The importance of candles and incense in Ceremonial Magic

[Diluculo_DelFuego]

Candles were once composed of fat of coes or humans, and recently have become beeswax. Therefore, flame is of course fire and spirit as spirit is a consuming fire; but also earth and air.
All fires consist of flammable matter consumed by air - and catch fire with a spark or by friction.

incense are flammable materials dry and cold, therefore of Earth air and fire.

Which is why the chalice is to contain water or wine, better rainwater, melted snow or wine as it is heavens or earths water.

But why oh why must we have these elements in Ceremonial Magic but to spark the mental drama?

 

[Xenophon]

The teachings I follow say "soft light": candle, oil lamp, even small shaded electric.

I suppose one could make a case about the investment of attention in using candles paying dividends. That "mental drama" is at least a heavy desideratum. One could, I'm not really doing so.

 

[RoccoR]

RE: The importance of candles and incense in Ceremonial Magic
SUBTOPIC: Question: How essential are "candles?"
※→ et al,

There are two (primary) reasons (but not limited to) for the use of candles:

First: The candle is (one of many) curios or ornaments to assist in Object-Focused Concentration or Meditation (OFCoM). In this regard, the candle helps "guide" the practitioner to become less and less distracted by activity in their immediate surroundings that prevents them from achieving deep mental states of contemplation (conducive to euphoria).​

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Second: Candles, flowers, incense, certain herbs, and oils are often used as a mask offensive odors; particularly in dense gatherings in confined spaces and during funeral rites (particularly of unembalmed bodies).​

Because many gatherings involving Wicca and the Occult take place during the hours of darkness (the traditional "Witching Hour" being 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM), candles were (in the beginning) the principal and most practical means of illumination.

Often attributed to Confucius, the English version of their proverb goes → "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." It is a metaphor concerning the handling of minority considerations and works of ignorance.

(∑ Ω)

While the use of candles has representation significance pertaining to the Guardian of the Hearth and the Element of "Fire" → that is merely a reminder and not truly needed. Gaia Caecilia (Goddess of Fire) already knows who she is and her place among the powers of the universe. Invoking her name is the important feature (you are calling for her attention).

The use of the candles (South on the Compass Rose) is purely for the practitioner. The Deities among the powers of the universe have all the light they need.

Just One Man's opinion,
Most Respectfully,
R