[quote]

I use a candle as part of a technique.
I am guessing because it has such a calming effect that it is like visual meditation.
I stare at the candle for as long as I can. I try to keep a conscious perspective of the candle but sooner or later the sleep eventually overrides my conscious thought. These often lead into late stage hypnagogic imagery! ----> Then lucidity!

Sounds kinda like the lotus flame technique, but more concentrating on staring, rather than visualising! I dont wanna burn my cool Mozart candle though : (