Dang! The Charcoal won't LIGHT!

[Litha]

I generally used Swift-Lite charcoal tablets and occasionally the tab will just not light up.
Classic example was when I was leading our coven's Lughnasadh celebration. Everything went fabulous, except that the charcoal never really got fired up. I torched it quite a bit until the parks ran through it. I have the same technique, but sometimes the stuff is like a house on fire and sometimes the incense doesnt even melt down :(
I think it's basically related to the humidity that gets into the tabs. I'd thought it had to do with how old they were and how long open, which of course matters, but still is related to the humidity getting into the tablet.
What do you'all do with your charcoal?
Are there de-humidors like there are humidors for cigars?

[Rick]

When I'm carving in wood, & the wood is a little 'green', I place it in a very low oven for a little while (10-20 mins). You might try the same with the charcoal.

[Litha]

I'm going to have to find my toaster oven from storage...thanks for the idea!

[Mooncrow]

I usually ask myself "is it lit?" when it burns my fingers I get my answer.......(that would be a 1 not an 0, Rev....teehee)


bb

Mooncrow

[Twig]

DO NOT PUT THE"SELF IGNITING" TYPE OF CHARCOAL IN THE OVEN OR MICROWAVE! these tablets contain gunpowder as the lighting agent and can ignite at a lower temp. than water[210 F.].

Here is the solution. Go to your friend,neighbor or swimming pool supply house and ask for ~1/4 cup of Calcium Carbonate {a "harmless" pool chemical] . Put this in a film tin and punch a bunch of holes in the lid with a blunt needle,etc. or, wrap in a piece of cloth and tie the end shut w/ a string. Put this + the charcoal in a "air tight" container. The Calcium is a natural de-humidifier and what the stores sell as such. Tums antacid MIGHT work as They contain CaCl but, I haven't tried them.

Peace and Safety first!;)
Twig

Certified
Pool
Operator

[SilverRain]

Thanks for the warning Twig... i definately could see myself putting the charcoal in the oven and blowing up the house.... ouch that would be nasty


SilverRain

[Litha]

((((TWIG))))
Huggles to you dahlink!
Not only endorsing saftey but solving the problem as well!
Dont'cha just looove those Druids?!
BTW I attended my first blott/blatt (?spelling) this past full moon.
Interesting that there was no circle cast. The well/ tree/gate
part of the ritual was beautiful!

[Krom]

Originally posted by Litha
I generally used Swift-Lite charcoal tablets and occasionally the tab will just not light up.
Classic example was when I was leading our coven's Lughnasadh celebration. Everything went fabulous, except that the charcoal never really got fired up. I torched it quite a bit until the parks ran through it. I have the same technique, but sometimes the stuff is like a house on fire and sometimes the incense doesnt even melt down :(
I think it's basically related to the humidity that gets into the tabs. I'd thought it had to do with how old they were and how long open, which of course matters, but still is related to the humidity getting into the tablet.
What do you'all do with your charcoal?
Are there de-humidors like there are humidors for cigars?

I stop buy that kind and went and ordered some from a Catholic Supply house. It was $15 or so for 100. They are wrapped in trays and sealed. You take on at a time. The rest remain sealed. I have not had one not light yet. I got that box over a year ago. I still have 2 trays left. They are called Self Lite Charcoal packaged by Char-Lite Products Inc. St. Louis MO.

MP B*B
Krom

[Litha]

*happy dance*
Gadzooks! That is just the solution I was seeking!
Individually wrapped charcoal!
Thanks Krom for that excellent information:p

[Rævyn Cigány]

Originally posted by Litha
*happy dance*
Gadzooks! That is just the solution I was seeking!
Individually wrapped charcoal!
Thanks Krom for that excellent information:p

Thanks from me, too!! Hey Wyrd, now we know what to do so that our cauldron will stay lit next time!! :D:D:D oh and by the way, next circle I will have four hurricane lamps (like the one that was on the altar on Sunday night) for the four corners....that'll be much better than getting up every five minutes to light the candles again, eh?

BB

Rae )0(

[Krystil_Mist]

Hi people. MM.
I read on someone's website that you shouldn't use matches when lighting candles or anything for magick. It had something to do with the chemicals on the matches that would negate the spell. Any thoughts???

[Myst]

I heard that too but it was because the person believed the chemicals released from the burning were bad for the ozone...
A friend of mine insists on lighting candles three times to represent the triple goddess..

[magicbabs]

I don't think that the chemicals from matches will cause problems in spellwork. Most spellwork is based on YOUR intentions anyway....so if you believe the match will affect and effect the ritual-----then it will.

But that is just my opinion.

Babs

[Krystil_Mist]

I just looked at her site again. She said that the sulfur from the match is a banishent tool and it will render the effect of the candle magick lessened or useless.

I don't think it matters. I'm sure someone has actually had a spell that worked using a match. :)

[magicbabs]

I use matches most of the time and my spellwork works freuently.

Sulfur is a cool element/mineral. I have a large one on my alter that my Grandfather found in the Southwest.

[Krystil_Mist]

See what I mean? I was going to usetches regardless.

What do you do with the candle when you're done? Do you bury it?