This article was co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht
and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano
. 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.
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Fire. It’s mesmerizing to watch, but did you know that the flicker of a flame could be more than a pretty light? Candle flames have been interpreted by witches and spellcasters for centuries. Some believe that a flame's height, dance, and color can say many things about an individual’s life or spiritual practice. So, what are the spirits saying about you? Light a candle and keep reading to find out!
Things You Should Know
- Candle flames can flicker to the north, south, east, and west if a spirit is trying to tell you about the effects of your spell.
- Crackling or popping candle flames could mean spirits are arguing or trying to communicate with you, so listen closely.
- A blue candle flame shows that a spirit is near and willing to hear your prayers.
- The larger and brighter a candle burns, the more powerful your spell or manifestation will be.
Steps
Common Interpretations
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1Dancing Candle Flame If your candle flame moves to and fro, it could be because it holds too much power. A spell cast over a dancing flame can go tremendously well or terribly wrong, so always exercise caution when your candle’s flame waves. [1] X Research source
- The higher a flame jumps, the more resistance it’ll have against a spell.
- The shorter the flame, the easier casting the spell will be.
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2Jumping Candle Flame A jumping flame is a sign of hesitation. Like the flame, your energy is unpredictable and may go against your intentions. So, be cautious before casting a spell, as it may not go how you intend.Advertisement
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3Small Candle Flame A small, low flame could be from a lack of energy. This is because the spirits are reminding you to be patient. Keep a watchful eye on your candle before you cast a spell , as the bigger the flame, the more power your spell will have. [2] X Research source
- A steady but low flame can still produce magic if your intentions are strong.
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5Flickering Candle Flame The direction your candle flickers in could be a message from a spirit. If you’re wondering whether or not a spell has worked, notice if your candle’s flame is flickering. This could be a spirit trying to send you a message about your power. [4] X Research source
- If the flame flickers north , your spell has made a physical mark.
- If the flame flickers south , energy still surrounds you.
- If the flame flickers east , a mental part of your spell has taken effect.
- If the flame flickers west , strong emotions are tied to your spell.
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6Crackling Candle Flame A popping or crackling flame could signify a spiritual argument. If you’ve asked the spirits a question, this indicates a negative response. Perhaps multiple spirits are fighting with one another, or a single spirit feels ill will toward you. [5] X Research source
- A crackling flame could also be a sign that you’re personally dealing with communication issues. Take a moment to reflect on your social connections and ask the spirits for guidance .
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7Steady Candle Flame If the flame appears normal, everything is going as planned. The steadier the flame, the more likely your spell will take hold. If a candle’s flame is solid, the universe is in your favor, and the spirits are ready to answer your call. [6] X Research source
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8Sputtering Candle Flame If your candle’s flame keeps going out, it may be a sign that you’re running out of energy. This is the spirit world’s way of telling you to slow down. Take a moment to recharge and return to your spell work later. [7] X Research source
- If a flame suddenly goes out on its own, it could be a sign that your work is complete and the spirits have received your prayer. [8] X Research source
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9Bright Candle Flame An abnormally bright flame may happen when spirits want to capture your intention. Perhaps you’ve cast a spell with lots of power or asked a specific question. Either way, the spirits are letting you know that they’ve heard your plea.
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10Heart-Shaped Candle Flame If your candle molds and bends into the shape of a heart, a loved one is thinking of you. Perhaps it’s a family member from the spirit world or a friend living far away. Either way, someone is sending you love.
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11Dual Flames A candle that burns with 2 flames indicates split energy. If more than 1 flame comes from 1 wick, it could be a sign that a spirit or energy source is divided. [9] X Research source
- Coincidentally, some also believe that 2 flames are a sign of 2 spirits working together. This may happen when 2 witches or spellcasters perform a ritual together.
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12Smoking Flame A flame making a significant amount of smoke may be a sign that things aren’t as they seem. In spirituality, smoke and fire relate to air, and air is the element of communication; therefore, a smoking flame could signal that you’re looking at things from the wrong perspective.
