Hello Rose, I am a new student with the new short courses you offer. Thank you so much for your time, and special heart. I have been reading your blogs, the question I have when you start and end a spell, you mention let the candle burn out before you end the ceremony. Does that mean we wait till the full candle burns down and out. That would be quite a few hours, or do we snuff it out? This may be a small question, but, I have read that a few times. I just want to understand my alter and the procedures correctly. Thank you for your time and patience. Reggie

Merry Meet Reggie,
A wonderful question indeed. I am happy to hear that you are enjoying teh blogs and earnestly working on the spells.
There are many reasons why we would want to let the candle burn out. If you have dressed a candle with your intentions, it is only reasonable that all your intentions be released from the candle before you snuff the flame cut the spell short. Your presence and the successful “push” of your intentions into the Universe is what makes your spell successful.
Most witches wait until the spell is over and even take care of the melted wax that drips from the candle. Working a spell is a responsibility and just as we create the altar, cleanse the area, cast the circle, close it and then follow the procedure of the spell, we have to consistently perform the remaining steps without fail. For the spell to work, we have to commit our mind, body, spirit as well as our time efficiently.
If you are in a hurry, get a smaller candle so that you don’t have to sit around while the candle burns for hours. With a smaller candle, you can invest your time in visualizing the outcome of the spell while the candle burns and directs your intentions to the Universe. You may also sit near the altar, reading a spiritual book or better yet, while seated in meditation. If your altar is in a safe place and the candle is placed on a fireproof plate, you may be able to step outside if you need to and return to clean up afterward.
The more you put into your spell, the more successful you will be.
Hope this helps answer your question.
Brightest Blessings.
Rose.