When a storm rages outside and lightning illuminates the sky, we often reach for our smartphones first. But alongside weather radar and warning messages, there is an age-old ritual that still brings a deep sense of security today: lighting a weather candle. A look at a centuries-old tradition, the fascinating forces of nature, and the art of finding inner peace in the eye of the storm.
Facing the Storm: An Old Ritual for Modern Times.
When the sky rumbles, dark clouds gather, and the wind suddenly rattles the windows, most of us today reach for our smartphones first. Open the weather radar, check warning messages, and see where the storm is heading. That is sensible and practical—and yet something very simple can still remain: lighting a storm or weather candle.
In Austria, they are also known as thunder candles (named after the yellow candle rose—but that will be covered in a separate post soon!). Lighting a dark or black candle during bad weather is a custom that has never truly died out, especially in the Allgäu and in Catholic regions. Today, it is experiencing a real renaissance.
Because the holy Virgin Mary and devotional items were highly revered in the past, a prayer corner was a must in almost every household—a place of silence and peace. That is exactly where the weather or storm candle belonged too ;)
Why did weather candles used to smell so bad?
Back then, storm candles were often made by melting together old wax scraps. When you mix all sorts of leftovers, a very dark, almost black color naturally occurs. There was one catch, however: the candle smoked and smelled terrible! That is why they were simply called "smoke candles" in many places.
Why would anyone voluntarily bring a smoky candle into the sacred room?
Was it pure pragmatism and thriftiness? In the past, nothing was simply wasted. Every little scrap of wax was valuable, collected, and finally melted into a new candle—that way, even the very last bit of old stuff could still be burned usefully.
What do you think: Was it stubborn recycling, the desire to burn the old and make room for fresh air, or another spiritual symbolism? Write it in the comments...
Releasing Tension: What Storms Really Do to Us
A candle cannot stop a storm, of course. Storms are powerful forces of nature! Did you know that lightning plays an extremely important role for our planet? It helps maintain the electrical balance and radiation conditions in the atmosphere.
Lightning is a spectacular natural spectacle—I love it very much, but only from a safe distance! Because lightning can travel through the ground and strike people in a weakened form, which can lead to serious delayed damage. That is why: always take good care of yourselves and get to safety in time.
Weather warnings, lightning protection, and calm, sensible behavior are extremely important. If you are alone in nature in the mountains and are caught by surprise, the rule of thumb is often: huddle together and wait it out. Seeking shelter is the first step, but bad weather can often roll in extremely quickly in the mountains.
It is different at home in a secure building (feel free to check again whether your home is well protected!). Once all safety precautions have been taken, the little ritual can begin: We take out our modern, smoke-free candle. It brings us directly back to the here and now for a moment.
An Old Custom That Connects Generations
Weather candles, storm candles, or shower candles have a long tradition. In the past, when a storm approached, a special candle was lit in many families. People prayed, sat together, and asked for protection for people, animals, the home, and the harvest.
Back then, people also always placed the very essentials right next to the candle—packed and ready to grab in case lightning struck and they had to flee the house. This included the savings book, passport, Bible (to read from and find inner peace), of course the candle and matches or a torch, some bread and water, toothbrush, important medications, a few changes of clothes, possibly a blanket, as well as holy objects or family jewelry. In such moments of being reduced to the essentials, you meet yourself anew.
Today, the smartphone along with the charging cable would probably be at the very top of our list! But what if one day really nothing works anymore—and it affects everyone?
This is not meant to incite fear, but to make us aware of what real preparedness means: What do I do? What do I take with me? What really makes sense?
By the way, the general recommendation for a modern emergency backpack today is as follows:
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Cash
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Water & high-calorie food (like energy bars)
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Power bank & flashlight
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Important medications & first-aid kit
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Hygiene products
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Warm clothing & a blanket
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A sturdy knife with a sheath
Phew—that would be today's "to-go" backpack, which you should actually keep within easy reach!
By the way: If you are caught by bad weather while out and about, you are usually safest in the car—as long as no tree falls on it. The metal cage reliably dissipates the electrical charge of lightning.
In such extreme situations, an ancient, primal fear awakens within us. This fear is not a sign of weakness, but a deeply rooted survival function of our body. It releases adrenaline, brings us into a crystal-clear focus, and instantly sharpens all our senses. Instead of falling into aimless panic, this healthy alertness allows us to perceive dangers much more finely than usual. We can consciously access our knowledge and intuitively do the right thing to protect ourselves.
What personally belongs in your emergency backpack when things get really tough and you absolutely cannot use any unnecessary ballast?
What other stories do you know from your family? Does someone still tell stories about the old days when danger loomed? Have you yourself experienced how deep the fear sat—but also how devotedly, courageously, and naturally rational decisions were made with "heavenly assistance"?
The Magic of Calm in the Storm![]()
Such a ritual radiates a deep constancy. It conveys the inner knowledge: After every storm, a rainbow shines again. Believers carry this trust in their hearts, but these rituals burn themselves into all our souls.
Even children immediately sense when there is too much fear in the room. The custom shows them without any panic: We humans are small compared to the forces of nature. When it needs to release its tension, it is best to be with it, seek shelter, give in—and trust in the greater whole.
Lighting the candle creates a tangible connection to the people and times before us. Especially today, when so much has become fast, digital, and fleeting, this simple act has something very soothing: It is real, tangible, and calm.
A small flame—and a centuries-old tradition lives on.
"Your Protective Light in Bad Weather"
Today, fortunately, we live much more protected than in the past. That is exactly why we can enjoy such moments all the more. When the storm begins outside, it can be calm inside. We become the eye of the storm.
We can now also let go of our own inner tension. The lightning works for us, the thunder gives expression to what we sometimes feel within ourselves as small electromagnetic beings. We are connected—even if we are not always aware of it. We carry this knowledge in every single cell. When the storm rolls in, it is time to release your own tension—because it is simply enough, and the space can become wide again, and I can rest safely within myself...
(P.S. on candle care: Properly caring for a storm candle is still a small, beautiful challenge today. The highly pigmented wax requires a little more mindfulness and observation—what is the wick doing? Since they tend to produce a smaller flame, every order from me includes detailed care instructions so that your candle burns perfectly! You are also welcome to read my detailed post on candle care.)
