🔥 Candle Flame Meanings 🔥 (Patreon)

Let’s talk more about candle magick and reading candle flames! This post is an extensive list of various types of candle flames and their meanings. It also discusses reading smoke, wax and colors of the flame. These two articles can be found on Grove and Grotto and Candles Love to Know and the sources can be found below.

Candle flame meanings are all about the way the flame burns. The flame becomes the transformative element to aid in manifesting your intent. The types of flame have traditional meanings that indicate how successful you are.

Candle magick is an incredibly popular and effective form of spellwork. But as any experienced witch will attest, spell candles sometimes seem to have a mind of their own. A dancing, fluttering flame seems to be communicating something…but what is it trying to say?

A bunch of traditions have sprung up around observing burning candles during a spell or ritual. Knowing these signs—and combining them with your own intuition—can give you important clues about the success or failure of your endeavor.

Interpreting candle signs is a broad folkloric practice that encompasses at least three types of divination: Pyromancy (divination by fire), ceromancy (divination by wax) and capromancy (divination by smoke).

Learning How to Interpret Candle Flame Meanings

Most candle meanings come from ancient cultures and practices, such as the Romans, Babylonians, Greeks, and Celts. Over the centuries, various religions, such as Hoodoo rootwork espoused and added to the candle divination meanings. In fact, many of the candle flame meanings were adopted and incorporated into numerous practices, including Wicca.

I’ve listed as many candle signs and superstitions as I can, learned from my many witchy teachers and friends. Your tradition may have others. Keep in mind that signs and omens are very individual, and your methods of reading them will evolve over time.

A logical explanation

Anyone well-versed in candle-making can tell you what causes weird candle behavior in strictly non-magickal terms. A tall flame is caused by an untrimmed wick. Black soot is the result of oils or colorants being exposed to high heat. And a candle that suddenly goes out could be the sign of an unfriendly spirit…or just a stiff breeze.

We all know that physical properties of candles cause them to burn differently from each other. However, one of the most useful conceits in magickal work is that everything is a sign. Once you bring any mundane object into a magickal space, it becomes a tool for understanding. With that in mind, lets dispense for a while with the chemistry and physics of candle-burning, and get back to the magick.

Here are the interpretations for each possible candle-burning quirk:

Candle burns cleanly and evenly.

Generally, uneventful candle burnings are a good sign. When the candle burns without a lot of smoke, movement, noise, or dripping, your spellwork is going as planned. The results will manifest as expected. (Though not, perhaps, as quickly or dramatically as you might like.)

Tall, bright candle flame.

There is a lot of energy behind your spell. Barriers to your success are quickly falling away. A fast, happy result is likely.

Small, steady flame.

A low-burning flame indicates less energy is fueling the spell. A small but steadily burning flame is still a good sign—though it signals a need for patience and focus. A positive result is likely, though there may be a delay. Be persistent and keep your eye on the goal. If the candle flame increases in size during the working, it means the energy behind the spell is growing.

Small, weak candle flame.

A small flame that flickers and bends is not a great sign in candle magick. The timing of the working could be wrong. Or you could be asking for an outcome that is unlikely or unfavorable in the long run. If the small flame falters or drowns in the melted wax, that is a sure sign that your petition will not be granted at this time.

Webster writes that a weak flame will produce weak results. The time simply isn't right. It also can indicate the spell is wrong, especially if it flickers. It might mean that your timing is off, or your spell needs more work before it can be powerful enough to complete your intent. Regardless of the reason, a short weak flame means there isn't enough energy to bring your intent into reality. Jacki Smith advises the flame should be extinguished. You can try to strengthen your spell another time.

Candle flame moves or dances.

An erratic, dancing flame signifies high energy in a spell—but also chaotic energy. A large dancing flame suggests success, but with potential complications. A small one means the spell may be overwhelmed by opposing forces. There may be other wills consciously or unconsciously working against you. Watch the flame closely to see if its shape or motion reveals anything to you.

Rapidly flickering candle flame.

Sometimes a candle flame will dim and brighten, dim and brighten, as if someone is flicking a light switch. In some folk magick traditions, a flickering candle flame is a certain indicator that spirits are present. If the candle is being used for devotional work (e.g. with gods, angels, or higher spirit guides), it means that the invocation was successful and your prayers are being acknowledged. A flickering candle flame is mildly trance-inducing, so you can use it as an opportunity to scry the fire for additional insights.

