Urban Mystic Winter Magic: Creating Your Own Vänt Candle Holder

When the nights grow longer and winter evenings arrive, I feel the call of a light. Not the harsh neon, not the candles in shop windows – but a small, intentional ritual: my Vänt Candle Holder, guiding me week by week until the return of the light. The neo-pagan version of the Advent wreath, gently leading me through the weeks toward the winter solstice.

A brief note on the origin of this tradition

The Vänt Candle Holder comes from Scandinavia and is a modern, neo-pagan take on the Advent wreath. Unlike the classic Advent wreath, which historically itself evolved from ancient pagan winter solstice customs and was later adapted by Christianity, the Vänt Candle Holder is deliberately focused on the winter solstice. In a way, it celebrates the anticipation of the return of the light.

Six candles mark the weeks leading up to the longest night of the year. Some light them on Thursdays, following old Nordic folk-magic traditions, but honestly – you choose when your light moment begins. Each candle is a mini-ritual, a little pause, a conscious “Here I am, counting the light.”

What I love about it is the freedom. You don’t need a perfect wreath or expensive decorations. A simple candle holder, a few branches, berries, or dried flowers – done. If you like, add runes or little symbols, but it’s not about rules – it’s about intention and intuition.

The Vänt Candle Holder is more than a ritual – it’s an invitation: a path of light in the urban darkness, a reminder that darkness and light belong together, alternate, and teach us to live more consciously. Week by week, another candle lights up, until all of them burn, and you realize: the darkness is never empty. It’s full of possibilities, small magics, and moments that belong only to you.

So, whether you see yourself as a pagan, an urban mystic, or just a city dweller looking for a touch of magic – try it. Light your first candle, take a deep breath, feel the glow. And maybe you’ll notice that we ourselves are the magic that illuminates the darkness.

Mini Guide: How to Create Your Own Vänt Candle Holder (Urban Mystic Version)

1. Pick your candles – your light, your style – Six candles are traditional, but four, eight, or whatever works for you is fine. Color, shape, scent – anything goes. The only rule: they must make your heart shine.

   
   

2. Build your base – nature meets city – Plate, small wreath, candle holder – whatever you have. Gather branches, berries, dried flowers, or other little treasures from your urban or natural surroundings. It makes your candle holder beautiful and gives it your vibe.

   
   

3. Arrange the candles – circle, line, chaos – The candles mark the weeks until the winter solstice. Circle? Line? Wing it! Anything that feels right.

   
   

4. Add symbols – runes or your own signs

   • Rune fans: The first six runes of the Futhark (Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kaunan) are perfect. Each candle carries its own energy.

   • Not into runes? No problem! Draw, write, or place small symbols, words, or figures that represent strength, hope, or joy to you. Make your Vänt Candle Holder 100% you.

     
     

5. Set your intention – a moment for you – Before lighting a candle: breathe deeply, collect your thoughts. What is this candle for? Strength, calm, magic, gratitude – whatever you need in this moment.

   
   

6. Light weekly – your mini ritual – Monday, Thursday, whenever it feels right. Light one more candle each week. Watch the darkness gradually brighten – and feel your inner light grow.

   
   

7. Enjoy – your little light show – Watch the flames, breathe consciously, soak in the moment. Read a short poem, whisper your intention, or simply be still. Each candle is a mini ritual, just for you – in the middle of the city, at your own pace, with your own magic.