Crafting Imbolc Light: A Guide to Herb-Infused Beeswax Candles

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, is a time of gentle awakening. It marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, a promise of longer days and the stirring of life beneath the frozen ground. More than just a date on the calendar, Imbolc is an invitation to reconnect with the earth's rhythms, celebrate the returning light, and nourish our own inner spark. Traditionally, candles are lit to symbolize hope and the strengthening sun.

In our modern world, it's easy to lose touch with these simple, grounding practices. We can get caught up in the rush of consumerism, purchasing mass-produced items that lack a personal touch. This Imbolc, let's shift our focus towards crafting something meaningful with our own hands. Let's create herb-infused beeswax candles – a way to connect with nature, our families, and the ancient traditions of the season. Imagine the warmth, the fragrance, and the soft, flickering glow of candlelight filling your home, a gentle reminder of the hope and renewal that Imbolc embodies.

Gathering Your Imbolc Supplies

Before we begin, gather your supplies. This process is as much about the intention as it is about the craft itself. Choose each item with care, envisioning the light and hope you wish to bring into your home.

• 1 lb of locally sourced beeswax from Sweet Meadow Apiaries: Look for beeswax that is pure and unfiltered, retaining its natural fragrance and golden hue. Local sourcing supports your community and ensures a higher quality product.
• Dried Bay Laurel Leaves: Symbolizing prosperity and success.
• Dried Lavender Buds: Promoting calmness, peace, and relaxation.
• Dried Rosemary Sprigs: Representing remembrance, clarity, and protection.
• Repurposed Mason Jars (various sizes) and Silicone Molds from WoodlandMoldsCo: I love using mason jars for a rustic touch, but silicone molds offer endless creative possibilities. Find unique molds at the WoodlandMoldsCo Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodlandMoldsCo to create custom shapes.
• Candle Wicking: Choose the appropriate size wicking based on the diameter of your mason jars or silicone molds. A thicker wick is needed for wider candles.
• A Bronze Key Charm: To embed in your Bay Laurel candle, symbolizing unlocking new opportunities.
• A Small Clear Quartz Point: To embed in your Lavender candle, amplifying its calming properties.
• Single Dried Lavender Sprigs: For embedding in individual Rosemary candles, adding an extra touch of serenity.
• Double Boiler or Heat-Safe Bowl and Saucepan: For safely melting the beeswax.
• Thermometer: To monitor the beeswax temperature.
• Wooden Skewers or Chopsticks: For stirring the beeswax and herbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Imbolc Candles

Now, let's embark on the candle-making journey. Approach this process with mindfulness, allowing your intentions to infuse each step.

1. Prepare the Beeswax:

Gently melt the Sweet Meadow Apiaries beeswax in a double boiler over low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden skewer. Monitor the temperature, ensuring it doesn't exceed 185°F (85°C). The aroma of the melting beeswax should fill your kitchen with a subtle, honeyed sweetness, a comforting and nostalgic scent. The slow melting process is an exercise in patience, a gentle reminder that all good things take time.

2. Prepare the Molds/Jars:

While the beeswax melts, prepare your mason jars or silicone molds. For mason jars, ensure the wick is securely attached to the bottom using a wick sticker or a dab of melted wax. For silicone molds from WoodlandMoldsCo, thread the wick through the hole at the bottom and secure it with tape to prevent leaks. Centering the wick is crucial for an even burn.

3. Infuse the Herbs:

Once the beeswax is fully melted, carefully add your chosen herbs. For the prosperity candle, gently stir in finely chopped Bay Laurel leaves. For the calming candle, infuse with dried Lavender buds. And for the remembrance candle, add small Rosemary sprigs. Allow the herbs to steep for 10-15 minutes, stirring gently to release their fragrance. This is where the magic truly happens. As the herbs infuse, their essential oils mingle with the beeswax, creating a potent aroma that fills the air.

4. Pour the Wax:

Carefully pour the herb-infused beeswax into your prepared mason jars or silicone molds. Leave about an inch of space at the top. Pour slowly and steadily to avoid creating air bubbles.

5. Embed the Charms:

While the wax is still molten, gently embed your chosen charms into each candle. In the Bay Laurel candle, place the bronze key. In the Lavender candle, embed the quartz point. And in the Rosemary candle, place a single dried lavender sprig. These additions are not merely decorative; they are powerful symbols that amplify your intentions.

6. Cool and Cure:

Allow the candles to cool and harden completely, which may take several hours or overnight. Patience is key here. Resist the urge to rush the process. Once hardened, trim the wicks to approximately 1/4 inch.

7. Remove from Molds (if applicable):

Gently flex the silicone molds from WoodlandMoldsCo to release the candles. They should pop out easily.

Candle Lighting Ritual: Setting Your Intentions for Imbolc

On Imbolc, gather in a quiet space with your handmade candles. Light each candle, one at a time, focusing on the herb and charm embedded within.

As you light the Bay Laurel candle, visualize abundance and prosperity flowing into your life. Imagine opportunities opening up before you, and embrace the potential for success.

As you light the Lavender candle, breathe deeply and invite calmness and peace. Let go of any anxieties or worries, and allow the soothing aroma to wash over you.

As you light the Rosemary candle, reflect on loved ones and cherished memories. Honor the past and celebrate the connections that sustain you.

Speak your intentions aloud, focusing on what you wish to manifest during this time of renewal. Allow the candles to burn safely, and let their light guide you as you welcome the coming of spring.

These candles are more than just sources of light; they are vessels of intention, crafted with love and purpose. As they burn, let their glow illuminate your path forward, guiding you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Happy Imbolc!

Share your own Imbolc candle-making creations on social media using the hashtag #BetterHomesImbolcCandles. We can't wait to see what you create!