Candle magick refers to any magical working or spell that uses candles. The candle itself is a stand-in for another force in the Universe. Lighting it is a symbolic act designed to create change. My first spell ever was a candle spell, and many witches start with them.
Candle spells need intent and raised power. You can read my recent article on empowering objects like candles here. I recommend using those techniques on any candle you’re using for magick.
Many witches who cast circles will use candles. They may use them in corresponding colors to represent elemental quarters. In other situations, you might use a candle as a simple representation of elemental Fire.
Our ancestor-witches used beeswax candles, and didn’t have fancy colors. Now, we make candles from many substances. Most are made of paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. There’s no reason you can’t use these. Beeswax candles smell nice on their own, though, and are fun to use.
Larger candles will obviously burn for a longer time, so keep that in mind when planning as spell. Candles in interesting shapes exist, too! You might choose a heart-shape candle or one shaped like a human being! Figure candles (shaped like people) are awesome. They work well when you want the candle to represent a specific person (like yourself).
Scented candles can be a great addition if the scent is evocative of your intent. This can mean a scent traditionally associated with your goal. You can also choose a more personal scent. If roses remind you of friendship, a rose-scented candle might be good in a friendship spell.
You can use electric candles, too! Many hidden witches and those living in dormitories use them. You can use anything in witchcraft if you empower it. Electricity is a form of energy, like fire, so there’s no reason you can’t use it.
Sometimes, a candle might represent a person or other living thing. You can use this method in things like healing a friend. For this, you can press a bit of the person’s belongings or some of their hair into the candle wax.
Also, a candle might represent a spirit or other force. You might use one to represent the planetary forces of Mercury or Jupiter, for example. Many Wiccans use candles to represent their Goddess and God, as well.
Candles give off energy in the form of light and heat. Some of us use this as an offering to spirits. My husband has done with with great success on many occasions. He often offered a candle’s energy to spirits.
For some witches, candles act as symbols for their own intent, not an outside force. If the flame, color, or other features of a candle help get your personal power moving, why not use it? You can burn paper in the flame, too. This can be great for banishing something from your life. You can also use this technique in transformative spells. Be careful whenever burning things, even paper, though!
Candle magick often incorporates color magick. As I always say, not everyone uses color symbolism the same way. What do colors mean to you? I recommend working out your own personal correspondences for different colors. You can read more about traditional color usage here (and also here), if it interest you.
Also, there’s no reason you have to use color in a spell. If a colored candle is not available to you, don’t worry! Ancient witches probably didn’t use colored candles much. They still worked great candle magick! Don’t feel that colors are necessary all the time!
Most witches will “dress” candles with oil before using them. Don’t use undiluted essential oils - it isn’t safe. Mix a bit of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil (like olive). Using only a carrier oil is fine, too.
I myself dress the candle in one motion. This is from top to bottom when I’m trying to attract something, but bottom to top when I’m banishing something. Some witches dress their candles in halves. They rub from the middle outwards, or the outer parts inwards. Experiment and see what works for you!
If you feel like it, you can roll or coat the dressed candle with herbs, powder, or another substance. I’ve used glitter and colored powder before. It can add extra color or symbolism!
You can carve symbols or words into candles. For this, knives don’t work too well. They’re big and too sharp! It’s easy to carve a candle with a toothpick, pencil or pen. You can also sketch sigils and tuck the paper beneath the candle.
Many people scry or do other forms of divination with candles, too. I’ve scried with fire many, many times, and it works great. Other folks will drip candle wax into water and interpret the shape it forms.
Also, you can use candle wax to seal jar spells. Often, I will burn a candle on top of the jar (be very, very careful!) or drip wax around the lid of the jar to seal it. This is a good way to solidify a spell and seal it so that it can germinate.
Never leave a candle burning unattended, even for a minute! You never know what might happen, and no one wants a house fire! Also, be sure to never place a candle near something that could brush the flame. Don’t burn candles on shelves, either! The flame can nick the upper shelf, which is bad.
Burn candles in actual candle-holders on a stable surface. Place tea lights (which get very warm) on a heat-resistant surface. When burning a candle on a jar, put it all in a fire-safe bowl with sand. That’s how I do it, and I’ve not had any fire problems so far.
Be mindful of family and roommates! Some can be sensitive to candle smoke or scent. If you’re in a home that doesn’t allow burning candles, don’t do it. There’s no need to get into hot water over it!
Thanks for reading my article on candle magick! This information is very basic. Still, I hope it will give you a nice start for practicing witchcraft with candles! Happy magick-making, and I hope everyone’s having a wonderful day!
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