Beyond Witchcraft: Using Rune and Mythology Candles for Personal Growth (Even if You're an Atheist)

Do you have to be a witch to benefit from ritual candles? Do you need to be steeped in ancient traditions, chanting incantations under the full moon, believing in spirits or deities? Do you need to ascribe to any religious or spiritual belief system whatsoever? Absolutely not. I, for one, am an atheist. My understanding of the universe is grounded in science, in the observable, in the tangible reality of the natural world. Yet, I have dedicated years to understanding and practicing the power of story, symbolism, and ritual for personal growth and transformation. It's not about faith in the supernatural; it's about feeling, about the profound, tangible impact these elements can have on our inner landscapes and our lived experiences. And, I believe they can serve others too, regardless of their belief system, or lack thereof.

The beauty of ritual, and the potent language of symbols, transcends dogma and doctrine; it’s about something deeper, something far more intrinsically human. It’s about connecting with the innate capacity for meaning-making that resides within each of us. It’s about recognizing that we are narrative creatures, wired to find patterns, tell stories, and assign significance to the world around us. It’s about acknowledging the subconscious mind, the vast ocean beneath our waking thoughts, which speaks not in logic but in imagery and feeling. It’s about who you truly are, and what you are actively, consciously creating for the world and for yourself. It’s about slowing down, listening to that internal voice that whispers of longings, of purpose, of a connection to something – not necessarily a deity, but to the vast, interconnected web of life, to the shared human experience across millennia, to the deepest chambers of your own being. It is not about taking on a label or calling yourself something special, because you already are inherently special, inherently capable of crafting a life imbued with meaning and intention.

In this post, I invite you into my world, to explore how rune and mythology candles can be powerful tools for self-reflection, intention setting, and connecting with deeper aspects of yourself, all through a secular, humanistic lens. You have the power to tap into the wisdom of the ages, encoded in story and symbol, not as divine revelation, but as profound psychological and cultural insights. You have the power to create beauty that is only to be found when you engage with your authentic self. The point isn’t to replicate an ancient practice for the sake of tradition; it is to utilize these rich, potent tools to craft the unique, transformative journey you were always meant to have. The point is to connect to something that truly matters – your own growth, your own understanding, your own place in the grand, unfolding story of life.

The Atheist's Altar: Finding Meaning Without Miracles

As an atheist, the concept of an "altar" or "ritual" might seem contradictory at first glance. These terms are so often intertwined with religious practice, with offerings to gods or spirits. But strip away the dogma, and what remains? A dedicated space, a focused action, a conscious shift in energy and attention. That is the essence of ritual, and it is profoundly human.

My "altar" isn't a place for prayer in the traditional sense. It's a space for presence. It's where I gather objects that hold meaning for me: stones I've found in places that feel sacred (a mountain stream, a quiet forest floor), a piece of driftwood shaped by the ocean's relentless rhythm, a feather gifted by a passing bird, a handwritten intention, a candle. These aren't imbued with divine power, but with the power of memory, of connection, of the natural world, and of my own intention. They are anchors, grounding me in the present moment and reminding me of the values I hold dear.

To live life without story, without symbolism, without ritual, I believe, is to deny a fundamental aspect of our humanity. It's like trying to paint a masterpiece with only one color, or to compose a symphony with a single note. The world is not just a collection of facts and figures, a purely material existence to be dissected and analyzed; it's a vast, interwoven tapestry of meaning, waiting to be explored, felt, and interpreted through our own unique lens. The truth is, there is no more or less inherent power in what is seen versus what is believed; it is about what you choose to see, what you choose to connect to, what you choose to imbue with significance. That power resides not in the heavens, but within the human heart and mind, in our capacity for imagination, empathy, and conscious creation.

For me, symbolism is not about blind faith or assigning literal meaning to things that defy explanation; it's about recognizing the inherent power of metaphor, of archetypes, of allowing objects and images to serve as conduits to deeper truths about the human condition. It's about acknowledging that our conscious, logical minds only grasp a fraction of reality, and that symbols can help us access the hidden realms of the subconscious, where intuition, creativity, and deep emotional processing occur. This is an opportunity to find a deeper meaning, to unlock insights that purely rational thought might miss. It’s a way of speaking to the part of ourselves that understands in images and feelings, not just words and concepts.

