The Magic of Candles
Part two
Using candles for Magick and divination
Candle Symbolism and Cultural Meaning
Throughout history, candles have held deep symbolic significance:
• They represent light overcoming darkness, hope, and spiritual illumination.
• In religious rituals—from Christian vigils and Jewish Hanukkah to Pagan Sabbats and Buddhist offerings—candles act as bridges between the material and spiritual worlds.
• In magic and witchcraft, each color of candle carries specific energy and intent, used in spellwork, meditation, and divination.
The art of candle making has illuminated human life for over five millennia. From ancient animal fats to modern eco-waxes, candles have evolved from a practical necessity to a symbol of peace, spirituality, and beauty. Even in an age of electricity, the gentle flame of a candle continues to captivate the human soul—offering warmth, reflection, and a timeless connection to our ancestors.
Candles in Witchcraft and Ritual Through the Ages
Candles have held a sacred place in witchcraft, magic, and spiritual ritual for centuries. Beyond their practical use for light, the candle’s flame was—and still is—seen as a living symbol of transformation, power, and divine presence. The act of lighting a candle bridges the physical and spiritual worlds, focusing intent and summoning subtle energies.
Ancient Magical and Ritual Use
Long before modern witchcraft, ancient peoples used fire and flame in sacred rituals. The Greeks and Romans offered candles and oil lamps to their gods as tokens of devotion. In particular, the goddess Hecate, guardian of crossroads and witchcraft, was honored with torches and candles during nocturnal rites. The flame symbolised illumination of the unseen—guiding spirits and lighting the path between worlds.
In ancient Egypt, candles and lamps were lit in temples to honor Ra, the sun god, and to symbolize eternal life. In many early pagan cultures, fire represented the life force, the element of spirit, and the presence of the divine within ritual spaces.
Medieval and Renaissance Witchcraft
During the Middle Ages, as Christianity spread through Europe, candles became deeply tied to religious ritual. However, they also retained their place in folk magic and the practices of cunning folk, wise women, and healers. Many of these practitioners used candles as tools for healing, protection, and divination.
A few examples are:
• A candle might be burned to banish illness or draw love and fortune.
• The flame was sometimes used in scrying, where witches would gaze into the flicker to receive visions or messages.
• The color and shape of a candle’s wax drip were often read as omens or signs.
In some areas, black or red candles were burned for powerful workings, while white candles symbolized purity and spiritual strength. Beeswax was prized for its purity and connection to nature’s cycle, since bees were seen as messengers between worlds.
How to use candles in Ceremonial Magic and the Occult practice
During the 18th and 19th centuries, occult societies such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and later Wiccan traditions formalised the use of candles in magical ritual.
In ceremonial magic, candles represented the elements and the directions:
• North (Earth) – green or black candle
• East (Air) – yellow candle
• South (Fire) – red candle
• West (Water) – blue candle
Candles were placed at each quarter of the ritual circle to mark sacred space and balance the elemental energies.
In the Victorian era, the growth of spiritualism also saw candles used in séances and spirit communication. A steady flame was believed to invite benevolent spirits, while a flickering or sputtering one might indicate a restless or troubled presence.
Wicca and Modern Witchcraft candle use
In 20th-century Wicca and neo-paganism, candle magic became one of the most popular and accessible forms of spellwork. The principle is simple yet profound: the candle becomes a focus for intent, symbolizing the transformation of will into reality.
A candle spell typically involves:
1. Choosing a candle of a specific color aligned with intent (e.g., green for prosperity, pink for love, black for protection).
2. Anointing the candle with oils, herbs, or sigils to charge it with energy.
3. Carving symbols, names, or runes into the wax to personalize the spell.
4. Lighting the flame while focusing on the desired outcome.
5. Allowing the candle to burn down completely, releasing the energy into the universe.
Candle magic is also central to Sabbats and Esbats—the seasonal and lunar festivals of witchcraft. For example:
• At Samhain, candles are placed in windows to guide ancestral spirits.
• During Yule, candles symbolize the return of the sun after the longest night.
• At Imbolc, candles honor Brigid, the goddess of fire, creativity, and renewal.
In these rites, the flame is a living symbol of rebirth, transformation, and continuity.
The Spiritual Meaning of candles
In both ancient and modern practice, the flame of a candle holds deep symbolic meaning:
• The flame represents the soul or spirit.
• The wax represents the physical body, which is consumed as the spirit burns brightly.
• The smoke carries prayers, wishes, or spells to the divine or to the spirit world.
• The melted wax symbolizes transformation—matter becoming energy.
Many witches and occultists interpret the movement of the flame as a form of divination:
• A steady flame suggests strong, focused energy.
• A flickering flame indicates spiritual activity or resistance.
• A low flame may signal a need to strengthen will or intention.
