Candle magick is a type of ritual magick that involves using candles as a focus for intention-setting and manifestation.
Candle magick is a type of ritual magick that involves using candles as a focus for intention-setting and manifestation.

Your Candle Magick Guide – Divination for the Nubie Witch

  • Reading time:24 mins read
  • Post category:Divination

Candle magick is a type of ritual magick that involves using candles as a focus for intention-setting and manifestation.

The idea behind candle magick is that by lighting a candle and focusing your intention on it, you can direct energy towards your desired outcome and bring it into manifestation.

In candle magick, the type of candle you use plays an important role, as each color and scent symbolizes different things. For instance, red candles often signify passion, love, and courage, while green candles represent growth, abundance, and prosperity. Scented candles can further enhance the spell’s intention, as various scents correspond to different emotions, energies, and elements.

During candle divination, maintaining a clear and specific intention is crucial. This involves focusing on a desired outcome or goal and visualizing its realization. Directing the spell’s energy towards manifesting this outcome is key.

Anointing the candle with oils or herbs reinforces the spell’s intention. Selecting oils and herbs aligned with specific energies and purposes supports the spell’s objective.

Once the candle is lit, the spell activates, and its energy is released into the universe, initiating the manifestation process. Visualization and meditation play pivotal roles, as concentrating on the intention and desired outcome strengthens the spell’s energy.

After the candle has burned down or the spell concludes, releasing the energy and intention is essential. Achieving this can be as simple as visualizing the manifestation of your desired outcome or as straightforward as blowing out the candle.

Candle magick is a personal and intuitive practice with numerous variations and techniques. It’s important to explore what resonates best with you and experiment with different methods to determine effectiveness.

To perform candle magick, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Choosing the Right Candle: Select a candle that aligns with your intention and the energy you wish to attract. Different colours and scents symbolize various intentions.
  2. Cleansing and Blessing the Candle: Purify the candle from any negative energy and bless it with positivity. You can achieve this through visualization, prayer, or smudging.
  3. Setting Your Intention: Concentrate on your desired outcome, visualizing it. State your intention either silently or aloud.
  4. Anointing the Candle: Enhance the candle’s energy by anointing it with oils or herbs that correspond to your intention.
  5. Lighting the Candle: Ignite the candle and focus on its flame. Envision your intention manifesting and feel the spell’s energy expanding outward.
  6. Meditation: Spend a few minutes meditating on your intention, allowing the spell’s energy to strengthen.
  7. Releasing the Spell: Once the candle has burned or when you conclude the spell, release the energy and intention by visualizing manifestation or blowing out the candle.

Candle magick is not a guarantee of a specific outcome, but rather a tool to help focus your intention and energy towards a desired outcome. The more you practice, the more you will develop your intuition and understanding of candle magick and its effects.

Candle magick can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

  1. Manifestation: To bring about a desired outcome, such as abundance, love, or success.
  2. Protection: To keep yourself or others safe from harm or negativity.
  3. Healing: To promote physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.
  4. Divination: To gain insight, guidance, or answers to specific questions.

Indeed, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to performing candle magick. The ritual is highly adaptable and can be tailored to resonate with your unique beliefs, practices, and intentions. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, candle magick offers a versatile and potent means of effecting positive change and bringing your goals and desires to fruition. It’s a dynamic and transformative tool that adapts to your needs, making it accessible and empowering for practitioners of all levels.

Beginners and Candle Magick


Candle magick presents a great entry point for beginners delving into ritual and magick. Its simplicity and minimal need for specialized knowledge or materials make it accessible and easy to grasp.

Moreover, the visual allure and calming presence of candles enhance the ritual experience, aiding beginners in focusing on their intentions. The tactile and sensory engagement with candles fosters a deeper connection with one’s intentions.

However, it’s vital to approach candle magick with caution and reverence. Understanding the properties of different candles and acknowledging potential risks like fire hazards is crucial. Practising candle magick responsibly ensures a safe and fulfilling experience.

Intentions and Spellcasting

Setting intentions for candle magick involves focusing your thoughts and emotions on a specific outcome or goal that you wish to achieve. Take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve through your candle magick. Be specific and clear about what you want to manifest, and try to formulate your intention in a positive and empowering way.

Hold your intention in your mind as you light the candle. Visualize your goal as if it has already happened, and feel the emotions and energy associated with achieving it.  As the candle burns, focus your energy. Sit quietly and focus your thoughts and energy on your intention. You might want to repeat a mantra or affirmations that reinforce your goal, or simply allow yourself to be in a state of receptive relaxation. Once the candle has burned down, release your intention into the universe. Trust that your goal will be realized in the best way possible.

You can also write your intention down on a piece of paper. The point of this is to again focus on your intention. You can then burn the paper, place it under the candle, or tie it around the body of the candle. Once it is burnt, your intentions are released into the universe.

Pairing Intentions to Colours in Candle Magick

In candle magick you can use different colours of candles to associate with different energies and intentions. The colour of the candle you use can help reinforce your intentions for the spell and provide additional energy and focus. Choosing the right colour is a very personal thing and you should always follow your gut. Though, if you are unsure or a newbie, you can easily follow the most commonly used colours in candle magick and their correspondence.

  • Red: Associated with energy, passion, love, and desire, red is ideal for spells about love, sexuality, and physical vitality.
  • Orange: Symbolizing enthusiasm, creativity, and abundance, orange is perfect for spells focusing on success, prosperity, and personal power.
  • Yellow: Representing communication, clarity, and intellectual abilities, yellow is suitable for spells aimed at enhancing clarity, creativity, and motivation.
  • Green: Signifying growth, abundance, and prosperity, green is well-suited for spells centered around healing, abundance, and manifestation.
  • Blue: Reflecting peace, communication, and intuition, blue is excellent for spells promoting peace, calming, and protection.
  • Purple: Linked to spiritual power, intuition, and creativity, purple is great for spells involving spirituality, psychic abilities, and manifestation.
  • Black: Symbolizing protection, banishing, and grounding, black is effective for spells focused on protection, banishing, and removing negative influences.
  • White: Representing purification, clarity, and spiritual energy, white is ideal for spells related to purification, clarity, and spiritual growth.

Candle Shapes in Candle Magick

In candle magick, the shape of the candle you use can also play a role in reinforcing your intentions for the spell. Correspondences may vary depending on the tradition or practice you follow and your personal beliefs. That said, you can use some generally agreed-upon candle shapes in candle magick and their correspondences.

  • Tapers: Taper candles are long, thin candles. You can use them for spells related to protection, banishing, and breaking negative patterns.
  • Pillar candles: Pillar candles are thicker, cylindrical candles. You can use them for spells related to abundance, prosperity, and manifestation.
  • Votive candles: Votive candles are small, cup-shaped candles. You can use them for spells related to peace, calming, and protection.
  • Tealights: Tealights are small, flat-bottomed candles. You can use them for spells related to grounding, stability, and protection.
  • Spell candles: Spell candles are typically large, thick candles. You can use them for spells related to manifestation, abundance, and prosperity.

Candle Scents and Intentions

The candle scents also play a role in reinforcing your intentions in candle magick. Use scents to enhance your focus and the power of your spell by aligning their energies with your intentions. Some of the most commonly used scents in candle magick and their correspondences are:

  • Lavender: Linked with peace, calm, and relaxation, lavender is perfect for spells targeting sleep, stress relief, and calming purposes.
  • Rose: Associated with love, romance, and healing, rose is ideal for spells addressing love, self-love, and emotional healing.
  • Sandalwood: Symbolizing spiritual growth, protection, and grounding, sandalwood is well-suited for spells focused on spiritual growth, manifestation, and protection.
  • Orange: Reflecting enthusiasm, creativity, and abundance, orange is effective for spells aimed at success, prosperity, and personal power.
  • Cinnamon: Signifying prosperity, abundance, and success, cinnamon is suitable for spells focused on success, abundance, and manifestation.
  • Patchouli: Linked with grounding, stability, and protection, patchouli is great for spells addressing grounding, stability, and protection.
  • Frankincense: Associated with spirituality, purification, and protection, frankincense is excellent for spells targeting spiritual growth, purification, and protection.

