Candle magick - what different types of candle flames mean
Link to candle magick - what different types of candle smoke mean
Link to candle magick- what different types of candle wax means
Good clean burn - candle burns evenly & cleanly
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.)
Strong flame - 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 - small & steady
A low-burning flame indicates less energy is fueling the spell. A small but steadily burning flame is still a good signāthough 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 - tiny 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.
Dancing flame - Candle flame moves or dances.
An erratic, dancing flame signifies high energy in a spellābut 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.
Flickering flame - 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.
Popping flame - 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 spiritsātry listening to them and hearing what they say.
Candle goes out - 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 spellāwhatever it may beāwill not manifest. However, in some cases, it can mean that the objective of the working has already been attained.
Candle will not go out
A candle flame that stubbornly stays lit means, āSit downāyouāre not done.ā 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 outānever 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.
