Wicca is a modern pagan religion that encompasses various rituals, beliefs, and practices. One of the key components of Wicca is the use of candles in ritualistic ceremonies. Candles hold great significance in Wiccan traditions and are often used for their color symbolism. In Wicca, each color represents a different energy or intent, and practitioners use specific colored candles to enhance their rituals and spellwork. The color of a candle is believed to influence the outcome of the spell or ritual, as colors are associated with certain emotions, elements, or deities. Red candles symbolize passion, strength, courage, and vitality.
Much like in my reviews of this author’s other books, I don’t know how to properly express my love for this book in words. I had to reread it just to put my thoughts in order, and even then, I’m still at a loss for how to capture what I loved about this book but I’ll give it a try.
Aurelie can do magic, which is more-or-less unfashionable in the kingdom now; she s trained in seeking, which is even more rare since it s so out-of-date. A baker s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this appealingly breezy Kirkus Reviews and deftly written School Library Journal , starred review young adult fantasy that s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
Red candles symbolize passion, strength, courage, and vitality. They are commonly used in love spells or rituals aimed at increasing motivation or empowerment. Red candles may also be used to symbolize the element of fire.
Something Close to Magic (Hardcover)
A baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this “appealingly breezy” ( Kirkus Reviews ) and “deftly written” ( School Library Journal , starred review) young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.
Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?
About the Author
Emma Mills is the author of several young adult novels, including Foolish Hearts, First & Then, and Something Close to Magic. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. You can find Emma on X (previously known as Twitter) and Instagram (@Elmify) or at EmmaMillsBooks.com.
Praise For…
"This novel has in-depth character development with a fantasy world that comes alive as the story progresses. . . Strongly recommended for Dungeon & Dragons enthusiasts. With a unique world, characters to root for, and a deftly written plot, this book is highly recommended."
— School Library Journal , STARRED REVIEW
"Nuanced, profound scenes mingle with lighter, humorous moments, making the characters feel real and their growth believable. . . Mills’ mastery of language is on full display here, with fun, clever prose and dialogue that are bound to make readers laugh out loud. . . Classic fairy-tale settings, compelling mysteries and a charismatic cast of characters make Something Close to Magic an entertaining, fast-paced read, and its ending strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and the promise of more adventures. Readers will be reminded of The Princess Bride."
"Teens who relish light, character-driven stories will enjoy this fantasy . . . The dialogue is filled with dry repartee that is also highlighted in a particularly well-crafted epistolary interlude showcasing the growing feelings, despite their social class differences, between Aurelie and the prince. . . This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure."
— Kirkus Reviews
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
- Young Adult Fiction / Girls & Women
Publisher: Atheneum
Orange candles represent creativity, success, and joy. They are often used in spells related to career or artistic endeavors as they are believed to enhance motivation and inspiration. Additionally, orange candles can symbolize the element of fire. Yellow candles are associated with intelligence, communication, and clarity. They are used in rituals aimed at increasing mental clarity, concentration, or enhancing communication skills. Yellow candles may also symbolize the element of air. Green candles symbolize growth, prosperity, and fertility. They are commonly used in spells or rituals related to abundance, money, or health. Additionally, green candles are associated with the element of earth. Blue candles represent serenity, intuition, and healing. They are often used in rituals aimed at promoting compassion, peace, or spiritual healing. Blue candles may also symbolize the element of water. Purple candles symbolize spirituality, intuition, and divination. They are commonly used in rituals aimed at enhancing psychic abilities or connecting with higher realms. Purple candles may also represent the element of spirit. Pink candles represent love, harmony, and friendship. They are commonly used in rituals aimed at attracting love or strengthening relationships. Pink candles can also symbolize emotional healing. White candles symbolize purity, spirituality, and protection. They are used in various rituals and spells as a way to cleanse or purify the energy of a space. White candles can also be used to honor deities or represent the element of spirit. Black candles symbolize protection, banishing, and breaking negative spells or energy. They are used in rituals aimed at removing harmful influences or deterring negativity. Black candles can also represent the element of earth or symbolize the cycle of death and rebirth. It is important to note that these color associations can vary slightly between different Wiccan traditions or individual practitioners. Additionally, the intentions and beliefs of the practitioner may influence their use of candle colors in ritualistic practices. Overall, the color symbolism of candles in Wicca plays a significant role in enhancing the energy and intention of spells and rituals. The specific colors chosen can help to amplify the desired outcome and create a deeper connection with the elements and deities associated with each color..
Reviews for "Creating Sacred Space: Harnessing the Power of Wicca Candle Colors"
1. Layla - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Wicca candle color symbology" to be extremely disappointing. The book claimed to provide a comprehensive guide on the meaning behind candle colors in Wicca, but it fell short on delivering any useful information. The explanations were vague and lacked depth, leaving me more confused than before. Additionally, the author provided limited examples and failed to connect the colors to specific Wiccan rituals or practices. Overall, I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with this book.
2. Jacob - ★★☆☆☆
While "Wicca candle color symbology" touched on the concept of candle colors, I felt that it lacked substantial content. The book only briefly mentioned the associations between specific colors and their meanings in Wiccan rituals, but it failed to provide any practical applications. The information provided was basic and left me wanting more in-depth knowledge and guidance. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of candle color symbolism in Wicca.
3. Sophia - ★★☆☆☆
I was excited to learn more about the symbolism behind candle colors in Wicca, but "Wicca candle color symbology" left me disappointed. Although the book briefly touched upon the meanings of a few colors, it lacked a comprehensive approach. The information provided was basic and lacked depth, leaving me wanting more. Additionally, I found the writing style to be lacking clarity and coherence, making it difficult to follow the author's explanations. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations and I would not recommend it to others.
4. Miguel - ★☆☆☆☆
"Wicca candle color symbology" was a letdown for me. The book promised to delve into the meanings and significance of candle colors in Wiccan practices, but it fell short on delivering any valuable information. The content was repetitive, and the explanations provided were superficial at best. I felt that the author failed to provide any practical applications or examples to illustrate their points effectively. Overall, I was highly dissatisfied with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for meaningful insights into Wicca candle color symbolism.
5. Emma - ★★☆☆☆
Having an interest in Wiccan practices and candle magic, I thought "Wicca candle color symbology" would be an insightful read. However, I was disappointed by the lack of depth in the content. The book provided a brief overview of candle colors and their general meanings but failed to provide any practical guidance or in-depth explanations. I was left wanting more detailed information and examples to better comprehend the use of colors in Wiccan rituals and spells. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity to provide a deeper understanding of candle color symbolism in Wicca.