Candle magic is a powerful form of spellwork that harnesses the energy of candles to manifest intentions and desires. Each color of candle holds a specific meaning and can be used to enhance the outcome of a spell. When choosing a candle color for a spell or ritual, it is important to consider the symbolism and associations of each color. White candles are often associated with purity, innocence, and spiritual enlightenment. They can be used in spells for protection, healing, and purification. White candles can also be used as substitutes for any other color, as they are seen as a blank canvas for energy and intentions.
A Beginner’s Guide to Candle Magic
This article was co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Jennifer McVey is a Spiritualist, Seer, and the Spiritual Director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions. With more than 22 years of experience, she specializes in manifesting, ghosts and spirit attachments, hypnotherapy, channeling, and spiritually based life coaching. Jennifer has also published 13 Affirmation Image and six Word Search Puzzle books in spirituality and self-help and has produced over 600 audio sessions.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
Candle magic has been used in spells and rituals for centuries as a tool for manifestation, partly because it's fairly simple to perform and doesn't require too many items to do! Want to try your hand at candle magic? You've come to the right place! We’re going to take a deep dive into the ins and outs of using candles for manifestation purposes, with the help of medium, spiritual director, and life coach Jennifer McVey, Cht.
Things You Should Know- To do candle magic, clarify your intention: what do you want to manifest? Choose candle colors that reflect your vision (such as green if you want to manifest wealth).
- Speak, sing, or chant your desire, and then light the candle.
- Read the flames to see if the spell was successful: if the flame is tall, the spell worked, but if it goes out, you may need to try again later.
What is candle magic?
Candle magic is a tool for manifesting your desires. The exact origins of candle magic are uncertain, but since ancient times, in cultures all over the world, fire has been used in magic rituals, and that includes candles. By lighting a candle, voicing a wish, and interpreting the candle’s flames, you may be able to manifest your dream life.
Advertisement Section 2 of 4:How to Perform Candle Magic Spells
- Medium, spiritual director, and life coach Jennifer McVey says, "Write [your affirmation] in the present tense. You want to make it clear, concise. and positive."
Gather items for your ritual that reflect your intention. Once you’ve clarified your vision, assemble candles, herbs, and any other materials you believe reflect that vision. These could be items that carry specific magical properties, or they could just be things you find meaningful or aesthetically pleasing.
- As for when to perform your spell? Plan for the next new moon, McVey says: "[A]s the moon grows, your idea would grow. [and come to] fruition."
- Any oil you’ve got around the house is fine—like avocado oil, jojoba oil, or essential oil.
- Some people opt to speak or pray their wish into existence, while others chant or sing it. Go with whatever feels right!
- Jennifer McVey suggests writing your spell down ahead of time and "bury[ing] [it], or rip[ping] it up" during the ritual.
- McVey also cautions, “My only warning would be to be sure [not to] set anything on fire.”
- Jennifer McVey says, “[It’s like] looking into a crystal ball…. Unfocus your eyes a little bit… [Clear] your mind, [relax] your body…and then look at the flame and see what you see.”
- Common flame interpretations include:
- A tall flame: The ritual was successful. Congrats!
- Popping or sizzling: A spirit is trying to communicate with you! What “words” do you hear in the crackling of the flame?
- The candle refuses to light: Negative forces may be interfering with your spell—try again later.
Candle Color Meanings
Different colored candles are believed to carry specific magical properties. To help ensure your spell is successful, pick the appropriate candle color—or even combine multiple colors!
Pink candles represent self-love, friendship, romance, femininity, and kindness. Use pink candles in love spells, friendship spells, spells to make others kind to you, and more. [1] X Research source
Blue candles symbolize inner peace, forgiveness, and clarity. Use blue candles to alleviate anxiety or stress, to make you feel calmer and more self-assured, and even to help with sleep problems.
Green is associated with wealth, luck, fertility, and personal growth. Light a green candle to protect yourself from misfortune, increase your wealth, or make your next venture lucky.
Purple is the color of psychic growth and mystical awareness. Light a purple candle to foretell the future, promote healing and compassion, or increase your passion and motivation.
Red is the color of passion, lust, power, and courage. Use a red candle to boost your confidence and sexual attractiveness, make you more fertile, or increase your stamina or physical strength.
Orange represents fun, success, joy, excitement, and energy. Light an orange candle to boost your motivation, confidence, and energy and to help you look on the bright side of things.
Yellow is associated with vitality, creativity, clarity, positivity, and confidence. Light a yellow candle to feel more in control, to know what you want, to boost creativity, and to attract positive vibes. [2] X Research source
Black is about protection, stability, and endurance. If you’re having a hard time, lighting a black candle can help you stick with it and guard your aura from negative energies.
White candles bring about hope, peace, purification, and positive energy. If you’re feeling discouraged or unwell, lighting a white candle can cleanse your energy and attract positive vibes.
Brown is the color associated with balance, security, and material needs. If you’re struggling financially or dealing with physical health problems, a brown candle can help you attract some stability and safety.
