“to find comfort where we can”. Beautiful. I have also found burning candles and making a wish on them very comforting. It’s like when the smoke swirls off it goes somewhere to help. I’ve wished for things like my daughter’s health my other daughter’s happiness, a job my husband wanted, Taylor Swift tickets (!) and for kindness toward myself. Love and comfort to you x
I was immediately tempted to ask if wishing for Taylor Swift tickets “worked,” but then remembered that the comfort is its own prize. (But I also hope it did!)
Your posts always (I mean always) touch my heart like you’re reaching through my phone screen & taking hold. I feel deeply, sometimes almost to tears, sometimes great chest-filling joy in simple things to be noticed. Your posts remind me to slow down and notice and I thank you for that.
Thanks for sharing. Oh. Magic candle. Do tell. What are its magic properties? I burn candles throughout the dark winter months here in northern Bavaria. I’ve never thought about making a wish and/or watching the smoke swirl. Both good ideas. Sorry to hear you’re feeling fucking sad. Good to acknowledge and share. I have those days. I cook a lot to work through it ala Like Water for Chocolate. I hope the magic candle works its magic. Thinking of you and sending you strength and clarity and a big hug. ⚡️✨
BTW I always save your emails to open w a cup of coffee. Thanks for showing up.
Haha maybe I should still write a post on the ins and outs of magic candles! The friend who introduced me to them got hers at a storied NYC shop called Enchantments, which does have a website with photos and more explanation into the process. (And you can order them online! Though I’m not sure where they ship.) But over the years, I found it was more budget friendly and also more meaningful if I made them myself. The idea is that you charge it with your energy, keep it consistently burning (whether that’s non-stop, or daily, or weekly), and when it burns all the way down and the flame eventually goes out, your intention is fulfilled.
I love the ritual of lighting a candle, the promise it holds of bringing me an unexpected gift in the way of an insight, peace, relaxation and restoration by the very presence it has in my spacial vision. Some sort of expectation of goodness, newness, and perspective. Just one little candle but so powerful.
"What I want is to make a connection, to help in some small way. To feel the truth and tell it." These goals sound so straightforward...and yet the qualities of connection and truth-telling feel increasingly rare. It's heartening to know that I can always show up to your writing and find both.
You are certainly the one connection on Substack I so look forward to each week and in that vane you help me. To grow as a person, a thinker and a writer every time I read your posts. So thank you Caroline for every single one of your connections. You are so valued. x
You’ve really been going through it lately and you’re more than allowed to grieve and feel sad. The candle is a beautiful act of optimism and I hope it brings you much comfort 🫶
What a beautiful piece of writing - hoping the candle helps! I have returned to Reiki and it has has been a comfort during these turbulent times. Sending love to you !
“to find comfort where we can”. Beautiful. I have also found burning candles and making a wish on them very comforting. It’s like when the smoke swirls off it goes somewhere to help. I’ve wished for things like my daughter’s health my other daughter’s happiness, a job my husband wanted, Taylor Swift tickets (!) and for kindness toward myself. Love and comfort to you x
I was immediately tempted to ask if wishing for Taylor Swift tickets “worked,” but then remembered that the comfort is its own prize. (But I also hope it did!)
Your posts always (I mean always) touch my heart like you’re reaching through my phone screen & taking hold. I feel deeply, sometimes almost to tears, sometimes great chest-filling joy in simple things to be noticed. Your posts remind me to slow down and notice and I thank you for that.
You’ve touched my heart with this comment. Thank you. I’m so very glad you feel that way.
I am so sorry you are going through such a shitty time. Holding you up. ❤️
Thank you ❤️
Beautiful post. Thank you.
Thank you 🤍
Thanks for sharing. Oh. Magic candle. Do tell. What are its magic properties? I burn candles throughout the dark winter months here in northern Bavaria. I’ve never thought about making a wish and/or watching the smoke swirl. Both good ideas. Sorry to hear you’re feeling fucking sad. Good to acknowledge and share. I have those days. I cook a lot to work through it ala Like Water for Chocolate. I hope the magic candle works its magic. Thinking of you and sending you strength and clarity and a big hug. ⚡️✨
BTW I always save your emails to open w a cup of coffee. Thanks for showing up.
Haha maybe I should still write a post on the ins and outs of magic candles! The friend who introduced me to them got hers at a storied NYC shop called Enchantments, which does have a website with photos and more explanation into the process. (And you can order them online! Though I’m not sure where they ship.) But over the years, I found it was more budget friendly and also more meaningful if I made them myself. The idea is that you charge it with your energy, keep it consistently burning (whether that’s non-stop, or daily, or weekly), and when it burns all the way down and the flame eventually goes out, your intention is fulfilled.
I love the ritual of lighting a candle, the promise it holds of bringing me an unexpected gift in the way of an insight, peace, relaxation and restoration by the very presence it has in my spacial vision. Some sort of expectation of goodness, newness, and perspective. Just one little candle but so powerful.
"What I want is to make a connection, to help in some small way. To feel the truth and tell it." These goals sound so straightforward...and yet the qualities of connection and truth-telling feel increasingly rare. It's heartening to know that I can always show up to your writing and find both.
Ahh, such kind words. Thank you, Maddie.
So beautiful.
Thank you. 🤍
You are certainly the one connection on Substack I so look forward to each week and in that vane you help me. To grow as a person, a thinker and a writer every time I read your posts. So thank you Caroline for every single one of your connections. You are so valued. x
Thank you, Sally. That made my week. ❤️
loss of a parent grief - i remember it well. that weight of being so fucking sad. i am sorry. its hard.
This was beautiful. Read it three times to soak it all up. Thank you for sharing your light and darkness 🕯️🖤
Thank you so much, Kat 🤍
Practical Magic 2: Responsible Witches!
This is beautiful. No more sorries!
I love it! Could call it (Very) Practical Magic! Would read/watch in a heartbeat.
This might be a hilarious short comedy book...
VERY Practical Magic for Responsible Witches:
- Burning sage / candles without causing a fire
- Sourcing sustainable ingredients for potions
- Positive Intention for curses/spells
You’ve really been going through it lately and you’re more than allowed to grieve and feel sad. The candle is a beautiful act of optimism and I hope it brings you much comfort 🫶
Thank you, Meg 🤍
Love this so much. Holding you so tight. ♥️
Your writing is always such a beautiful gift and I love the sentiment of a magic candle. Off to find my own to burn soon.
Thank you so much, Sara
What a beautiful piece of writing - hoping the candle helps! I have returned to Reiki and it has has been a comfort during these turbulent times. Sending love to you !