Four Candles

They say four candles once represented the balance of the world — earth, air, fire, and water.
In the old days, travelers would light one candle for each element before a long journey. The first for safe roads, the second for fair weather, the third for guidance, and the last for return.

If all four burned evenly, the path ahead was blessed. But if one flickered out early, it meant the traveler should wait a day longer — the world wasn’t ready to guide them yet.

Even today, some light four candles before a big decision, letting their steady flames remind them that balance brings clarity.