I love candles. It so calming and has a hypnotic effect. I’m actually not too fond of using candles that release scents, so it’s sometimes hard to find the right one, since so many of them these days are scented. I usually use them during meditation, or evenings where I’d like to just relax. And for me, the smell – however pleasant they may be, becomes a distraction, even annoyance at times. (yes, I don’t do well with aromatheraphy. Perhaps my sense of smell is too sensitive).

Whether you use unscented or not, that’s up to you. The more important question is whether you are using soy candles. Because if you’re not, you may be doing more harm to your health than you realize. Traditional candles causes soot which is caused by the toxic elements that are released when ignited. Carcinogens are also released into the air when a traditional candle is burning. It can cause cancer, and other health related problems!

In most organic stores like Choices and WholeFoods, you can find Simplicity. A veggie-soy candle that I believe is made in North Vancouver. (I’m sorry if the info is incorrect. I just remember reading a slight blurb about it at the store – WholeFoods on Cambie has a entire section just for Simplicity! )

Simplicity Candles are 100% natural vegesoy, and contains no animal fat unlike most paraffin candles.  They burn cleaner and longer (one site stated that soy candles – not specifically Simplicity lasts 30 to 50 percent longer) than traditional petroleum based paraffin candles.  Soy candles are all natural and do not contain any toxins, thus no soot will come of them!!! So yay! No carcinogens either! Vegesoy comes from a renewable energy source, uses natural cotton wicks and is 100% biodegradable!!!

Unfortunately, I can’t find the Simplicity’s website, so you’d have to go into your local stores to buy for now. But if you like scented ones, which they now have a whole selection to choose from, you can actually smell them first before purchasing to see which one you like best. Also, I know there are other soy-candle brands as well.
Happy meditating! or happy burning just cuz you love candles

http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Benefits-of-Soy-Candles&id=182179