Symbols and Inscriptions in Candle Magick

Using symbols and sigils in candle magick reinforces your spells’ intentions. By drawing or inscribing symbols on your candle, the energy of the intention is amplified and focused. Some commonly used symbols in candle magick:

  • Runes: Ancient symbols used in divination and magick. You can draw upon each rune’s meaning and energies to enhance the intention of a candle spell.
  • Planetary symbols: Each planet is associated with a specific energy and planetary symbols. You can utilise these energies to reinforce your intentions for a candle spell. For example, you can draw the Venus symbol to reinforce your love, beauty, or abundance spells.
  • Elemental symbols: The elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit are associated with specific energies. Use these energies to reinforce the intention of your candle spell.
  • Sigils: A sigil is a symbol created specifically for a specific intention. To create a sigil, write out your intention, simplify it, and create a symbol that represents that word.
  • Glyphs: Glyphs are symbols that carry specific energy or meaning. In candle magick, glyphs serve as powerful symbols that can be employed to strengthen and reinforce the intention of a spell.

How to Anoint a Candle

You can bless and charge your candle with extra energy by anointing the candle using oils, herbs, or other substances. Anointing a candle helps to infuse it with your intention and energy. It can be a powerful tool in enhancing the focus and power of your spell. Here’s how to anoint a candle in candle magick:

  1. Choose an oil or herb that aligns with your intention. Some common oils used in candle magick include lavender, rose, sandalwood, and cinnamon.
  2. Cleanse and bless the candle. Hold the candle in your hands. Visualize a white light surrounding it, and ask for divine guidance to bless the candle.
  3. Open the bottle of oil or herbs and anoint the candle from the wick to the bottom. If using oil, use your fingers to sparingly apply the oil to the candle. Start at the wick and work your way down to the bottom of the candle. * If using herbs, sprinkle the herbs over the candle and press them into the wax.
  4. Visualize your intention as you anoint the candle. Centre your attention on the energy of your intention and envision it merging seamlessly with the candle. Infuse it with your desired outcome.
  5. Repeat affirmations or incantations to reinforce your intention.
  6. Allow the candle to air-dry completely before lighting it.

* There are countless ways to anoint your candle and factors to include are whether you’re attracting or banishing energy. Ultimately, it’s all a personal choice and what’s important is that you do what feels right for you.

Meditative State

Meditation can be a powerful tool in candle magick as it helps to focus your energy and intention. Here’s how you can use meditation with candle magick:

  1. Choose a quiet and relaxing place where you won’t be disturbed.
  2. Light the candle and sit in a comfortable position, with your back straight and your feet flat on the ground.
  3. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to relax. Focus on the flame of the candle and allow your mind to calm.
  4. Visualize your intention as you gaze at the flame. Imagine that the light of the flame is imbued with your intention and that it is growing stronger and brighter with each passing moment.
  5. Repeat affirmations or incantations related to your intention. Focus on the energy of your intention as you repeat the words.
  6. Continue to meditate on your intention for as long as you feel comfortable. When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes and end the meditation.

Using meditation in conjunction with candle magick helps deepen your connection to your intention and amplifies your spell’s power. It’s important to choose a quiet, relaxing place, be mindful of your energy, and focus throughout the meditation.

Releasing Your Intentions

Releasing your intentions in candle magick involves letting go of the energy and focus you’ve put into the spell, allowing the universe to manifest the desired outcome. Here are several ways to release your intentions in candle magick:

  1. Allowing the candle to burn out completely: This traditional method sends the spell’s energy into the universe, releasing your intention for the universe to work its magick.
  2. Extinguishing the candle: If you need to end the spell early, you can extinguish the candle. Some practitioners prefer using a snuffer or blowing out the flame to avoid dampening the spell’s energy.
  3. Visualization: As you extinguish the candle, visualize your intention being released and the desired outcome manifesting. This strengthens the spell’s energy and sends it out into the universe with force.
  4. Grounding: After completing the spell, ground yourself by taking deep breaths, meditating, or performing another grounding activity. This releases any residual energy from the spell and brings you back to the present moment. You can also physically ground yourself by placing your palms on the ground for a few seconds to let the energy pass.

