The burning of candles for spiritual purposes is a practice that dates back to ancient times. For as long as there have been candles, there were people who believed that a lit candle can connect the physical world with the spiritual realm. To these people, fire and flame are representations of the spark of creation. To light a candle is to illuminate the self.
Individuals accepting these beliefs use the burning light of candles to unfold their divine potential. What follows is an examination of these beliefs and the meaning behind illuminated candles combined with prayer and meditation. This examination will of course include a look into the significance and meaning of candle colors.
The white candle represents the highest level of consciousness. Burning a white candle in conjointment with a meditative state is to seek protection, healing and purification. White represents truth, unity, harmony, and wholeness of spirit. The user who burns a white candle is invoking lunar energy. Since all colors are derived from pure white light, a white candle can be used as replacement for any other candle in many rituals.
The color red is firmly rooted in the physical world. The burning of red candles is said to put one in touch with the power of the flesh. Red represents temporal pleasures. It symbolizes passion and love as well as scorn and courage to stand up to one’s enemies. Red stimulates energy, vitality, fertility and personal power. Those who light a red candle are tapping into Scorpio energy. They seek love, respect, power magnetism and survival.
The color yellow exemplifies brainpower and intellect. He or she who lights a yellow candle is seeking to access the wisdom of the ages, and garner control over the full benefit of their own mental powers. Yellow embodies creativity, inspiration, concentration, logic, learning and action. The light of a yellow candle brings one closer to attaining the cheerfulness, endurance, stability and security they crave.
Made from a primary spiritual color, blue candles are used in the examination of emotions (Saturn energy) and the attainment of calming wisdom and healing sleep. There are many shades of blue. Burning a dark blue candle promotes joy and laughter. Dark blue influences dreams and emotions. Royal blue signifies loyalty and fealty. Royal blue stirs the spiritual self and this color of candle is invoked by seekers of truth. Light blue is another very spiritual color. Light blue candles radiate Aquarian energy (calm waters) and are ideal for pursuing inspirational meditations. Those who light a blue candle are seeking truth, harmony and guidance while amplifying their creativity and perception.
Green is the color of success and abundance. This meaning can be traced back through the ages to when prosperity meant a bountiful harvest. Light a green candle when you want to mediate and reflect on nature, growth, healing and the good luck that makes finding employment or business success possible.
The burning of a black candle is serious business. This is done when one wants to neutralize negative energies. The color black offers protection from illness, evil and the negative energy cast upon you from outside forces. The black candle is also burned to harness the healing energy of the universe.
The color pink manifests love, devotion, friendship and faith. Putting a flame to a pink candle means that the devotee is interested in forming a partnership or is possibly seeking affection or perhaps emotional healing. The color of universal love, pink represents the purest form of love – unconditional and enduring. Pink candles are used in rituals to attract attention or achieve some other joyful purpose.
The great portrait artists of the Middle Ages understood well the power of orange. Orange is the color of sudden change. It confers upon those who dare to wear it, a form of super-power. Few people today (including royalty) possess the boldness required to put on orange garments. To this end, the act of burning an orange candle is an aggressive move. One would do so to effect instant and profound change. The lighting of orange candles is suitable for rituals occurring on the eve of weddings or important business meetings.
Students of esoterism believe that purple candles have the power to cancel out the negative effects of bad karma. Ancient wisdom holds that the color purple is associated with the third eye. Burning a purple candle can enhance psychic powers. The color has a meaning steeped in meditation, divination and hidden knowledge. Those who burn purple candles do so to expand upon what they already have. They may also wish to obtain spiritual protection, find recognition, or seek reconciliation with something that exists in the realm of the spirits.
Brown is the color of our Earth. This color represents above all things balance and a firm connection to the land. The individual who supplicates in the presence of a burning brown candle is sending a message to the universe that they respect the dignity and solemnity of mother Earth (they are well-grounded), and that they acknowledge the delicate balance of all things living on this Earth. Brown candles are used in rituals to regain balance, seek refuge from chaos, eliminate indecisiveness, find lost items and develop meaningful friendships.
Gray is a neutral color. It is useful to the practitioner when meditating on complex issues. The gray candle has the power to offset negative influences without repercussions. The gray candle is used in the same manner that charcoal is used to flush poisons from the body.
The gold candle is burned by the votary to achieve enlightenment. This is because the color gold emblemizes light in its purest form. Gold is the very symbol of good fortune. It represents money, success, protection and victory over our troubles. The burning of a gold candle enhances communication with the universe as it attracts positive cosmic influences. Gold candles are recommended for use in rituals undertaken to gain personal power or fortune.
Highly spiritual believers hold that a candle flame can create a passageway that will enable prayers and petitions to be more easily received by such powers from which help is being sought. For these supporters of the faith, the deep meaning of candle color is what enables them to focus and meditate on their goals, objectives, problems and their ultimate solutions.