Ritual, in turn, is not about appeasing gods or adhering to rigid, meaningless traditions passed down without understanding; it's about creating a container, a dedicated space in time and presence, for intention, for reflection, for connection. It's about slowing down amidst the noise and chaos of modern life and carving out moments of sacredness in our everyday existence. It's a way to honor the cycles of nature – the turn of the seasons, the waxing and waning of the moon, the rhythm of our own bodies – and the longings of our souls. It's a deliberate act of showing up for yourself, of saying, "This moment matters. My intention matters. My inner world matters." When will people realize that everything is a relationship? Our relationship with ourselves, with each other, with the earth. Ritual helps us to tend to these vital connections.

In the symphony of existence, symbolism and ritual are not dusty relics of a bygone era, fit only for the devout; they are essential instruments for navigating the complexities of the modern world, for crafting a life of depth and purpose. They are tools that can help us to find meaning, to connect with others on a deeper, more resonant level, and to create a life that is both grounded in reality and filled with wonder, all without needing to subscribe to a single dogma or belief in the supernatural. This is not a lesser path; it is a different path, one built on intention, introspection, and the undeniable power of the human spirit. I have carved out this unique space to explore those things and offer that exploration, and the tools for it, to the world through Rune Root.

The Power of Symbolism: An Unconscious Language for All, A Whispered Invitation to Connect with Something Greater than Yourself and Your Own Deep Knowing

Symbols are the universal language of the human experience. Long before written language attempted to categorize and define the world, before religious texts sought to explain the inexplicable, symbols were our primary mode of understanding. They were etched into cave walls, woven into textiles, carved into tools. They are inherent in the natural world around us, in the stars above and the soil below.

Think of the raw power held within a mountain – a symbol of resilience, grounding, ancient strength. Or the flowing water of a river – a symbol of change, purification, the relentless movement of time. The spiral of a shell or a galaxy speaks of growth, expansion, the cyclical nature of life. These symbols resonate with us on a deep, almost instinctual level because they are drawn from the very fabric of the universe we inhabit and from the patterns our brains are wired to recognize.

Symbols bypass the rational mind and speak directly to our subconscious, that vast, powerful engine beneath the surface of our awareness. This is why a simple image or object can evoke powerful emotions, trigger forgotten memories, or spark sudden insights. It's how they can tap into our subconscious, illuminating hidden corners of our hearts and minds, revealing truths that are difficult to articulate in conscious thought. Carl Jung, the psychologist, spoke extensively about archetypes – universal, archaic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious. While his work can be interpreted through a spiritual lens, the core idea of shared human symbolic understanding is incredibly powerful, even from a purely psychological perspective. These symbols resonate because they tap into fundamental human experiences – birth, death, love, fear, transformation, the journey of the hero – that are universal, regardless of cultural or religious background.

In my practice, I see these symbols as keys. They unlock doors within ourselves. A simple symbol, like a tree etched on a candle, can become a focal point for meditating on growth and rootedness. It doesn't require belief in a tree spirit; it requires an acknowledgement of what a tree represents to us, personally and collectively, and allowing that potent imagery to inform our inner work. This is an opportunity to find a deeper meaning, to move beyond the surface level of existence and connect with the rich, symbolic tapestry that underpins our reality. It’s a way of speaking to the part of ourselves that understands in images and feelings, not just words and concepts.

Runes and Mythology as Frameworks for Self-Discovery: Stepping Stones to Your Inner Landscape, Reflections of the Human Heart's Eternal Quest

Runes, with their angular, elemental forms, are more than just an ancient alphabet; they are a doorway to the hidden realms of the self, a system for understanding the forces that shape our lives and the choices we make. They are a system of symbols that originated with the Norse and Germanic peoples. They were used for writing, yes, but also for divination, for protection, for understanding the world around them. But their power is not limited by geography or belief. Each rune represents a different facet of human experience, from the raw energy of Uruz (strength, wild potential) to the guiding light of Sowilo (wholeness, the sun's energy), offering a tangible framework for understanding our own inner landscapes and the journey of life itself. They create the framework and structure so you can engage more with yourself, providing prompts for introspection and guiding questions for navigating challenges. If you choose to lean into their wisdom, to contemplate their meanings in relation to your own life, you might unlock something truly special – a deeper understanding of your patterns, your strengths, your areas for growth.

