Burning paper - reasons and alternatives

[beachglass]

So, I did some work this morning involving burning paper, and have decided that this is at best impractical* in my current living situation.

I'm now thinking about the different reasons one might burn papers in magical work, and how one might choose alternatives based on the intended purpose. I can think of lots of practical alternatives (need to destroy it? cut it into tiny bits; need to mix it in a liquid? just let it dissolve), but I'm curious about how the symbolic or energetic purpose of the burning might make one choose a different substitute action, or perhaps decide that there is no appropriate substitute.

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

*This may or may not have involved me sitting in the bathtub with the window open and the air cleaner on. Thank goodness for a January thaw.

[NanLT]

So, I did some work this morning involving burning paper, and have decided that this is at best impractical* in my current living situation.

I'm now thinking about the different reasons one might burn papers in magical work, and how one might choose alternatives based on the intended purpose. I can think of lots of practical alternatives (need to destroy it? cut it into tiny bits; need to mix it in a liquid? just let it dissolve), but I'm curious about how the symbolic or energetic purpose of the burning might make one choose a different substitute action, or perhaps decide that there is no appropriate substitute.

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

*This may or may not have involved me sitting in the bathtub with the window open and the air cleaner on. Thank goodness for a January thaw.

When burning paper isn't practical I will sometimes fold it and place it underneath a candle, then burn the candle down.

Just think off the top of my head - rice paper (used in baking) could be used. Instead of burning, dissolve the paper in water and then use the water to complete the spell. If you used an edible ink, you could even do spells this way and just drink the water or have the client/victim drink it. Or use it to water a plant.

[Enid]

So, I did some work this morning involving burning paper, and have decided that this is at best impractical* in my current living situation.

I'm now thinking about the different reasons one might burn papers in magical work, and how one might choose alternatives based on the intended purpose. I can think of lots of practical alternatives (need to destroy it? cut it into tiny bits; need to mix it in a liquid? just let it dissolve), but I'm curious about how the symbolic or energetic purpose of the burning might make one choose a different substitute action, or perhaps decide that there is no appropriate substitute.

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

*This may or may not have involved me sitting in the bathtub with the window open and the air cleaner on. Thank goodness for a January thaw.

 
I use flash paper for those kind of spells. You can get it at a magic shop. It burns pretty much instantly.

[beachglass]

I use flash paper for those kind of spells. You can get it at a magic shop. It burns pretty much instantly.

Ooh, I had no idea such a thing was available. And it's not smoky? That was my main problem with the paper I used.

[beachglass]

When burning paper isn't practical I will sometimes fold it and place it underneath a candle, then burn the candle down.

I like this too; I had also considered the use of a small candle instead of the paper, but that's not so easy to write on.

[Jenett]

Ooh, I had no idea such a thing was available. And it's not smoky? That was my main problem with the paper I used.

 
Flash paper goes up in a brief burst of flame; there's a little smoke, but not much.

I will note, though, that you should read about it and how to store it safely before you buy it: the chemicals are highly flammable (that being sort of the point) You can, however, use it in very small amounts, so it makes very little smoke/heat.

[Aiwelin]

So, I did some work this morning involving burning paper, and have decided that this is at best impractical* in my current living situation.

I'm now thinking about the different reasons one might burn papers in magical work, and how one might choose alternatives based on the intended purpose. I can think of lots of practical alternatives (need to destroy it? cut it into tiny bits; need to mix it in a liquid? just let it dissolve), but I'm curious about how the symbolic or energetic purpose of the burning might make one choose a different substitute action, or perhaps decide that there is no appropriate substitute.

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

*This may or may not have involved me sitting in the bathtub with the window open and the air cleaner on. Thank goodness for a January thaw.

 
Most of my paper burning has been for the purpose of destruction or banishing - so when I lived in an apartment with little ventilation, I'd often use as small an amount of paper as possible, then tear it into little shreds and scatter it to the wind or bury it.

[Aster Breo]

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

I haven't done it in a long time, but I've occasionally written messages to Deity on paper which I then burn.  The idea is that the message is carried to the Deity via the smoke and sparks.

Hmmmm...  I'd forgotten about that method. That might solve a little problem I've been working on.........

[beachglass]

Flash paper goes up in a brief burst of flame; there's a little smoke, but not much.

I will note, though, that you should read about it and how to store it safely before you buy it: the chemicals are highly flammable (that being sort of the point) You can, however, use it in very small amounts, so it makes very little smoke/heat.

 
I just skimmed a few things online and it definitely looks like something that needs to be treated with respect. Apartment living can make storage of anything a challenge, so this might be a special occasion product.

