http://www.care2.com/greenliving/memory-candle-honor-loved-ones.html
Honor Loved Ones: Make a Memory Candle
Adapted from By Candlelight, by Diana Rosen (Storey Books, 2002).
If you want to remember a departed human or animal loved one, the simple act of making a Memory Candle can bring great relief and healing. You can also do this to celebrate someone living, or to mark an important event like a graduation. Either way, the Memory Candle is a beautiful way to honor someone important to you.
1. Decide who you would like to honor in this way: it could be a deceased relative, friend, or companion animal, or someone with whom you have lost contact but still want to remember.
2. Choose a clear glass candle holder–a water tumbler or glass works well.
3. Find a photograph of the person you wish to honor in this way and make a photocopy of it, enlarging or reducing it to fit the height of the candle holder. If you don’t have a photo, you could do a simple drawing or make a photocopy of a memento you associate with that person or animal.
4. Wrap the photocopy around the glass and tape it securely. Place a nontoxic beeswax or soy wax candle in the glass. Place the Memory Candle in a special safe place and light the candle.
4. The soft glow of the candlelight will illuminate the photograph in a very beautiful and special way.
5. You can also pay homage to the living by naming this an “Honor Candle” and using a photograph to celebrate a graduation, marriage, birthday, retirement, anniversary, or other accomplishment of note.
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11 comments
add your comment »I really empathise with Nancy's comments, for me it was an aunt. My eldest daughter suggested that since we couldn't attend the funeral, we chose that time to light a candle and suggested other family members do the same. It did give us a connection and helped us to feel close to her and kept her alive in our hearts.
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Powerful. A very effective way to honer those important in one's life. I like this.
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I lost a few of my dear relatives recently, my husband included. My grandchildren ages 9-8years, they decided to honor their grandfather with a church service annually and give a token to each family who will be in attendance. This year it was a memoir booklet and believe it or not next year their plans are to give away candles with his name engraved on the holder. I will share your idea with them. we can make many use of it.
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For pets I have lost I have used their collars, favorite toy, etc. to use with a candle lighting ceremony. These items stay with the candle indefinitely.
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It is a very time honored spiritual act to honor someone. Due to a majorly dysfunctional family, I have no pictures of my deceased and beloved grandmother & dad. MY GM birth & death dates are unkown to me as well as where ahe is buried. I finally found my dad's burial place but cant get there. I honor and connet with them with candles and prayers. I resently purchased some inexpensive but lovely personalized memorial stones from Abbey Press. These have so enhanced my ability to grieve and connect by making a true memorial site for both that I can always go to. After all, it is their spirit that we cherish and the flesh is no longer. Use white candles and white flowers. Pray & speak to them- no matter what your spiritual backround. I have such comfort now and a wonderful way to connect to my beloved deceased ones.
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Very sweet idea. I have 2 friends who have lost pets in the last week, and myself included losing a feral kitten i was caregiving for. I have no picture of her, but i will find somthing appropriate, and make one for my friends as well. Very nice idea :)
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Each Samhain, we get together for the little ones to go trick or treating. Before they go out, we have a meal together and I invite our departed loved ones to be with us for the evening. The pictures we take are usually full of orbs. This year, I think I'll use this candle idea, and let each one light a candle for someone they wish to invite. Thanks for sharing!
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This gives me many ideas, thank you. I believe this would be an excellent idea while remembering a special someone who is going through pain and suffering during prayer time. It seems to promote more of a sense of closeness.
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this is a very good idea ,I have many friend's who have lost loved one's and I raise bee's so this should be a good gift for them. Thank's for the idea
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I just lost my best friend to Lou Gherig's disease and this is a perfect way to remember and keep her in my heart. I thank you
di
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