Frequently asked questions

Choose one short intention and write it down. Clear a small space, light the candle, take a few slow breaths, and read the intention aloud or silently. Sit with the flame for a few minutes, then extinguish it. You can return to the same candle and intention on later evenings. An intention candle is a focus point for reflection; it is used for ambiance, meditation and intention-setting.

Read more: How to set an intention with a candle

The difference is the point in the lunar cycle each is traditionally associated with. The new moon is traditionally associated with beginnings, so a new moon candle is often lit while writing intentions for the month ahead. The full moon is traditionally associated with reflection and release, so a full moon candle is often lit while looking back on the cycle and letting go of what is finished. AltarWell's New Moon candle is scented Sea Salt & Orchid and the Full Moon candle is Honeysuckle.

Read more: Moon phase guide

Burn it for no more than 4 hours at a time. On the very first lighting, let the melted wax reach the edge of the jar (usually 2 to 3 hours) so later burns stay even. After that, a ritual can be as short as a few minutes, but longer sessions of an hour or more help the candle burn evenly. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every lighting and never leave a burning candle unattended.

Read more: How to burn a candle safely and evenly

You can extinguish it whenever you finish, and you should always extinguish it before you leave the room or go to sleep. Some people prefer to snuff the flame or dip the wick rather than blow it out; that is a personal or traditional preference. Relighting the same candle over several sessions is common practice.

No. Many people use the night of the phase or a day or so either side, whenever they have a quiet moment. Exact new and full moon dates and times in Central Time are listed month by month on the AltarWell moon pages.

Read more: Moon phases by month

A ritual candle is an ordinary candle used with intention: lit to mark the start of a practice such as journaling, meditation, a moon ritual or a weekly reset. What makes it a ritual candle is how you use it, not anything special in the wax. AltarWell candles are hand-poured soy wax candles in 9 oz glass jars, designed for that kind of routine.

Pick the moment you want to mark. New Moon (Sea Salt & Orchid) is for beginnings and quiet intentions. Full Moon (Honeysuckle) is for reflection and release. Calm (White Sage & Lavender) is for slow evenings and stillness. Clarity (Eucalyptus Lavender Herb) is for journaling and planning. Gratitude (Vanilla Bean) is for counting what is good. Fresh Start (Clean Cotton) is for new chapters and Sunday resets.

Read more: All candles

Soy wax is made from soybean oil, a plant-based source. Paraffin wax is made from petroleum. Soy wax is softer and usually burns with a wide, shallow melt pool, which is why a full first burn matters. AltarWell candles are made with soy wax and an eco wick.

Stop burning the candle when about 1/2 inch of wax remains. To remove the rest, put the cooled jar in the freezer for a few hours and pop the wax out with a butter knife, or pour in hot water so the wax floats up and lift off the cooled disc. Leftover scented wax can be used in a wax warmer, or thrown away with household trash. Never pour wax down a drain.

Read more: How to reuse a candle jar

Yes. Once the leftover wax and wick tab are removed and the jar is washed in warm, soapy water, it works well for pens, makeup brushes, cotton swabs, matches or a small plant. We suggest non-food uses.

Read more: How to reuse a candle jar

Tunneling usually happens when early burns are too short, so the wax melts only around the wick and the candle keeps returning to that narrow pool, sometimes called a memory ring. Give the first burn time for the melt pool to reach the edge of the jar (usually 2 to 3 hours), keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch, and burn in sessions of up to 4 hours.

Read more: How to burn a candle safely and evenly

Yes. Shipping within the United States is included in the price of every candle. Each candle is made and labeled to order and ships in 1 to 4 business days, then usually arrives 2 to 5 business days later. We ship within the United States only for now.

Read more: Shipping & returns

If your candle arrives damaged or broken, or you received the wrong item, send us a photo within 14 days of delivery and we will replace it or refund it. Because every candle is made to order, we cannot accept returns for change of mind.

Read more: Shipping & returns

Ambiance, relaxation, meditation and intention-setting. Moon and scent themes describe traditional associations only, offered as cultural context. For ambiance and spiritual practice. Not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition.