Candles are one of the most potent symbols in our culture. You could write a whole book on the meanings of candles in storytelling, folklore, art, philosophy, and religion. Candles represent Light in all its aspects: Truth, Knowledge, Purity, Goodness, Enlightenment – even Life itself.

Putting a candle in the window has traditionally been a signal to passersby, a form of communication. Sometimes this was done when a family member was away, providing a beacon for them to find their way back home. Inns, public houses, and gracious homes put candles in the window to tell travelers that they were welcome there. A tradition in many countries was to put a red candle in the window on Christmas Eve, to welcome Christ into the world.

This image was done for the collectible card game, Heresy, Kingdom Come published by Last Unicorn Games. It was a cyberpunk game with heavenly and infernal forces battling for control. (I loved the concept!) For me, this Balance is symbolic of the choice between light and dark; truth and death. It is a choice we all must make.