Mythology, too, transcends cultural boundaries and speaks directly to the enduring themes of the human condition. These archetypal stories, populated by gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, mirror our own journeys, struggles, and triumphs. They are not historical accounts to be taken literally, but profound narratives that offer guidance, inspiration, and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves – the collective human narrative. I see mythology as a mirror, reflecting the complexities and contradictions within us. The fierce independence of Skadi, the nurturing abundance of, the trickster energy of Loki – these aren't just characters in old tales; they are facets of the human psyche, energies that we all carry within us to varying degrees. They are not external narratives; they are echoes of our inner lives, waiting to be recognized, understood, and integrated. What characters resonate with you? What stories speak to you on a deeper level? Perhaps it's a god or goddess who embodies a quality you wish to cultivate, or a hero's journey that mirrors your own challenges. You can find these and other answers by thinking outside the box, by approaching these myths not as religious texts, but as psychological maps. It is in this space where ritual can take seed and grow, where the ancient stories breathe new life into your present moment. There is more room to explore and understand why things are the way they are, both within the myths and within yourself. That’s why storytelling and ritual are an active, ever-evolving, art.

For instance, think about Freya. Even if you don't believe she is a literal goddess who rides a chariot pulled by cats, you can explore what she represents in mythology: love, beauty, fertility, war, seiðr (a type of Norse magic or shamanism). How do these themes resonate with your own life? Do you wish to cultivate more self-love? To embrace your creative fertility (in all its forms)? To navigate conflict with grace and strength? Engaging with the symbolism of Freya can provide a potent focal point for these intentions. Or, what happens as these figures take you down new rabbit holes that bring you closer to an understanding of self? The options are many. What you must first realize is that it is okay to trust in you, to trust your own intuition and the meanings you find. This means the magic – the psychological and personal transformation – will start!

You don’t have to believe in the literal existence of these figures to benefit from their stories. Instead, see them as powerful metaphors for the different forces at play within your own life. How can you incorporate elements of the feminine, the masculine, the wild, the wise, to create a richer inner experience? Think about the powerful, the sensitive, and the playful parts of yourself. See them in your own reflection, in the world around you. For instance, when people say follow your North Star, I say look to the sky, yes, but also look into the river, reflect and see what is true within you, what guiding light shines from your own core. See the beauty and the value that has existed all along, not just in ancient tales, but in the here and now, in the living, breathing world and in the depths of your own being.

Crafting Intentional Rituals with Rune and Mythology Candles: Weaving Your Inner World into Tangible Form, Activating Your Personal Power Through Embodied Practice

The beauty of ritual lies in its power to focus intention, to create a dedicated space for reflection, and to connect with our inner selves through embodied action. In a world of constant stimulation, where our attention is fragmented and our minds are always racing, ritual offers us a sanctuary, a moment of stillness amidst the chaos. It’s a sacred pause, a place you can always find within yourself, a quiet room in the mansion of your soul. The act of lighting a candle, of setting an intention, of engaging with a meaningful symbol, of performing a simple, repeated action with mindfulness – these are powerful catalysts for psychological and personal change. They anchor abstract intentions in concrete reality, making them feel more real, more achievable.

For example, here's how to craft an intentional ritual with your rune or mythology candle, viewed through a secular, empowering lens:

1. Set Your Intention: What do you wish to cultivate in your life? What challenges are you facing? What do you hope to manifest? This isn't about sending a request out into the ether; it's about clarifying your desires and aligning your inner compass. Don't worry about being “realistic” according to someone else's standards; instead, focus on what truly stirs your heart, what ignites a spark within you. What does your soul yearn for? Be specific, be clear, and be honest with yourself. You are the star and creator of your own life's narrative. What will happen for you if you can fully embody and realize your intention? How will your soul feel when you are living that reality? The point is to help you access the experience that your body and soul long for, not to magically manifest something out of thin air, but to align yourself with its possibility.
   How will living this intention set you on your own unique trajectory? What small, tangible steps can you take today to move towards it?

