Nearly two years ago, I approached the Ploutonion at Eleusis, pomegranate in hand, wet from the drizzling rain. Temple dogs were the only other souls around as I neared the cave where Persephone is said to have emerged. As I placed my offering in the shallow cave, a wave of solemnity washed over me and I felt awe. I was standing in the sanctuary of the Eleusinian mysteries, the sacred site of the secret rites of Demeter and Persephone as it has stood for 8000 years. My offering of a piece of fruit felt inadequate, my prayer insignificant. I was in the presence of Demeter; Olympian, mother of Persephone, warrior against the Titans, mother of agriculture. Here in her temple, whether through ecstatic dance, fasting, hallucinogenic kykeon, terror induced visions, Demeter once caused her followers to tremble here, in this spot, shattering their collective consciousness and rupturing all they understood of life and death. I too had my own moment of gnosis at Eleusis, but like Demeter’s followers of old, that’s my secret to keep.

As I wandered back toward the street where I’d parked, I touched the rough surfaces of the pillars carved with barley sheaths and poppies, tossed a coin into Demeter’s well, and praised the rangy temple dogs for guarding this space.

Demeter represents famine and feast, the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, maternal grief, female fury.

I chose motherwort, greek myrtle, lemon balm, foraged wild mushrooms, poppies, frankincense along with other herbs. These candles are hand dipped from hemp wick to finished candle.

Candle care: Herb dressed candles burn more like a torch than undressed candles. It is normal for the herbs to burn as your candles burn so you’ll need to take a few precautions to ensure candle safety. Before burning, trim the wicks to 1/4 inch. If wicks get longer as your candle burns, you’ll need to re-trim to 1/4 inch. This will help the candle burn efficiently and prevent higher flames. You’ll also want to burn in a saucer style burner to catch any burning herbs or dripping wax from falling on unsafe surfaces. Do not leave burning candles unattended and keep away from flammable materials, loose clothing, animals, and children.