Daily Meditation: Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Today, the custom of lighting nightlights or candles in the …

12/24/2003

Today, the custom of lighting nightlights or candles in the house has been lost, unless the electricity is cut, in which case people do so in an irritated and grumbling manner. Whatever the circumstances, lighting a candle should be considered a sacred act by which we enter into contact with the four elements. Yes, the candle itself, which is solid, represents the earth element. We light it, and we see fire. Then, gradually, the candle melts and the liquid wax begins to fill the hollow at the base of the flame. As for air, it is all pervasive, because it is indispensable to fire: deprived of air, the fire goes out, and even if the air cannot be seen, its presence can be perceived in the subtle oscillations of the flame. So, when you light a candle, be conscious that you are in the presence of the four principles of matter and that you can work with them by linking yourself to the four great Angels which govern them: the Angel of Fire, the Angel of Air, the Angel of Water, and the Angel of Earth.