Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

CANDLES, LIGHTED

Symbolic of the light of Truth in the human mind or soul (church). Held in the hands of acolytes lighted candles signify the truth illuminating the soul-qualities which are disciplined by the higher qualities (priests) above them. The beeswax of which the ceremonial candles are made is a product of bees which are a symbol of higher emotions thus signifying in burning the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit on the buddhic plane

"The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord" (PROV xxii 27). God is the fire of this world its vital principle a warm pervading presence everywhere. And now of this fire the spirit of man is the candle. What does that mean? If because man is of a nature which corresponds to the nature of God and just so far as man is obedient to God the life of God which is spread throughout the universe gathers itself into utterance and men aye and all other beings if such beings there are capable of watching our humanity see what God is in gazing at the man whom He has kindled then is not the figure plain. In certain lands for certain holy ceremonies they prepare the candles with most anxious care. The very bees which distil the wax are sacred. They range in gardens planted with sweet flowers for their use alone. The wax is gathered by consecrated hands and then the shaping of the candles is a holy task performed in holy places to the sound of hymns and in the atmosphere of prayers. All this is done because the candles are to burn in the most lofty ceremonies on most sacred days. What care must the man be made whose spirit is to be the candle of the Lord! It is his spirit which God is to kindle with Himself. Therefore the spirit must be the precious part of him" - PHIL BROOKS Serm Candle of the Lord

See Also

ALTAR
BEES
CANOPY
CEREMONIES
CHURCH
FIRE
FLOWERS
LAMP
LIGHT
PRIEST
PROCESSION