax from coming in contact with your surfaces.” (Source)
In feng shui, optimal placement also depends on the type and colors of the dragons. Follow feng shui principles to determine the best positioning in different areas of home or business.
Pairings
There are many complementary items that can be paired with dragon’s blood candles to enhance their intended purposes. Some popular pairings include:
Crystals: Pairing dragon’s blood candles with crystals like red jasper, garnet, or carnelian can boost the candle’s protective and empowering properties. These are all red or orange stones associated with strength, vitality, and security.
Incense: Burning dragon’s blood incense alongside a dragon’s blood candle can amplify the ritual. The shared fragrance creates a powerful sensory experience. Popular incense pairings include sage, frankincense, copal, and myrrh.
Herbs: Sprinkling herbs like rosemary, basil, cinnamon, or ginger around the base of the candle can add correspondences. For example, rosemary represents purification, while cinnamon represents success.
Oils: Anointing a dragon’s blood candle with oils like patchouli, sandalwood, or cinnamon makes the candle more potent. These oils have protective and manifestations properties.
Overall, pairing complementary items that share associations with power, protection, love, purification, or success can enhance the metaphysical energies of a dragon’s blood candle ritual.
Rituals
Dragon’s blood candles can be used in a variety of rituals and spells to promote protection, power, and purification. Here are some examples of rituals using these candles:
For protection, inscribe a white candle with your name, birthdate, and protection runes or sigils. Dress the candle with dragon’s blood oil and burn it while visualizing a shield of protective energy around you. See: Using Dragon’s Blood In Rituals and Spells
To increase your magical power, dress a red or black candle in dragon’s blood oil. Imagine pulling energy from the earth through your feet as you light the candle. Chant: “Power rise, power flame, energize my magic claim.” Allow the candle to burn out completely. See: Witch’s Brew Dragon’s Blood Candle
For purification, take a spiritual bath with dragon’s blood bath salts or oils while visualizing negativity being cleansed from your aura. Light a white dragon’s blood candle dressed in purifying herbs and state your intention to be cleansed. See: Dragon’s Blood 7 Day Soy Spell Candle
Care
To maintain and preserve your dragon candle, it’s important to follow some best practices for handling and storage.
First, avoid letting the candle burn all the way down. Extinguish the flame before it gets too close to the bottom of the container to prevent scorching. Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before relighting to avoid soot and promote an even burn.
Second, keep the candle out of drafts and direct sunlight when not in use. Sunlight and drastic temperature changes can cause the wax to sweat and lose its shape. Store in a cool, dry place between uses.
Finally, whenever handling the candle, avoid touching the surface of the wax. Oils from skin can alter the wax structure. Gently cup the bottom when moving the candle. When not in use, cover with a glass lid or bowl to protect the surface.
With proper care, your dragon candle can retain its magical properties and intention for many uses. Treat it with respect, as you would any sacred tool, for the most power and longevity.
Conclusion
Dragon candles are a meaningful and richly symbolic object. They come in a wide range of colors, each representing various concepts such as wisdom, prosperity, luck, and power. The appearance of the dragon indicates strength,royalty, boldness, and magic. Using and caring for dragon candles properly enables people to tap into these attributes through ritual and meditation. The dragon’s legendary status across cultures has lent powerful symbolism to these candles. Lighting a dragon candle is a way to invite those associations into one’s life and surroundings. With their intricate designs and connection to spiritual traditions, dragon candles remain an evocative, popular item. Their ability to enliven intentions and focus energy ensures dragon candles will continue holding deep meaning for many.