2. Choose Your Candle: Select a rune or mythology candle that resonates with your intention. Think about the symbolism of the candle – the specific rune, the mythical figure, the color, the scent – and why you are drawn to it for this particular intention. Trust your intuition. It will guide you to the symbol that holds the most power for you in this moment. Each candle carries a unique vibration, a visual and energetic anchor for your focus.
   This part may not be clear immediately, or you might have confusion when you first engage with a symbol. That's okay! Allow for curiosity and exploration. Sometimes the meaning unfolds over time.

3. Create Sacred Space: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax and focus. This doesn't need to be an elaborate shrine; it can be a corner of your desk, a spot on your windowsill, or simply the space directly in front of you. The key is intentionality. Clean your physical space beforehand to remove distractions and stagnant energy, creating a clear container for your focus. Light your candle and take a few deep breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment. What does the silence offer? What does the flickering candlelight bring to your awareness? Create a bubble of your own making, a temporary sanctuary for introspection and intention.
   This bubble can be enhanced with elements that engage your senses and deepen your focus: music that resonates with your intention, the sound of running water, a guided meditation, the scent of your chosen essential oils. These aren’t distractions; they serve as gentle guides, helping you access the deeper parts of your soul, bypassing the chatter of the conscious mind. Think of them as little companions to befriend, allies in your inner work.

4. Reflect on Your Intention: With your candle lit and your space prepared, spend some time meditating on your intention. Visualize it as if it has already come to pass. What does it feel like in your body? What does it look like in vivid detail? What does it sound like? Engage all your senses in the process of visualization, allowing yourself to fully embody the reality of your intention. This isn't magical thinking; it's a powerful psychological technique for programming your subconscious mind and aligning your energy towards your goal. How can you honor the physical self in this process? By noticing the sensations in your body as you visualize, anchoring the intention in your physical reality.
   What does the taste of success feel like on your tongue? What is the scent of your intention fulfilled?

5. Journal or Meditate: With your intention activated through visualization, spend some time journaling your thoughts and feelings, or simply sit in silent meditation, allowing the symbols and the scent of the candle to guide you. You might be surprised at what comes up for you as you allow for this process – insights, emotions, limiting beliefs that surface to be acknowledged and released.
   The story can also create other things! If your intention is clear, you can ask for guidance from the past – from your own experiences, from historical narratives, from the myths themselves – to help illuminate the right path forward.

6. Embodied Action and Gratitude: Conclude your ritual with a simple, embodied action that signifies your commitment to your intention. This could be a deep bow, placing your hand over your heart, or writing your intention down and placing it under the candle. Finally, express gratitude. Thank the earth for the natural materials in the candle, thank the symbols for their guidance, and thank your own inner wisdom for showing up and doing this important work. Gratitude is a powerful force that amplifies our intentions and opens us to receive even more insights and opportunities. Thank yourself for taking this chance, for carving out this sacred space for exploration and connection.
   Think about what gratitude is really to you, beyond a simple "thank you." Who gets to partake in gratitude? Is it just for grand blessings, or for the smallest moments of beauty and connection? What is real and what is merely surface-level?

7. Personalize Your Ritual: This is perhaps the most crucial step. There is no single "right" way to perform a ritual. Don't be afraid to experiment and make the ritual your own, adapting it to your needs and preferences. Add elements that resonate with you – music that moves your soul, movement that expresses your intention, natural objects that feel particularly meaningful. The most important thing is to create a space and a practice where you feel safe, supported, and deeply connected to yourself and your intention. This is how the most powerful rituals are made – not through strict adherence to external rules, but through authentic expression of your inner world. There is no outside path that will connect to the soul more than your own imagination, your own intuition, your own unique way of being. You are an artist, a creator, a ritualist, no matter how you express it.
   Express gratitude and thanks to yourself for being able to do that, for having the courage to explore these paths.