Releasing your intentions is a crucial step in candle magick, ensuring that the spell’s energy and intention actively work in the universe to manifest your desires.

How Long Should The Candle Burn

The length of time you should let a candle burn in candle magick depends on the specific intention and spell you are casting.

  • Short spells: For short spells, you can burn the candle for a few minutes or until it has burned down to a specific point, such as a symbol or image engraved on the candle.
  • Long spells: For long spells, you can burn the candle for several hours or even over several days. In these cases, it’s important to make sure that the candle is in a safe place where it won’t pose a fire hazard and to check on it periodically to ensure that it is burning safely.

If the candle has not burned down completely, you can choose to relight it to continue the spell. When relighting the candle, it’s important to focus on your intention and to align your energy with the energy of the spell. In general, relighting a candle can be a way to keep the energy and intention of a spell strong and to continue working towards the desired outcome.

Amplifying the Magick

Enhance your candle magick with Crystals

Crystals are potent allies in the practice of candle magick, offering unique energies and properties that can amplify the intentions of your spells. Here’s how you can harness the power of crystals to enhance your candle magick rituals:

  1. Choosing Crystals: Select crystals that resonate with the intention of your spell. Each crystal carries its own energetic vibration, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your desired outcome. For example, amethyst is excellent for spiritual growth and intuition, while rose quartz is ideal for love and emotional healing.
  2. Placement: Once you’ve chosen your crystal, decide how you want to incorporate it into your candle magick ritual. You can place the crystal directly on top of your candle, allowing its energy to infuse with the flame and radiate throughout your space. Alternatively, you can arrange crystals around the base of the candle to create a sacred circle of energy.
  3. Charging: Before using a crystal in your candle magick ritual, it’s beneficial to charge it with your intention. You can do this by holding the crystal in your hands, closing your eyes, and visualizing your desired outcome. Focus on imbuing the crystal with your intention and feel its energy aligning with yours.
  4. Anointing: Anointing your crystal with essential oils or herbal infusions can further enhance its energy and connection to your intention. Gently massage a small amount of oil onto the surface of the crystal, or place it in a dish with dried herbs and allow it to absorb their essence.
  5. Meditation: During your candle magick ritual, take a few moments to meditate with your crystal. Close your eyes, hold the crystal in your hands, and focus on its energy. Allow yourself to connect with the crystal’s vibration and visualize your intention manifesting with clarity and ease.
  6. Releasing: After your candle has burned down or your ritual is complete, take a moment to thank the crystal for its assistance. Release any residual energy or intention by placing the crystal in a bowl of salt or under running water. Alternatively, you can leave it in sunlight or moonlight to recharge and cleanse its energy.

By incorporating crystals into your candle magick rituals, you can amplify the energy of your spells and deepen your connection to the magickal forces at work. Experiment with different crystals and techniques to discover which ones resonate most strongly with you and your intentions.

Harnessing the Power of Salt in Candle Magick

Salt is revered in candle magick for its purifying and protective properties. It’s versatile, cleansing your space, amplifying intentions, and fortifying spells. Here’s how:

  1. Cleansing Rituals: Before any ritual, cleanse your space. Sprinkle salt in a circle or place bowls at cardinal points. Visualize purification as you light candles.
  2. Anointing Candles: Blend salt with carrier oil and essential oils to create anointing oil. Rub it onto candles, focusing on intentions. Visualize salt magnifying your spell’s energy.
  3. Salt Candle Holders: Opt for Himalayan pink salt holders for purification or black salt for protection. They provide a stable base and emit a soothing glow, enhancing your ritual’s ambiance.
  4. Salt Ritual Baths: Dissolve sea or epsom salt in a warm bath. Immerse yourself, visualizing purification and revitalization. Feel empowered and ready for your candle magick.
  5. Salt Circle Rituals: Sprinkle salt in a circle around your space. Visualize it as a protective barrier. Light candles within the circle, feeling salt amplifying your intentions.

Incorporate salt into your candle magick to elevate spells with purity, protection, and potent energy. Experiment to discover its power in your practice.

