Once the Twelve Days of Christmas have passed, the new year may begin quietly. Join us in our winter candle workshop in the Fichtelgebirge – between the Wolf Moon, the Isa, and a first glimpse of Candlemas.
Winter Light from the Fichtelgebirge – A Visit to the Candle Makers
The Rauhnächte are over. The wish lists have been committed to the fire, thoughts have been written down, and perhaps a new direction has become apparent.
Now everything can linger for a while.
Not every wish needs a plan right away. Not every insight has to be acted upon immediately. Some things need time to settle within us – like snowflakes slowly sinking to the ground.
Here in the Fichtelgebirge, winter lies over the woods and meadows. When snow envelops our farm, sounds become soft. The landscape seems to hold its breath.
Inside, our candle workshop glows.
January – the new year may begin quietly
We are the candle makers at Grundfarm Wachskunst in Weidenberg.
While frost draws patterns on the branches outside, warm wax flows into its shapes here. Colors blend, and blanks are created. Later, we design, decorate, and personalize them according to your wishes.
The new year has begun. But here, it may grow slowly at first.
After all the preparations, encounters, and rituals of the past weeks, January is a time of reflection for me.
What do I want to preserve? What is allowed to take root? And what does not yet need an answer?
Wolf Moon and Isa – my images for winter rest
The January full moon is often called the Wolf Moon. For me, this name evokes the image of a clear winter night: silver light over the snow, dark treetops, and a silence in which we can listen more closely again.
In my personal winter practice, Isa joins this.
Its simple, upright shape reminds me of an icicle. I use it as a symbol of reflection, clarity, and a pause in which nothing needs to be rushed.
Like a lake beneath its blanket of ice, some things may seem motionless. And yet, life goes on.
Perhaps an idea within you may also need to rest, protected. Perhaps it is enough for now simply not to forget it.
A small moment of light after the Rauhnächte
If you like, light a candle and open your notes from the Rauhnächte once more.
You do not have to read everything. Stay with one sentence, one wish, or one image that touches you today.
Ask yourself:
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What from this time still accompanies me?
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What do I want to gently nurture in everyday life?
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Where can I allow myself more time?
Perhaps you will write down just a single sentence:
This is what I take with me into my new year …
Then the book may be closed again. You can drink your tea, look out the window, or go out for a short walk.
Your candle needs a stable, suitable holder and your attention. Extinguish it before you leave the room.
A visit to our winter candle workshop
Those who visit our farm shop often bring something with them: a wish, a story, or the quiet feeling that a certain light might suit a particular person.
Some know exactly which candle they are looking for. Others want to discover colors and possibilities first.
Both are welcome.
Perhaps a wedding is planned for this year. A christening, a birthday, or a farewell. Perhaps you want to thank someone – or give yourself a light, for no special reason at all.
In our little workshop, we take the time to listen and choose together.
For designs that we can create right on site, your personal candle often takes about 20 to 60 minutes to make. More elaborate wishes require more time; we will discuss this together.
If you would like to wait, the landscape around our farm invites you on a short winter walk. A break in Weidenberg may also be part of it.
In this way, your visit can become a little time out.
Until Candlemas, when the light kisses us again
Frost and snow still hold the landscape in its winter rest. But since the winter solstice, the days have already begun to grow longer.
Around Candlemas on February 2, I become particularly aware of this change. The light falls differently through the windows. A bright stripe lingers a little longer on the workbench.
For me, it is as if the new light were kissing us on the forehead again.
In our candle year, the weather candles then take center stage once again. They connect our workshop with living traditions and the stories of the people who light them.
This gives rise to the next moment of light – I will tell you more about this in a separate post.
Our candle year continues to turn
While nature is still resting in winter, we are already preparing lights for upcoming celebrations and encounters.
Occasion candles are created. New design ideas take shape. And perhaps you would like to try out for yourself in one of our candle courses what can be created with wax, colors, and your hands.
But today, we do not need to get ahead of the year.
Today, January may be.
With cold cheeks after a walk. With a warm workshop. With a light that reminds us that the quiet weeks have their place too.
Whether you visit us in person, order a personal candle, discover a course, or simply read along here:
You are welcome.
We look forward to a new candle year with you. To stories, encounters, and all the small and large occasions for which we may together give a light.
Warmly,
your candle makers
Dinah & Team
Grundfarm Wachskunst · Weidenberg in the Fichtelgebirge