Candle Magic Today
In the 21st century, candle magic remains one of the most widely practiced forms of witchcraft. It bridges the old and the new—simple enough for beginners, yet profound for seasoned practitioners.
Modern witches often blend traditional candle lore with crystal grids, moon phases, and astrology, creating personalized rituals that reflect both ancient wisdom and contemporary spirituality. Candles continue to be used for manifestation, meditation, honoring deities, and cleansing energy.
Whether burning a single white candle in silent devotion or performing an elaborate ritual under the moonlight, the act remains timeless: a spark of flame linking human spirit to divine fire.
The Meanings of Candle Colours in Witchcraft and Spellwork
Colour has long been understood to hold vibrational and magical energy, and in candle magic, the colour of a candle is one of the most important choices a practitioner can make. Each hue carries its own symbolism, elemental resonance, and spiritual frequency, helping to shape and focus the intention of a spell.
Here’s a guide to the magical meanings of candle colours and how they are traditionally used in witchcraft and ritual practice:
White – Purity, Protection, and Spirituality
• Element: Spirit / Air
• Used for: Purification, healing, clarity, peace, cleansing, new beginnings, connection with divine beings.
• Symbolism: White candles embody the energy of the full moon and are often used when no other colour is available. They represent truth, unity, and the presence of higher spiritual light.
• Ritual use: Burn a white candle to banish negativity, purify a space, or call upon angelic or ancestral guidance.
Black – Banishing, Protection, and Transformation
• Element: Earth
• Used for: Absorbing negative energy, breaking curses, ending bad habits, shadow work, grounding.
• Symbolism: Often misunderstood, black candles are powerful tools of protection and rebirth. They represent the void—the space from which creation begins.
• Ritual use: Burn during waning moon rituals to release the old and prepare for new cycles.
Red – Passion, Strength, and Courage
• Element: Fire
• Used for: Love, lust, vitality, willpower, physical energy, and success.
• Symbolism: Red embodies the force of life and blood, representing Mars and primal energy.
• Ritual use: Light a red candle to boost courage, awaken desire, or empower spells requiring energy and motivation.
Pink – Love, Friendship, and Emotional Healing
• Element: Water
• Used for: Romance, self-love, compassion, nurturing relationships, and forgiveness.
• Symbolism: The gentler shade of red, pink carries Venus’s energy—soft, affectionate, and healing.
• Ritual use: Burn to attract affection, heal heartbreak, or strengthen emotional bonds.
Green – Prosperity, Growth, and Renewal
• Element: Earth
• Used for: Money, abundance, fertility, success, luck, and health.
• Symbolism: Green represents the natural world, new beginnings, and balance. It is sacred to deities of the Earth, forests, and harvest.
• Ritual use: Light a green candle to draw financial blessings or to align with nature’s cycles of renewal.
Blue – Calm, Wisdom, and Communication
• Element: Water / Air
• Used for: Peace, meditation, truth, healing, justice, and psychic awareness.
• Symbolism: Blue carries the energy of the sky and sea, bringing serenity and mental clarity.
• Ritual use: Use light blue candles for emotional healing and dark blue for spiritual insight or communication with higher powers.
Yellow – Intellect, Confidence, and Joy • Element: Air
• Used for: Creativity, learning, memory, success in exams, and happiness.
• Symbolism: Yellow connects to the solar energy of clarity and optimism. It stimulates the mind and awakens inspiration.
• Ritual use: Burn to enhance focus, confidence, or to call on solar deities like Apollo or Ra.
Orange – Success, Attraction, and Energy
• Element: Fire
• Used for: Motivation, ambition, stimulation, and attraction.
• Symbolism: A blend of red’s passion and yellow’s intellect, orange is a colour of enthusiasm and creativity.
• Ritual use: Use for career advancement, confidence, or to spark new ideas and ventures.
Purple – Power, Intuition, and Spiritual Mastery
• Element: Spirit
• Used for: Psychic development, wisdom, divination, and connection to higher realms.
• Symbolism: The colour of royalty and mysticism, purple is linked to spiritual authority and the crown chakra.
• Ritual use: Burn during meditation, tarot readings, or when invoking deities and spirits of wisdom.
Gold – Success, Solar Energy, and Divine Power
• Element: Fire
• Used for: Prosperity, enlightenment, victory, and invoking masculine divine forces.
• Symbolism: Gold radiates abundance and cosmic light, representing the sun and higher consciousness.
• Ritual use: Burn to draw success or honor solar deities and divine masculine energy.
Silver – Intuition, Moon Magic, and Feminine Energy
• Element: Water / Spirit
• Used for: Psychic work, dreams, intuition, and invoking the Moon Goddess.
• Symbolism: Silver reflects lunar wisdom and emotional depth. It connects to the tides, intuition, and the sacred feminine.