Reading Candle Divination Results

Interpreting the results of candle magick can be subjective and personal, as it may involve perceiving both physical and energetic changes. Here are some ways to interpret the results of your candle magick:

  1. Physical manifestation: If your intention was to manifest a specific outcome, such as finding a new job, you may notice physical changes or opportunities arising in your life.
  2. Energetic shifts: You may feel a change in energy or mood, such as feeling more confident, empowered, or peaceful. This can indicate that the energy of the spell has taken effect and is working towards manifesting your intention.
  3. Dream symbols: Sometimes, the results of a spell can be revealed through symbols or messages in your dreams. Pay attention to any recurring symbols or messages that may relate to your intention.
  4. Intuition: Your intuition can also provide insight into the results of your spell. Trust your gut feelings and pay attention to any new insights or hunches that may come to you.
  5. The candle itself: Observing the way the candle burns or the appearance of the wax can also provide insight into the results of the spell. For example, a fast-burning candle can indicate quick manifestation, while a slow-burning candle can indicate a longer journey towards manifestation.

Interpretation of candle magick can vary depending on your beliefs and the context in which you perform your magick. Generally, however, the interpretation of candle magick involves the following elements:

How to Read Wax Drippings

Interpreting the wax is a form of divination that can provide insight into the outcome of a spell or offer guidance in a specific situation. It’s important to remember that the interpretation of the wax can vary depending on the individual and that the most important factor is the intention and focus you bring to the spell.

  1. Choose a candle that is appropriate for your intention. Anoint the candle with oil, if desired, and inscribe symbols or sigils that align with your intention.
  2. Light the candle and let it burn for a few minutes. Observe the wax as it melts and begins to form shapes and patterns.
  3. Look for symbols and shapes that stand out to you. Each shape or symbol may carry a specific meaning, but the interpretation can vary depending on the individual and the context of the spell.
  4. Pay attention to the direction in which the wax is flowing and the shapes that are forming. For instance, if the wax flows toward the wick during the burning process, it could signify progress or success in the spell’s manifestation. Conversely, if the wax flows away from the wick, it might suggest a setback or delay in achieving the desired outcome.
  5. Continue to observe the wax until the candle has burned down completely or until you feel you have received the information you need.

Wax Dripping Meanings

In candle magick, the meanings of wax shapes and patterns can vary depending on the individual and the context of the spell. However, here are some common interpretations of wax shapes and patterns in candle magick:

  • Drips and Runs: Wax drips and runs suggest a lack of focus or energy in the spell. If wax drips down the candle’s sides, it may mean energy drainage, signalling potential ineffectiveness.
  • Sputters and Flames: A sputtering or flickering flame hints at resistance or obstacles hindering your intention. A taller or brighter flame suggests spell momentum and free-flowing energy.
  • Pooling Wax: If wax gathers at the candle’s bottom, the spell might slow down or energy may stagnate. Wax pooling around the wick may indicate blockages or disrupted energy flow.
  • Crackling Wax: Crackling or popping wax signals tension or conflict in the situation. It may also suggest the spell is drawing attention or energy buildup.
  • Soot Formation: Soot on the wick or candle indicates an unclean burn or negativity in the energy.

How to Interpret Candle Flames

Reading the flames in candle magick is a form of divination that involves interpreting the movements and changes of the flame. Interpreting the flames is a form of divination that can provide insight into the outcome of a spell or offer guidance in a specific situation.

  1. Choose a candle that is appropriate for your intention. Anoint the candle with oil, if desired, and inscribe symbols or sigils that align with your intention.
  2. Light the candle and let it burn for a few minutes. Observe the flame and pay attention to its movements and changes.
  3. Look for changes in the height, brightness, and colour of the flame. For example, a bright and steady flame may indicate that the spell is gaining momentum and that the energy is flowing freely. A flickering or sputtering flame may indicate that there is resistance or obstacles in the way of your intention.
  4. Pay attention to the direction in which the smoke is flowing. If the smoke is flowing upward, it may indicate that the energy is rising and that the spell is making progress. If the smoke is flowing downward, it may indicate that the energy is sinking or that the spell is not going to be effective.
  5. Observe. Continue to observe the flame until the candle has burned down completely or until you feel you have received the information you need.