[Olie]

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

 
i usually have symbols or herbs or somethin on the paper that i charge before i burn it. so burnin it just kinda spreads the mojo out of the paper into the universe or what have you. but flash paper sounds awesome! cuz i seen people use that and it looks really fun. so even if ya cant find a magic use for it then just gettit for kicks and giggles

[ThePhoenix]

So, I did some work this morning involving burning paper, and have decided that this is at best impractical* in my current living situation.

I'm now thinking about the different reasons one might burn papers in magical work, and how one might choose alternatives based on the intended purpose. I can think of lots of practical alternatives (need to destroy it? cut it into tiny bits; need to mix it in a liquid? just let it dissolve), but I'm curious about how the symbolic or energetic purpose of the burning might make one choose a different substitute action, or perhaps decide that there is no appropriate substitute.

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

*This may or may not have involved me sitting in the bathtub with the window open and the air cleaner on. Thank goodness for a January thaw.

 

Well I present to you she has lots of nice videos about pretty much everything, she has this particular one about Elemental spells and she says some good stuff about why to burn paper, and gives alternative for it using the other elements

[Wimsaur]

I use memo paper from staples. You can buy it in bulk, and it burns fast.

Remember: by burning something you are are ceremonially putting your will into it. You are imparting your intention.

This is different than using water which is the creative principle.

[mikefarley001]

So, I did some work this morning involving burning paper, and have decided that this is at best impractical* in my current living situation.

I'm now thinking about the different reasons one might burn papers in magical work, and how one might choose alternatives based on the intended purpose. I can think of lots of practical alternatives (need to destroy it? cut it into tiny bits; need to mix it in a liquid? just let it dissolve), but I'm curious about how the symbolic or energetic purpose of the burning might make one choose a different substitute action, or perhaps decide that there is no appropriate substitute.

So, why might you burn a paper? What purpose does the fire serve? What would you do instead if you couldn't use fire?

*This may or may not have involved me sitting in the bathtub with the window open and the air cleaner on. Thank goodness for a January thaw.

I maybe a bit late for this post, but its ok, maybe some others with the same question will run into it, also hopefully you are still receiving your notifications or checking on the board.
Anyhow,
 How about this, it works great for me, however many people dont have the patience for this but it is a nice alternative IF the candle is large enough, and usually is.
 
   I went out found a stick, part of a branch and created an awl with it stuck the pin part from a safety pin and pushed it up inside the center of the stick after carving it for my correct purposes such as making it comfortable to hold among other things  ( of course having intention with anything you create only makes it that much stronger in energy)

  Using my awl i carve my messages into my candle starting from the top to the bottom (if its a message im asking for something) and vise versa bottom to top. holding the candle however you feel is best for you when writing on it.

   I write it line by line/line under line and eventually I will get about 7 lines out of it (full message).
Using regular cylinder candle about the diameter of a quarter or nickle can work too and atleast 6 inches long. Of course the size of the letters make a difference but i like to be able to write nice size, feeling comfortable while focusing on intent while writing, therefore I like to make my own candle; so depending on the messages i add instead of using paper, i love doing the above, also adding the herbs in the wax with the right magickal attributes connected to the message as well as the spell as a whole before i add it in the molding. I make the size of the candle depending on how large i want to be able to write.. the above size is good as any and will give you enough room to write out a nice amount, then dress it and burn that baby down. :-D

OH almost forgot, i will sometimes put the paper 'inside' the candle instead of carving, works great especially using the intention for the words to be carried up from the candle when making the wax and adding it into the molding; melting the wax, adding the dye and either folding the paper up prior to pouring in molding, or tear the paper up and add it in there sometimes can work better, as tearing it up does nothing to harm the message.
            I find anything written, stays written in the etheric or astral realm, such as drawing symbols in the air, they are actualy still there 5 minutes later or LONGER in the astral, as a white substance, maybe energy? pretty facinating.
 
There are SOO many ways to do this as a substitute for burning the paper. Also i live in an apartment, why not just go out to a remote area and burn it? thats what i do as well.. just a thought:)
 -Michael

[carillion]

Ooh, I had no idea such a thing was available. And it's not smoky? That was my main problem with the paper I used.

That's what oven doors and pan lids are for:)

[beachglass]

OH almost forgot, i will sometimes put the paper 'inside' the candle instead of carving, works great especially using the intention for the words to be carried up from the candle when making the wax and adding it into the molding; melting the wax, adding the dye and either folding the paper up prior to pouring in molding, or tear the paper up and add it in there sometimes can work better, as tearing it up does nothing to harm the message.

 
Hmm... but don't the papery bits smoke when the candle burns down to them? Or does the wax somehow prevent that?