Some believe that a flickering candle flame is announcing the arrival of a spirit. Another traditional meaning is that strong, almost raw emotions are involved and can lead to arguments. In A Little Book of Candle Magic, author DJ Conway explains that a flickering or sputtering candle's communications can be interpreted by the four compass points.

North: If the flame flickers toward the north, it's said to be an indication that the cause is a physical one, not from a spirit.

East: A flame flickering toward the east indicates the mental part of your spell is working.

South: The bending of the flame toward the south demonstrates a great deal of physical energy surrounds your intent.

West: When the candle flame tilts to the west, it reveals the depth and energy of very strong emotions that are part of the spell work.

Candle pops or sputters.

A noisy candle indicates communication with (or interference by) outside forces. An uneven burn can signal that someone or something is working against you. Add more concentration and energy to the spell. (Or withdraw if you sense the resistance is too great.) Hisses, sputters, and whistles are sometimes said to carry messages from ancestors and spirits—try listening to them and hearing what they say.

A flame that produces a popping sound is considered another form of negative communication. The type of communication is determined by the reason you're burning the candle and what it represents. For example, if you're conducting a protection spell, many believe the popping sound means someone with bad intentions toward you is talking about you or planning something against you or planning to harm you.

Opposing Forces

A noisy and continuous sputtering flame may indicate that someone or other forces oppose you. You can light additional candles to provide greater energy. If the sputtering continues, it's best to end your work and try another time.

Dual Flames

In Coventry Magic with Candles, Oils, and Herbs, author Jacki Smith discusses candles that burn with more than one flame. Aside from the natural physical causes, Smith says that the traditional interpretation of two flames burning from one wick involves two energies or energy that is cut in half.

Two Energies at Work

The most common interpretation for dual flames is the presence of two energies that are either working together or in opposition of each other. This is determined by the kind of spell being worked, such as a protection spell or a hexing spell. The former would indicate the targeted person is reflecting the hexing magic back to the spell worker, while the latter would be a sign that the two have joined forces in the positive intent of protection.

Fast Burning Candle

There are two different types of fast burning candles. Each has a specific meaning that can help you to assess the success of your spellwork.

Even Fast Burning Candle

A candle that burns faster than normal but is an even burn can be a good omen as long as the candle doesn't have any other unusual attributes, such as sputtering or popping. When a candle seems to burn out of control, it can be a symptom that something within your work isn't correct. You should stop and repeat your spellwork, paying close attention to each step to ensure it's correct. If your second attempt results in the candle burning evenly but fast, consider the spell successful.

Uneven Fast Burning Candle

A candle that burns unevenly, with one side melting down faster than the other indicates your spell wasn't properly grounded before you cast it. You'll need to cast the spell another time. If on your second try, the candle once more burns fast and unevenly, stop your work and try your spell at a later time.

The flame suddenly goes out.

The working is finished. A stronger opposing force has put an end to it. You should open the circle, ground yourself, and leave it be. Usually this means that your petition or spell—whatever it may be—will not manifest. However, in some cases, it can mean that the objective of the working has already been attained.

According to Candle Magic for Beginners: The Simplest Magic You Can Do by Richard Webster, when a flame self-extinguishes, it puts an end to your work. This can also mean your prayer or spell was received by the spirit world. It can indicate that your spell is opposed by either the spirit realm or an individual.

Candle will not extinguish.

A candle flame that stubbornly stays lit means, “Sit down—you’re not done.” Perhaps you skipped a step or missed some important message during your candle magick ritual. Some helpful spirit or guide is nudging you to go back for what you forgot. When you feel that it has been settled, try extinguishing the candle again. Traditionally, spell candles are pinched or snuffed out—never blown.

Candle will not light at all.

This spell cannot help you win the result you seek. The outcome may have already been decided, or be outside of your control. Take some time (days or weeks) to refocus your intention before trying again. (You can do a divination instead to find out more about what is blocking you.) Meditation and spiritual cleansing may be required before you can proceed with the spell.

Burning candle makes lots of smoke.

Abundant smoke is not a good or a bad sign. It indicates the element of Air is present in the spell, the element of communication and observation. When a spell candle puts out lots of smoke, you are being called upon to use your eyes and mind to read the situation. Look at the shape, color, timing, and movement of the smoke to gather helpful information about the working.