Candle Flame Meanings

In candle magick, the interpretation of the candle flame is not an exact science and can vary depending on personal beliefs, instinct, and the context of the spell. It’s important to remember that the most important factor is the intention and focus you bring to the spell and that the flame can provide additional guidance and insight into the energy and outcome of the spell.

  • Flame Height: A tall, steady flame suggests spell momentum and free-flowing energy. A short or flickering flame may indicate resistance or obstacles to your intention.
  • Smoke Direction: Upward smoke flow signifies rising energy and spells progress. Downward smoke flow suggests sinking energy or potential ineffectiveness.
  • Leaping Flames: Flames jumping or leaping denote potent spell energy or spirit presence, directed towards a specific goal.
  • Dancing Flames: Erratic flame movement suggests spell instability or chaotic energy in the situation.
  • Flickering and Sputtering Flames: Flame flickering or sputtering hints at resistance or obstacles. A taller, brighter flame suggests spell momentum and free-flowing energy.
  • Extinguishing Flame: Sudden flame extinguishment may indicate spell interruption or energy blockage. It could also signify spell completion or desired outcome achievement.
  • Bubbles: Wax bubbles may indicate energy release or spell breakthrough against obstacles.

How to Read Candle Smoke in Candle Magick

In candle magick, interpreting the smoke from a burning candle is a common method for assessing the energy and potential outcome of a spell. However, it’s essential to recognize that these interpretations are not fixed and can vary depending on the practitioner and the unique circumstances of the spell.

  • Thin, Straight Smoke: Indicates focused spell energy, flowing smoothly towards the intended outcome with clarity and precision.
  • Thick, Curling Smoke: Suggests potent spell energy, intense and powerful, possibly overcoming obstacles with force and determination.
  • Sooty Smoke: Indicates potential blockages in the spell’s manifestation or the presence of negative energy hindering its effectiveness. It may also signal a deviation from the intended outcome.
  • Sputtering or Flickering Smoke: Reflects unstable spell energy or potential blockages in its flow. It may signify uncertainty regarding the desired outcome or obstacles in the spell’s path.

Candle Burns

The duration of a candle’s burning can serve as a means to assess the energy and potential outcome of a spell in candle magick. Here are some interpretations of candle-burning times:

  • Quick Burn: A fast-burning candle suggests rapid spell progress and imminent manifestation of the desired outcome.
  • Slow Burn: A slow-burning candle indicates delayed manifestation or potential obstacles to overcome.
  • Steady Burn: A consistently burning candle signals spell stability and smooth energy flow towards the intended outcome.
  • Uneven Burn: An irregularly burning candle suggests spell instability or energy blockage, possibly indicating uncertainty in achieving the desired outcome.

It is important to be patient and open-minded when interpreting the results of your candle magick. Trust that the universe is working on your behalf and that your desired outcome will manifest in the best way possible.

Reusing Candles

You can reuse a candle if you want to do a continuation of the original spell or to expand on it somehow.  However, reusing the same candle for two entirely different spells is a preference. Things to keep in mind:

  • Energy and Intention: Every spell and intention carries its unique energy and focus. Reusing a candle may dilute the energy and intention of a spell, making it harder to achieve the desired outcome.
  • Clearing Energy: Completely clearing the energy from a candle after it’s been used for a spell can be challenging. Using a new candle for each spell is believed by some practitioners to ensure clear and strong energy and intention.
  • Symbolism: Candles often symbolize the spell or intention. Using a new candle for each spell reinforces this symbolism and the intention behind the spell.

Nevertheless, if you want to be resourceful:

  1. Clearing the Energy: Prior to using the same candle for another spell, it’s crucial to clear the energy from the previous spell. You can achieve this by visualizing a bright light washing over the candle, passing it through the smoke of sage or another purifying herb, or giving it a moon cleanse.
  2. Aligning with the Intention: Before reusing the same candle for a different spell, ensure it aligns with the new intention. Set a new intention for the spell through meditation, visualization, or by anointing the candle with oil or herbs that resonate with the new intention.