Before the discovery and widespread use of electricity, candles and firelight were the only instruments humans could rely on to navigate after dark. But in the 21st century, they are two of the most effective stimuli for creating a romantic mood. And if you use a highly scented candle, you'll create an even more effective sensual experience.

Candles affect us on a number of different levels:

1. Gazing at a flame is a mesmerizing experience and relaxes both the eyes and the mind.

2. Because a candle throws light on a relatively small area, it creates a sense of intimacy among the people basking in its glow.

3. On an emotional level, a candle induces a sense of warmth, even though it emits very little heat.

4. A candle can also capture the eye through the beauty of its color and design, which are enhanced by the flickering flame.

5. A highly scented candle adds more pleasure to the mix by stimulating the olfactory senses.

You can use highly scented candles to create a romantic atmosphere during intimate evenings at home, or you can give them to special people in your life as gifts.

There are so many varieties of candles now available in the marketplace that you're sure to find one to suit every taste.

Candle Uses:

1. Aromatherapy

The study of how scent affects the central nervous system is centuries old. Modern day aromatherapists can evaluate a client's situation and prescribe a remedy in one short consultation. Highly scented candles can be used in the same way as essential oils to change a person's frame of mind in a calm and non-threatening way.

Here are some uses for highly scented or aromatherapy candles:

a. To help a person feel calm, give them a candle scented with chamomile.
b. A lavender candle will induce a feeling of serenity.
c. To help someone with flagging energy, give him or her a sandalwood candle.
d. To help restore a person's spirit, give a candle scented with ocean breeze.

2. Relaxation

a. Candles are often used in meditation, and suitable types include chakra candles and Feng Shui candles.
b. Meditators often use an aromatherapy burner fueled by tealights or votive candles.
c. Give highly scented candles to someone who enjoys taking baths by candlelight.

3. Color Therapy

a. Choose soft colors or light and neutral shades for people who love to relax.
b. Give strong colored candles to people who love to celebrate.

4. Celebration

a. Candles are regularly used in ceremonies such as christenings, birthdays, weddings and funerals.

Most candles are made from beeswax, paraffin, soy, gel and other materials such as resins. You can purchase clean burning soy candles if you or the people around you suffer from allergies or hypersensitivity.

Candle Shapes

Candles come in all shapes and sizes:

1. Long thin candles known as pillars and tapers
2. Small candles including votive and tealights
3. Geometric shapes, including balls, pyramids, squares and rectangles
4. Character shapes
5. Candles in decorative containers such as glass, wire or steel vases

All of these, with the possible exception of character shapes, make great romantic gifts. And even a character shaped candle can be romantic if it has a special significance. For example, a candle shaped like a snowman can remind her of the night you fell in love while building a snowman in her parents' yard.

Most women love candles of any kind, and men who take pride in their surroundings will also appreciate a beautifully crafted candle.

Choosing a Candle

Here are some commonsense tips to help you choose a great romantic candle:

1. Keep in mind the colors the person favors in his or her home. Don't give her a sparkling blue candle if her living room is decorated in shades of peach. Don't give him a red candle if his apartm friendly materials like soy.

It's worth taking the time to think through the other person's preferences before you buy a candle for a romantic gift. People recognize when thought has gone into a gift selection, just as they sense when the choice was haphazard. Your thoughtfulness will add immeasurably to their appreciation of your gift.

About the Author

Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer for http://www.romantic-gift-ideas-online.com, a resource site dedicated to helping visitors find the perfect romantic gift.