The Language of Candles

The following is from my book A Witch's Craft, Volume 2: A Witch's Book of Correspondences, Chpt. 5 Candle Correspondences. Candle magick is the oldest and simplest form of magick. Lighting a candle, stating your intent, and watching the candle burn will tell you quite a bit about the energies being sent out for manifestation of your need or want. They will also alert you to any problems. I hope you get some use from the information.


Blessings!


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Language of Candles
The Fire Elemental is  the Salamander and how the flame burns the candle is it’s language. So if you learn to interpret it’s language you’ll have a deeper understanding of what the energies are doing for you.


First make sure that your candle is not in a draft. Then after all possible outside problems have been considered and alleviated take a look at the candle. If the wick is too small the flame will go out no matter what you do. If the wick is too thick it will burn with a lot of soot. Once these possibilities have been investigated consider the fact that some candles are just poorly made. Get another candle and start over. Once you’ve burned a few candles you’ll get an idea of what to look for. That said, now take a look at the divinatory meanings of how a candle burns:


The longer your candles stays lit, the more energy that is being sent towards your intent.


A strong flame means that the strength of the Witch and the object is powerful and the energies being sent out by the Salamander are working towards the manifestation of your intent.


When the candle burns clean and evenly the spell or blessing will most likely be successful. A glass encased candle that burns and leaves no marks on the glass is preferred, as is a free-standing candle that leaves little or no residue. 


A pillar or taper candle that runs and melts while it is burning is a good omen. For example if you are doing a money spell and the wax flows onto the monetary offering this is a sign that the energies are eagerly at work and the money is being blessed. Another action to watch for is in a love spell when the wax flows together from one candle into the other  Is the female’s wax overflowing the male’s or vice versa, or are they flowing together, joining into one puddle.


Another thing to look at after the candle is finished burning and there is a puddle left behind is the shape of the puddle. Can you see a familiar shape in it?  Did the red love candle leave a heart shaped puddle behind?  Look and see, watch the results and learn what your candle spell work is saying to you. (I performed a Passing Over ritual for my step-mother and the wax from her candle formed a woman’s face with long flowing hair behind and an arm wrapping in a form of embrace around the wax from the candle that was for my Dad. The whole ritual was very powerful and a great success).


A word of precaution here is that a Witch should never try to influence the flow of a candle’s wax. This is unethical in your workings and can have consequences. Let the spell work as it will and if the result is not to your desire then rethink it and rework it perfecting it until it’s right. Then if it still doesn’t work consider that the Goddess has other plans.


When a glass encased candle burns half clean and half dirt there are hidden troubles for the spell’s recipient. There may also be someone working against your wishes. The desired result may not work as intended, but by perfecting and reworking the spell everything should come out as wanted.


If a pillar or taper candle smokes a lot but burns out cleanly, then again there are hidden troubles. Rethink, rework and repeat the spell and your intent should be fulfilled.


A candle (pillar, taper, glass encased, etc.) that burns dirty producing a black soot is not a good sign. This means that the spell probably won’t work, the requested blessing may fail or the person for whom the spell work was performed is under more stress or trouble than initially considered. If this is an un-hexing work then consider that the person who sent those negative energies out in the first place is fighting off your counter actions.


If the candle goes out completely (and keeps going out) before it has hardly begun to melt this is an indicator that someone very strong is working against your spell work. Start the spell again from the beginning, but you’ll have to find and use much stronger ingredients (herbs, stones, chants, knot work, etc.). Also check the quality of your candle wick, with luck a new candle is all that is needed.


For the candle that tips over and becomes a fire hazard know that the spell will definitely fail and there is an aspect of possible danger to yourself and/or the querant. To alleviate this problem first do a very thorough uncrossing spell on everyone involved, ritually cleanse the area, rework and enhance the spell with stronger attributes and try again.


A fast burning candle, one that burns faster than normal, tells you that your working will go well but will not last for long. A repeat of the spell will probably be in order. However, if the desire is for a fast result but the retention length of the intent is of no consequence, then this would be a perfect result.


A weak flame means that the Witch may have to re-evaluate or repeat the working of the spell to make it stronger, as there may be strong opposition to it‘s manifestation. Another possibility is that the spell itself may be too weak to produce enough energy for it‘s completion. Usually, you can feel the energies moving while working the spell. If it’s a strong one you know it! Weak ones kind of leave you with a feeling of “what did I leave out or forget?”


A jumping, dipping, guttering then flaring up again flame indicates bursts of energy being sent out which could be the work of the Elementals, the Witch’s intense emotions, or the subconscious response of the person the work is performed for may be influencing the energies. Make sure you are grounded and centered before beginning your magickal working because your emotions will influence your work.  


A rainbow flame is beautiful to see!  Note the colors that are being communicated by the Salamander. The interpretation of these are a direct message for you in reference to the magickal work being conducted.
A halo is the Divine itself come to assist in the Witch’s magickal endeavor. Quite often when this occurs, the flame itself will be a deep blue or purple with a white or gold halo.  A very beautiful flame to witness!


The smoke of the candle is also a part of it’s language. The way it moves gives more interpretation to the working of the spell or ritual. First verify that there are no obvious drafts causing the movement.


Northern movement of the smoke signifies that something physical is manifesting. The Witch will have to work to achieve what is desired.


Eastern movement means something mental is manifesting. Patience and the ability to think things through are key factors in the success of the spell.


Southern movement means that success will come on strong, but it will be short lived.


Western movement signifies that there is strong Magickal intervention. The issue is too emotional and the Witch is too involved to be clear headed. Back off for a while then try again.


Another aspect of candle language is the sounds it makes. If you listen carefully you will notice that a candle doesn’t burn silently.  In fact, it talks quite a bit.


Soft, infrequent noise refers to pure thoughts and intimate conversations.


Mild frequent noise is like a figure of authority giving orders and directions.


Strong frequent noise is much like the loud chatter of disagreements, arguments and quarrels.