Re: Matches vs Lighters By: Brysing Moderator / Adept
Post # 16 Oct 14, 2014
I can't really see much difference in using a lighter or a match. But I will say this.A lighter produces flame by a spark; so it is "natural" fire. A match doesn't really have much sulphur, it's mainly red phosphorus; but it is an explosive, so not natural fire. So, lighter or match, I would use either!
I prefer a lighting stick. I light these from my working candle. This candle is created from the flame of my original by transferring the flame from the old candle to the new one. I use a snuffer on the candle and will relight it with what ever is handy. Some candles I will specifically use a match if I would like to add the chemicals often used to create them. I never light a candle for a magical working with a lighter unless it as already been lit at some point.
A lighting stick harkens back a little to more traditional methods, when candles and lanterns were lit via a stick (or tightly rolled newspaper in some cases -- old school recycling) lit from another source, say the hearth fire. Since both matches and lighters were not invented until the 1800s, and modern lighters didn't come into commercial viability until the early 1900s, they're considerably modern in comparison to what are now considered primitive fire starting methods (flint and steel with char cloth, friction-based methods, the need to keep tinder on hand, etc.).
I have run into some spells and practices (just reading a few, seeing what was out there) which said candles should be lit from a living flame. That simply means an already burning fire, such as an already lit candle. The instructions did not give a reason for this, however, so I have no feedback beyond parroting that bit.
Re: Matches vs Lighters By: Brysing Moderator / Adept
Post # 20 Oct 14, 2014
It is the spark of a lighter that is "natural", not the fuel that it lights.The wooden shaft of a match is "natural", but the head of a match is a low explosive. (As opposed to dynamite which is a high explosive.) I know the distinction is not a great one; but, after all,there is nothing "natural" about a candle! It is a manufacture; just as a match or a lighter.
I prefer to use items that were used by my ancestors. The modern lighter is handy however I simply prefer the flame of other items for use in magic. A lighting stick is a thin peice of wood or rolled paper used to light from an existing flame.
From the aspect of energy workers, a lighter could change hands many times, possibly transferring energies you don't want. Matches are one use kind of things. Fresh and untouched.
Well, for those that responded so far, thank you for your feedback and the definitions of lighting sticks. Does anyone know why a living flame is important? Also, who else prefers what and why?
A living flame is one that continues to burn. The Flame of Avalon is an example of such a flame. It was created from ritual fires and spread across the globe. I was fortunate to receive and have spread the flame over the years. For more information please visit the link below;
