Gaia's Garden

Even those of us on an Earth centered path can use a little help now and then in caring for our Mother.  This column is dedicated to making us more aware of the "footprints" we leave on Her and how to live more harmoniously with Her even if we're urban pagans.
Soot Sense

Recently, it was found that a lot of the "aromatherapy" and scented candles that people use in their homes can be a leading cause of lung problems and indoor pollution.

It seems that the oils and cheaper waxes used in a lot of commercially availble candles are giving off a lot of soot.  Soot, or lampblack, is far finer than even most smoke particles and can get deeper into the lungs.  People with asthma and other lung disease need to be especially careful of soot.

The best way to check your own candles is to look at the glass containers they are burning in or to pass a clean, dry glass over the top of them at about 3-4 inches above the flame.  If the glass is blackened, you have a soot problem.

Using less oils in your candlemaking and having thicker or braided wicks in your candles will tend to cut the soot production down.  Also, avoiding paraffin in your candles will help too.

                             Mother Bless,
                                     Kara Shima
 

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