Candle makes a puff of white smoke.

White smoke is widely regarded to be a sign of blessings and benevolent spirits. If a candle breathes out a puff of white smoke, especially at a significant moment, it means that your wish will be granted.

Candle puts out clouds of black smoke.

Dense, black smoke coming from a ritual candle is thought to represent negative energy. Conflict, bad luck, and opposing purposes surround your spellwork. Spend some time in prayer or meditation and do a cleansing ritual before proceeding with the working.

Candle smoke moves toward you.

If the smoke from a ritual candle moves towards you, it portends success in attracting what you seek. For spells to draw love, money, or healing, this is a great sign. It means you will shortly achieve what you desire. The exception is for negative workings—curses, hexes, and tricks. If the candle smoke from a hexing candle moves toward you (or fills the room), it hints that you will not be able to escape responsibility for the effects of your magick.

Candle smoke moves away from you.

Smoke that moves dramatically away from you represents energies that are outward bound. In most spells, this is not a good omen. It means that something is escaping your grasp.

However, in spells to heal, influence, and manipulate others, the travelling smoke can mean that the working is going as planned. Pay attention to the speed, direction, and shape of the smoke to determine if your magick is on track.

Candle flame burns blue.

Blue fire is a sign of spiritual presence. It is the color of Angelic and Faery fire. If a spell candle burns blue or blue-white, it is a sign that high spiritual beings have taken an interest in your magick. Red or yellow flame means that more mundane—but still potentially powerful—energy is fueling the spell.

Burning candle forms a crater in the center, leaving wax on the sides.

This is most common with large pillars and container candles, but it can also happen with votives and other candle shapes. The melted wax is centered closely around the wick, leaving tall walls of wax on the sides.

Nobody likes it when a candle burns incompletely, and it’s not a good sign in magick, either. It usually means that your will is too weak to cast an effective spell at this time. Or that the spell’s energies have been blocked from reaching their intended target.

Candle melts quickly into a puddle of wax.

A candle that is not properly contained or leveled will often develop a hole in the side, causing melted wax to drip out quickly and shortening the life of the candle. “Spending” a candle quickly is not necessarily a bad sign—it can mean that there is passionate, accelerated energy behind your spell.

A pile of wax drippings is always an invitation to ceromancy (divination by wax). Examine the hardened wax with an open mind, seeing if any shapes or message emerge. There is a whole collection of folklore about what the various shapes mean…or you can just use your intuition.

Candle burns with no wax drips.

This is a sign of a well-conceived and properly executed spell. (It is also, I must say, the sign of a well-positioned and correctly-sized wick.) Your spell will go exactly as you have written and expressed it. The candle magick gods have no lessons for you today.

Wax drips on one side only.

Something is out of balance. Expect an incomplete result. Some say that drips on the left (in relation to the magick worker) represent an emotional or psychic imbalance, while drips on the right you’re your thoughts and beliefs are getting in the way of the spell.

Black pieces appear in melted wax.

Sometimes, little bits of burnt wick will break off and sink in the melted wax. ("Candle crud" is the scientific term.) Debris in the wax signifies unintended consequences or work that will need to be done after the spell is complete. Guilt, broken hearts, karmic baggage, new hassles, and so on. Usually it's not super-serious—but not fun, either. Proceed with the working, but be ready to do some clean-up afterwards.

Soot collects on the candle container.

It is rare for a tall jar candle to burn without any soot appearing on the candle. Magick workers read the amount and location of the soot to gather information about the success or failure of the working.

Black soot is generally taken to be a sign of negative energy or interference within a spell working. If it appears only at the top of the jar, the opposition has most likely been overcome. If it covers the entire surface of the container, it means that the working has been thwarted and may need to be repeated.

White soot is a far rarer occurrence, and is said to represent spiritual communication and assistance.

A candle explodes, or a container breaks, or some other dramatic candle mishap.

A dramatic ending to your candle-burning ritual means the spellwork has been vetoed by a greater power. Cleanse yourself and your ritual space, and abandon the working until you have more information.

Sources:

https://candles.lovetoknow.com/candle-magic/how-interpret-candle-flame-meanings

https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/the-candle-signs-dictionary