In 2009, Morgana West and Jamie Evans of Starchild, on behalf of the Pilgrim Reception Centre, explored the idea of creating candles that could be used to represent Glastonbury. In 2010, the first Unity Candle was lit in a simple ceremony involving the Pilgrim Reception volunteers.
The candles are made in the heart of Glastonbury. Each candle is charged with a unique infusion made with herbs, trees and flowers including the Glastonbury Thorn, and collected in tune with the cycles of the moon from various sites in and around Glastonbury.
Since then, the Candle has visited hundreds of events and, in its familiar lantern, has been taken to ceremonies and events of all kinds, attending churches, temples and sacred venues, weddings, anniversaries, christenings, funerals, talks, workshops, conferences, civic events, festivals and concerts. It also stands on the Glastonbury Town Council table every month, where, all members of the council and public are asked to stand and, following its lighting, observe a Minute’s Silence. Since its inception, thousands of Unity Candles have now been lit all around the world. Visit the Unity Candle's Facebook page.
Each host lights it in a way that is appropriate to them, so they are personally and energetically engaged in the process of igniting not only the flame of the Candle, but their own inner flame and reminded that peace and understanding starts within.