The early memories of my family in Bulgaria can be traced to these prayer candles made of beeswax. Perhaps it was the ritual, not only for intention but with a person in mind, or the smoggy sweet smell that lingered like a ghost. Every household has these candles, to light at least once per day. I'm not religious in the traditional sense, but I do believe in the energetic exchange from the ignition & release. At the monasteries, these candles are offered for pennies. In Eastern Orthodox tradition candles are lit before the icons, reflecting back the light with their gold or silver stature. This is a sign of faith, of hope that God will grant the help requested through this offering.

My stepfather is of Ukrainian roots, raised in Canada. He taught me about pysanky; how to hollow the egg, apply the beeswax, dye & repeat. His designs were very traditional, with small flairs, while mine usually depicted our cats. My favourite step was melting off the wax over the exposed flame, careful not to burn the egg's surface, then wiping away residue with a napkin.

prayer egg rests atop a stand, resembling a used candle without damage to the wax. It took 4 candles to cover the egg's surface, dripped in a consistent layer before smoothing with a flame. The curves of the wooden stand mirror the engraved design, derived from wrought iron talismans. This design was engraved over the width of the egg, repetitively, before smoothing the surface once again. In close proximity, these subdermal marks are visible. I've commonly encountered the heart symbol on fences or gates, with that regard, an energetic protection similar to the prayer candle. It rests on a lace centerpiece, similar to how my dining table is set up. A space reserved for regeneration & connection. [2025].