The Ancient Candle Revolution

“I am a burning candle; You are the morning light, If I do not see You, I burn; if I see You, I vanish. This is my condition in separation and closeness. I can bear neither separation nor proximity.” – An Anonymous Sufi Poet

Whether you believe it or not, our lives revolve around light both physically and spiritually. If you are anything like us, you prefer the flicker and illumination of a candle over the hum of florescence and the predictability of a bulb. There is something beautiful and almost magical about a candle. People that know us, know that we have been lovers of candles for years using them to enhance environments, boost aromatic experiences and helping us to center ourselves around what matters. The role that candles have played in the history of man range from offering the practical need of light to the deep spiritual reminders found in our most sacred temples and churches. While candles are common place in most of our lives, many of us know little about them, and the truth that all candles are not created equal. Furthermore, many candles, while offering a cozy glow, are actually extremely toxic.

Over 95% of the world’s candles are made from a product called paraffin. Paraffin is cheap, easily accessible and found everywhere. Paraffin is a dark sludge that goes through a bleaching and purification process, giving it a beautiful clear image. It is an oil-based, highly refined petroleum by-product that contains up to 11 toxic compounds and chemicals such as benzene and toluene. Because of this when you burn a paraffin candle, it will emit toxic diesel exhaust-like fumes.  These fumes often produce harmful black soot that leaves streaks of black residue and stains home interior surfaces. On top of these, doctors recommend that paraffin candles are not to be burned around people with allergies or asthma conditions. Needless to say, this is not the type of candle that we want burning in our homes or sacred places.

Beeswax candles have and will always be different. First of all, beeswax is and expensive. Beeswax costs about 10 times more than paraffin. It is estimated that the bees must fly 150,000 miles to collect enough nectar to produce six pounds of honey just to secrete one pound of wax. And for every 100 pounds of honey harvested, the beekeeper can only obtain about 1-2 pounds of the beeswax. Beeswax is created by bees and is 100% natural, all chemical-free. Beeswax candles are the oldest candle known to man and prized since ancient times. They are environmentally friendly, safe and non-toxic. Beeswax burns very clean with little smoke. Furthermore beeswax candles are natural and undergo no chemical processing and are completely biodegradable. Because beeswax is made of honey and nectar, they smell amazing when they are burning, and the fumes/aroma is helpful for those with allergy difficulties. Beeswax burns longer and brighter and creates the same flame that is the same light spectrum as the sun. How amazing is that?  To wrap it all up, the beeswax candle is the only candle that emits negative ions to purify, cleanse, improve air quality, and invigorate the body. It is a natural ionizer!

We don’t have to be geniuses to see that beeswax has been, is and will always be the way to go as far as candles. Because of this, Illuman Apiary has begun to offer a line of 100% beeswax candles. This line will be ever-expanding to meet your needs, wants and demand. We know that 100% beeswax candles are expensive and hard to find. Furthermore, those wishing to receive the allergenic benefits of local beeswax and honey, need to find beeswax that is local to them. With this said, we are excited to better serve you as your local bee apiary. not only do we have lip balm and lotion, but we now have solid 100% beeswax candles in all shapes and sizes. Come back often to our store to see new products and listings. We take this seriously in the hopes of journeying with you to live a more mindful life by finding the sacred in the simple.