Light a Candle

“Be the light that helps others see.”

I have always liked candles – a glimmer of light in the darkness. Lately I’ve been thinking more often about candles.

I like that they are a visual way that we can express gratitude or celebrate a moment. Like candles on a birthday cake, or lighting a candle for someone who is no longer there, or, having a meal together by candlelight. I like the way a group of people bring their energy and focus together with the lighting of a candle.

Four nights ago, I had a dream, I saw my candle on the tennis court at my childhood home. It was almost totally burnt out. The wax was melted and there was only a bit of the wick left, still lit. I thought my kids or my younger siblings (as kids) must have lit it and just left it there to burn. I was angry and sad.

This image of the burnt out candle stuck with me. Recently, I have been learning and reading about Jungian psychology and have become much more in touch with my intuition than before. Symbolically this dream has deep meaning for me. I felt that this dream might be a wake-up call from my psyche, urging me to prioritize and protect my inner light, or at least a certain aspect of my inner light, before it burns out completely.

Unlike real candles, I believe our inner lights can reignite and gain new strength. Something needs to change, be integrated or accepted. Maybe a changed lifestyle, some inner-work, letting go of something, or just a shift in perspective.

This December, light a candle and let it spark a light of something special inside your soul… And don’t let that “specialness” burn out.

A candle haiku:

Where there’s Light, there’s Hope
A Candle Connecting Us
Hope for Peace and Joy

May hope, peace, joy and love fill your heart and your home this December. Have a wonderful festive season.