This post, part 1 of the Candle Flame series, describes Marilyn’s experience in writing the song Candle Flame. Part 2 will explore ways you can use the song in your own ceremonies. The song lyrics appear at the end of this blog entry.
“Let us light a candle flame…” How often we turn toward the mystery and magic of candles! As part of our rituals, our special occasions, our private devotions, our remembrances, our scrying; candles are a standard tool on the altars of most pagans and those who follow the cycles of nature. The manifestation of Fire touches the deepest parts of the human spirit–indeed, fascination with flame is surely in our DNA. In this dark portion of the year, as we shelter within ourselves to find that which we hold most dear and sacred, we acknowledge that spark of flame as a promise of the return of the sun, and our emergence from the incubation of the winter months.
Candle Flame is the first extended and complex song I have written, and I crafted it off and on for a few years (nowadays, creating song magic comes more easily and often urgently). I was thinking about the Sabbats and Cross-Quarter celebrations that the Crow Women observe, and realized that they share one element in common- Fire, especially in the form of candles. Indeed, I realized that every major religious practice employs candles in their observances. So, to light a candle flame, to place it on the altar and find blessings in its light is a spiritual experience that crosses denominational lines.
I knew that the Crow Women choir was capable of learning and accomplishing challenging rhythms and harmonies, so offering this song seemed very natural. Fortunately, we have a good range of voices in our choir–some ethereal high sopranos as well as mid-range and surprisingly low and resonant voices (that would be me …), so mastery of the echo sections and rhythmic harmonies was not hard to accomplish. We have sung Candle Flame as a whole choir, but on our third album (available in May, 2019) it is a trio consisting of Tara, Deb and me. Our goal was to create a sweet, legato sound that conveys the calm and centeredness of gazing into the flame of a candle and finding that special connection to the Goddess and other kindred souls. Our circle has used Candle Flame as a song for dedication at Imbolc to honor the Lady Brede, as well as to express our sorrow and unity on the recent anniversary of the passing of our dear Crow Sister, Donna Pauline.
Don’t you find that candle magic is special? The lesson we learn from the passing of a flame from person to person, candle to candle, shows us the dimension of love that is endlessly additive, never diminishing as it spreads. Thus we feel comfort and confidence in the expanding love of the Goddess for all of us, Her devoted followers, as well as our capacity to spread love without withdrawing it from anyone. Additionally, the ever-changing, flowing rise and fall of energy in the candle flame reminds us that as our own personal light may wax and wane, it is ever present–perhaps a spark, perhaps a roaring bonfire of energy! It is our path to tend our inner flame and use it to connect, to bond, to share and to ignite love and spirit in our beloved coveners as well as the larger community. So we invoke our “Blessed Be” on this journey.
Candle Flame lyrics
Let us light a candle flame when we feel the darkness falling.
Let us light a candle flame when we hear the spirit calling.
We place it on the altar, we bless the holy night.
The whisper brings us back to the sacred center of the light
So reach for the stars, glowing candles high above.
They sing in our hearts: song of Joy, song of Peace, song of Love.
As we gaze into the flame, then the stillness will surround us
We will know the deeper name of the power that has found us
The Goddess is within us, all around us and everywhere.
She blesses us in the four directions: Water, Earth, and Fire and Air
So reach for the stars, glowing candles high above.
They sing in our hearts: song of Joy, song of Peace, song of Love.
Let us keep the flame alive, share the light with one another
Let us help the flame survive, it will bring us all together
We banish indecision as we light the flame within
Illuminate our vision, bring us to ourselves again
So reach for the stars, glowing candles high above.
They sing in our hearts: song of Joy, song of Peace, song of Love.
Let us light a candle flame
The flame we share shines everywhere
I love this song and was honored to be a part of bringing it to life! As pagans, light and flame and candle magic hold a special place in our spiritual lives and we could certainly use more music to support that aspect of our ritual. Although this album is constructed around the seasons and the wheel of the pagan year, there is also much of it that reflects the energy of the elements: Fire (ex. Candle Flame), Water (ex. Bring the Rain), Earth (ex. In Our Bones and At Lammas) and Air (ex. Your Voice Still Lingers). I hope these and all the other original songs will be an inspiration to other pagans and pagan musicians.
I am so pleased and yes, honored, that one of my dear Krosisters, Tara, has left such a lovely comment. It was a privilige to sing with Tara and Deb and create this song that emerged straight from my heart. I am also pleased that it was selected as one of the songs that our Kro Kwire will sing at the MerryMeet concert in August. Hope to see many of you there!!! We will present some of our “old favorites”, some songs from our current (almost released!) album, and even preview a few songs from our future album #4… yes, it’s true, we are already planning that enterprise! Stay tuned…