- Black smoke is a sign of negative energy and bad luck, while white smoke indicates positivity and good luck. [10] X Research source
Candle Flame Colors
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1Blue If your candle has a blue flame, a spirit is near. Blue candle flames are the universal symbol of spiritual entities. Maybe a fairy, angel, or demon is in your presence. [11] X Research source
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2Red and yellow A red or yellow flame represents mundane energy. These flames are fueled by emotion, whether that’s passion, grief, or anger. The energy is high and unpredictable, which may affect the outcome of your spells. [12] X Research source
- Red is a spiritually passionate color often linked with passion, desire, and anger.
- Santa Muerte , the Mexican folk saint of death, is often worshipped with red candles to invoke love and heal a broken heart. [13] X Research source
- Yellow represents the Earth’s energy and symbolizes spiritual nuances.
- Red is a spiritually passionate color often linked with passion, desire, and anger.
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3White It’s a good sign if your candle suddenly burns white. White is the spiritual color of purity; therefore, a white flame indicates peace, healing, and prosperity. So, if you’ve cast a spell or asked the spirits a question and the candle burns white, good things are coming your way.
- Some spiritual rituals honor Santa Muerte with a white candle to bring gratitude and peace. [14] X Research source
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4Black If a flame burns black, be warned. A black candle is indicative of negative energy or spirits. These flames hold darker meanings of mystery and peril. A dark presence or misfortune may be near.
- In Mexican culture, a black candle or flame could be a sign that the saint of death, Santa Muerte, is near. [15] X Research source
What is the spiritual meaning of a high flaming candle?
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High flaming candles are a sign of spirituality. If you light a candle and it grows bigger and bigger, it may be because you’re surrounded by positive energy. This high-flickering candle is a good omen and can be interpreted in many ways , depending on your intentions or spell.
Best Practices for Reading Candle Flames
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1Take in your environment before interpreting a candle flame. Notice if there’s a draft, fan, or breeze in your space. Outside elements could affect how your candle burns. [16] X Research source
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2Make sure your candle’s wick isn’t too long. A long candle wick could result in black smoke and throw off your reading. As a general rule, trim your candle’s wick to be about 1 ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) before lighting. [17] X Research source
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3Set an intention before lighting your candle. As you set up your spellcasting space, ask yourself, “What do I want from this candle?” The reasoning or intention behind your spiritual work fuels your energy, and in turn, fuels your candle. [18] X Research source
- Continue meditating on your intention as the candle burns.
- Keep your intention specific but not too detailed. For instance, say you want to manifest love . Make sure to state what type of love you're after (romantic, platonic, self-love, etc.).
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References
- ↑ https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/the-candle-signs-dictionary
- ↑ https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/the-candle-signs-dictionary
- ↑ https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/the-candle-signs-dictionary
- ↑ https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/the-candle-signs-dictionary
- ↑ https://www.pagangrimoire.com/candle-signs-flame-meanings/
- ↑ https://www.pagangrimoire.com/candle-signs-flame-meanings/
- ↑ https://www.pagangrimoire.com/candle-signs-flame-meanings/
- ↑ https://www.pagangrimoire.com/candle-signs-flame-meanings/
- ↑ https://www.thepeculiarbrunette.com/candle-flame-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.thepeculiarbrunette.com/candle-flame-meaning/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/mqkpX_MBCuU?t=49
- ↑ https://youtu.be/mqkpX_MBCuU?t=60
- ↑ https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/listing.aspx?id=35721
- ↑ https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/listing.aspx?id=35721
- ↑ https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/listing.aspx?id=35721
- ↑ https://youtu.be/BVrtP4oGXbo?t=477
- ↑ https://youtu.be/6UCO4oM-E9k?t=235
- ↑ https://youtu.be/6UCO4oM-E9k?t=88
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