Did you know that our classic thunderstorm candle is traditionally also called a “thunder candle” in Austria – just like the plant of Saint Mary? I look forward to exploring this fascinating connection between the thunder candle plant and the consecrated light of our craft very soon. But you’ll learn more about it in a separate article!
The Scent of Heaven and the Power of the Earth
A Moment of Reflection on the Assumption of Mary: On Women's Well-Being, Healing Herbs, and the Eternal in the Transient
Today is August 15 – the Assumption of Mary, the "Great Women's Day". A day in the height of summer, when nature stands at the absolute peak of its abundance. Outside, the fields ripen, the herbs release their most intense aroma, and the air is filled with warmth, light, and strength. In the old tradition, this is the day we pause to thank the earth for its gifts and bring the healing powers of nature into our homes.
The Candlewick: Light-Bearer and Thunder Candle
In the center of every traditional herb bouquet stands the candlewick proudly. In ancient times, it was also deliberately called the thunder candle. Its soft, woolly leaves and golden-yellow flower heads not only resemble a mighty torch; it also carries a deep connection to light and protection from storms.
In our candle craft, thunderstorm candles and weather candles accompany me throughout the year – they provide comfort, brightness, and steadfastness in stormy times. The candlewick in the herb bouquet reminds us to faithfully guard the stored summer light.
The Seven Herbs of the Bouquet
The classic bouquet gathers the bundled power of the summer months. Each of the seven herbs carries its own subtle message:
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Candlewick (Thunder Candle): Light-bearer, torch of summer, and protection from storms.
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Rose: The queen of flowers – symbol of femininity, self-love, motherhood, and warmth of heart.
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Arnica: Guardian of physical healing – provides relief for injuries and heals the wounds of life.
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Sage: Blessing and purification for the home – brings protection, peace, and clarity into your own spaces.
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St. John's Wort: Stores the pure summer light and dispels dark thoughts.
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Chamomile: A gentle mother herb for comfort, intimacy, and physical peace.
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Yarrow: The field and wound herb for harmony, femininity, and inner balance.
The Rose & Fine Herb Incense – Honoring and Enjoying Feminine Power
On the high feast of Mary, women are granted a very special space. August 15 invites you to step away from all everyday toil, immerse yourself in your primal feminine power, and honor yourself from the heart.
Pamper yourself today with a soothing rose bath: Add fresh or dried rose petals along with some oil to the warm bathwater. Feel how the fragrant water embraces you and you can fully connect with the feeling of being a woman and delight in it.
If you do not want to take a bath, simply take a fresh rose in your hand. Close your eyes and smell deeply into its velvet petals – but take a quick peek inside first: Often small beetles or little bees sleep inside, who appreciate the cozy hiding place just as much as we do!
Small guide for a fragrant herb ritual: For pleasant relaxation, I also recommend a fine rose incense. Or you can gather the herbs fresh, twist them into small bundles, and let them dry well. When you then gently burn them on a incense burner, the flame of the tealight will give you a wonderfully fine, delicate scent – completely without the strong heat of incense charcoal. This gentle incense keeps insects away, clarifies, and keeps your spaces noticeably, and gives you peace, happiness, and blessing.
"Whether hummed quietly or sung loudly: Let a melody sound that is close to your heart. My personal heart tip for these days are the timelessly beautiful church hymns by Hildegard von Bingen – perfect to arrive fully in the moment, feel your primal feminine power, and connect with the roots of all those women who went before you."
On the Scent of Transience and the Return to the Earth
The old legend tells that when the apostles opened Mary's tomb, they found no smell of decay, but the incomparable pleasant scent of fresh flowers, hay, and medicinal herbs. The seven-herb bouquet is thus also a profound symbol of the finitude of our earthly existence and the deep peace with one's own body.
When my own life path is one day complete, I would like to be properly laid to rest in the earth. The body – grown from the earth – returns to it, to become fully one with nature again, while the soul rises lightly to heaven. The fragrant seven herbs accompany this path as a sign of gratitude, dignity, and eternal transformation. It is a comforting thought to know that everything transient is enveloped in a noble, fragrant blessing.
Outlook: On Candles and Storms
Did you actually know that our classic thunderstorm candle in Austria traditionally also bears the name "Thunder Candle" – just like the plant of Saint Mary?
I would like to dedicate myself to this fascinating connection between the plant-based thunder candle and the consecrated light of our craft very soon. But you will learn more about this in a separate article!
I wish you on this August 15 moments of silence, enjoyment, and deep joy in being a woman. Treat yourself today to something that does good for your heart and your body.
From the heart,
Your Dinah
Candle Craft – Craftsmanship, Tradition & Magic of Light
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Comments
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Liebe Dinah, danke für diesen zauberhaften Beitrag zu Mariä Himmelfahrt! Die Verbindung zwischen der Königskerze im Kräuterbuschen und deiner Donnerkerze aus der Lichtermacherei hat mich total fasziniert. Das kleine Kräuter-Ritual werde ich heute Abend direkt ausprobieren. Eine wunderbare Erinnerung, im Alltag mal innezuhalten!
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So ein wunderschöner und tiefberührender Artikel, liebe Dinah! Der Tipp mit dem Stövchen und dem Rosenweihrauch ist traumhaft – die ganze Wohnung duftet sanft und strahlt eine herrliche Ruhe aus. Die Lieder von Hildegard von Bingen laufen bei mir im Hintergrund und passen einfach perfekt zu dieser besonderen Sommerstimmung. Danke für diese wertvollen Impulse!