Connecting with Nature Through Candle Rituals: Inviting the Earth into Your Sacred Space, Honoring the Elements, Remembering Your Roots

Even within the walls of your home, surrounded by concrete and technology, you can weave a connection to nature into your candle rituals, infusing your space with the power and wisdom of the earth. How can the sacred space be enhanced by the smells, sounds, and textures of the earth? I feel the earth in my hands when I work with the dyed cloth, when I prepare the botanicals. What is there for you to experience, to touch, to smell, to hear?

• Use Natural Materials: Opt for candles made with sustainable soy wax blend, scented with pure essential oils derived from plants. The intention isn’t merely for sustainability in an environmental sense, but for connection to the living energy of nature. When you light that candle, you are connecting with the sun that nourished the plant, the earth that held its roots, the rain that helped it grow.
  What do the essences remind you of? Do they evoke memories of a walk in the woods, a moment by the ocean, a feeling of peace in a garden? Allow those sensory connections to deepen your ritual.

• Incorporate Elements of Nature: Bring in tangible pieces of the natural world – freshly cut flowers, dried leaves gathered on a walk, smooth stones found by a river, a small bowl of soil. Arrange them around your candle to create an altar or sacred space that feels alive with the energy of the earth. Consider finding a natural symbol – a particular leaf shape, a type of wood, a specific stone – that can help to unlock your intention or serves as a visual reminder of your focus.
  Which stones or symbols of nature help to guide and unlock your intention, and why? What is their story? How does their presence amplify your own?

• Perform Your Ritual Outdoors: If possible and safe, take your candle ritual outside, connecting directly with the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Light your candle under the open sky, feel the earth beneath your feet, allow the wind to carry your intentions, and perhaps incorporate water from a nearby stream or a bowl placed under the moon. Be cautious when lighting the candle as it could be a fire hazard; respect the power of fire and the environment around you. Remember, the power to be found is not just in nature, but through nature, in recognizing our place within its vast and interconnected systems. Allow the wind to guide you, or the sun to strengthen you.
  The elements offer you new guidance, new perspectives. What does the stability of the earth teach you about grounding? What does the ever-changing nature of air teach you about adaptability?

The Thread is Beauty. And the Thread is Connection.

In the creation of any art – whether it's crafting a candle, dyeing a piece of cloth, or weaving the story of a ritual – what thread connects the candle, the cloth, the body, and the earth? For me, it is beauty. It is the inherent beauty in the natural world, in the honest expression of human creativity, in the quiet moments of connection. How is that shown to you in your own life? How do you recognize and honor the threads of beauty that run through your days?

I created Rune Root as a way to show that connection with others, to offer tangible tools that can help bridge the perceived gap between ourselves and the natural world, between the everyday and the sacred. The candles, the clothing – they are not just products. They are invitations. Invitations to slow down, to connect, to find beauty in the intentional, the natural, the unique.

The Ritual is Now Yours to Run with for Eternity, And Rune Root: Finding My Place and Yours in the Tapestry of Meaning

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner of earth-based spirituality or a curious skeptic seeking new ways to connect with yourself and the world, rune and mythology candles, approached through a lens of intention, symbolism, and ritual, can offer a path to deeper self-discovery, intentional living, and a profound sense of connection. The power is within you. You don't need permission or dogma to access it. There are always new symbols to connect with, new rituals to craft, new depths within yourself to explore. The journey is ongoing, ever-unfolding.

Rune Root has been as much a journey of personal transformation as it has been a business venture. For as long as I can remember, I have been deeply aware of the intersections of nature, mythology, and ritual, and found ways to connect with them, express myself, and find new ways to see myself in the mirror. It began as a personal exploration, a way to navigate my own path as an atheist seeking meaning in a world that often feels devoid of it. But as it has evolved, it has become something far bigger than myself, something that represents a call to remember our inherent connection to the earth, a call to connect with the powerful archetypes and stories that shape us, and a call to empower ourselves through intentional action. The next phase for Rune Root will focus on bringing in more voices, offering the stories, insights, and wisdom from other women who are also navigating their paths of self-discovery and connection.

Browse our collection of rune and mythology candles, crafted with intention and connection to the earth. Begin your journey today. What intention will you be bringing to life today? What story will you start writing for yourself, guided by the timeless wisdom of symbol and the quiet power of ritual? The path forward is not prescribed; it is yours to create.