Candle Magic – Colors, Rituals and Meanings
Candle magic is one of the first types of practical magic and spell work I explored in my spiritual journey. The combination of wax, wick and flame entranced me. The smells of the essential oils and melting wax, the flames dancing and forming shapes, it filled me with incredible energy and allowed me to focus in a way that was new to me. Over the years I have grown my love of candle magic, incorporating more practices and ritual activities. If you are looking to bring candle magic into your spiritual practice, I highly recommend it. Here is a simple guide to help you get started.
Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You would struggle to find anyone who doesn’t associate candles with spiritual and ritual practices regardless of their path. Around the world, across cultures and religions, candles are a powerful part of spiritual work. So it isn’t surprising that this young witch who was exploring many paths, including wicca, but who also grew up attending Catholic school, would be drawn to candle magic. Candles help push back the darkness, to light our path, and for many witches (and other religions) it is a way to bring us closer to the divine. Fire can warm us, feed us, but it can also ravage and destroy with unfathomable power. Candle magic adds strength and power to ritual work, spellcasting and spiritual practice unlike anything else.
White candles can also be used as substitutes for any other color, as they are seen as a blank canvas for energy and intentions. Red candles are often associated with passion, love, and courage. They can be used in spells and rituals that involve attraction, desire, and strength.
What is Candle Magic?
To put it simply, candle magic is using candles as the focal point for spell work, rituals, intention setting, manifestation, meditation, plus divine and spiritual connection. Think of the candle like a power cell, uplifting and powering up any work you are doing. It is inexpensive and can be very simple or as complex as you want to make your ritual. Perfect for everyone. All you need is a candle, a way to light the candle, and your own intentions. From there you can add oils, herbs, special candle colors, scribing, even the shapes of the candles to power up your candle magic rituals further.
Red candles are also powerful for spells related to sexual energy and vitality. Pink candles are often associated with love, self-care, and nurturing. They can be used in spells and rituals to attract and enhance romantic relationships, as well as for self-love and healing. Pink candles are gentle and can bring a soothing and calming energy to a space. Orange candles are often associated with creativity, success, and joy. They can be used in spells and rituals related to inspiration, motivation, and abundance. Orange candles can help to bring positivity and confidence into one's life. Yellow candles are often associated with intellect, communication, and clarity. They can be used in spells and rituals that involve learning, studying, and mental clarity. Yellow candles can also be used to enhance communication and bring about new ideas and perspectives. Green candles are often associated with growth, fertility, and prosperity. They can be used in spells and rituals related to abundance, money, and success. Green candles can also be used to promote healing, harmony, and balance. Blue candles are often associated with calmness, tranquility, and emotional healing. They can be used in spells and rituals that involve relaxation, meditation, and emotional healing. Blue candles can also be used to enhance communication and express one's feelings. Purple candles are often associated with spirituality, intuition, and psychic abilities. They can be used in spells and rituals that involve divination, meditation, and spiritual development. Purple candles can also be used to enhance dreamwork and connect with the higher self. Black candles are often associated with protection and banishing negative energies. They can be used in spells and rituals to remove obstacles, break bad habits, and repel negative influences. It is important to use black candles with caution and respect, as they hold potent energy. Using the appropriate color candle for a spell can greatly enhance its effectiveness by aligning with the desired outcome and intention. It is also important to cleanse and charge candles before use to remove any unwanted energies and infuse them with your own intentions..
Reviews for "Understanding the Role of Color in Candle Magic and Their Connecting Energies"
1) Jane - 1 Star - I was very disappointed with "Candle magic color meanings". I found the book to be extremely repetitive and lacking in depth. The author simply lists different colors and their supposed meanings without providing any real explanation or evidence. I was hoping for a more comprehensive guide with detailed instructions on how to perform candle magic rituals, but this book fell short of my expectations.
2) Mark - 2 Stars - While "Candle magic color meanings" has some interesting information, I was left feeling unsatisfied with its content. The book mostly covers the basic color associations in candle magic without really delving into the significance or origins behind them. Additionally, the writing style is quite dry and lacking in enthusiasm. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking a more in-depth exploration of candle magic color meanings.
3) Sarah - 2.5 Stars - "Candle magic color meanings" is informative to a certain extent, but it lacks organization and coherence. The book jumps from one color meaning to another without establishing a clear structure or flow. I also found some of the interpretations to be inconsistent and subjective, making it difficult to fully trust the information presented. While it may serve as a beginner's reference, more experienced practitioners may find it lacking depth and detail.
4) Michael - 2 Stars - I found "Candle magic color meanings" to be overly simplistic and superficial. The book barely scratches the surface when it comes to explaining the diverse meanings behind different candle colors. Furthermore, the lack of practical guidance or rituals made it feel like a mere glossary rather than a comprehensive guide to candle magic. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the subject.
Demystifying Candle Magic: An In-Depth Look at Color Symbolism