• Ritual use: Burn during full or new moon rituals to heighten intuition and psychic sensitivity.
Brown – Stability, Home, and Animal Magic
• Element: Earth
• Used for: Grounding, balance, protection of property, and connection to nature or animals.
• Symbolism: Brown represents the soil and all things rooted—it stabilizes energy and fosters endurance.
• Ritual use: Burn in spells for stability, home blessings, or to strengthen bonds with pets and animal spirits.
Grey – Neutrality, Reflection, and Balance
• Element: Air / Spirit
• Used for: Mediating between extremes, balancing energies, and neutralizing negative forces.
• Symbolism: Grey candles carry both light and shadow, representing wisdom and neutrality.
• Ritual use: Burn to find clarity in confusion or to deflect unwanted influences.
TIP: to find something lost, light a grey candle
Gold, Silver, and White Together
When burned together, these colours represent the unity of the divine trinity—the Sun (gold), the Moon (silver), and Spirit (white). This combination is often used in high ritual or seasonal celebrations to invoke harmony and cosmic balance.
TIP: When buying candles make sure they are solid colour as some candles are only the outer colour but with a usually white inside.
REMEMBER: YOUR WILL and Intention Is the True Magick!
While colour correspondences enhance a spell’s potency, the real power lies in intention. A clear mind, focused will, and open heart are what bring candle magic to life. Many witches even anoint or dress their candles with oils, herbs, or carved sigils to further align them with their purpose—turning simple wax and flame into a vessel of spiritual transformation.
NOTE:it is unwise to use a candle for more than one spell but you can reuse candles for general rituals and readings. It’s a good idea to use small short burn times candles or you can cut a long candle up to use for separate spells.
A Basic Candle Spell for you to practice
Candle magic is one of the oldest and simplest forms of spellwork—a beautiful blend of focus, symbolism, and energy. A candle spell works by turning your intention into light and energy, sending that intention into the universe as the candle burns.
Below is a step-by-step guide to performing a traditional candle spell, along with ways to cleanse, charge, and interpret your candle’s flame.
Find time and space for your spell. Don’t rush it or become distracted or impatient. Witchcraft requires time and patience.
Setting Your Intention: what do you want from the spell?
Before lighting a candle, decide exactly what you want to manifest or release. Be clear and specific—whether your goal is love, healing, protection, prosperity, or personal growth.
Write your intention on a small piece of paper, or speak it aloud. Words and thoughts carry energy, and in magic, clarity is power.
Here’s an example of intention:
“I invite peace and protection into my home.”
“I release fear and welcome confidence.”
“I draw love that is honest, kind, and true.”
Choosing the Right Candle(s)
Select a candle that matches your purpose:
• Colour: Use the candle colour meanings listed earlier (e.g. green for prosperity, white for cleansing, red for passion).
• Shape/Size: A small spell candle (chime candle) is ideal for short workings; a larger pillar candle suits longer or ongoing spells.
• Material: Natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or palm are preferred for purity and energy alignment.
If possible, dedicate that candle only to your magical purpose. Once a candle has been used in a spell, it should not be reused for another.
NOTE: any colour you don’t have can be replaced by a white candle. White is the sum of all colours after all. The only colour you can’t replace is black or grey. Black is essentially the absence of colour.
Cleansing the Candle ready for use
Cleansing removes any lingering or unwanted energy that might interfere with your spell. You can cleanse your candle in several ways:
• Smoke: Pass it through incense or sage smoke.
• Salt: Sprinkle or lightly roll it in sea salt, then wipe clean.
• Sound: Use a bell, chime, or tuning fork.
• Visualization: Imagine a bright white light washing over the candle, purifying it.
As you cleanse, say something simple like:
“Only pure and positive energy remains.”
Anointing and Charging the Candle
To “charge” the candle means to fill it with your energy and intention.
You can anoint it with oil, herbs, or crystals that correspond to your goal.
• Use anointing oils (such as lavender for peace, rose for love, or cinnamon for prosperity).
• Rub the oil onto the candle:
• From the middle upward and downward if you’re attracting something.
• From the top to the bottom if you’re banishing or releasing something.
• As you do this, visualize your desire clearly. See it as if it’s already real. Feel it. Speak it aloud or chant it softly.
You may also carve symbols, sigils, or words directly into the wax with a pin or knife to further personalise your spell.
CAUTION: adding oils and herbs to a candle will make it burn faster and hotter with unpredictable flames.
Casting the Spell
1. Find a quiet, safe place where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Create sacred space—perhaps by lighting incense, ringing a bell, or calling the four elements or directions.
3. Place your candle on a fireproof holder and focus your gaze on the flame as you light it.
Speak your intention once more:
“As this candle burns, so too does my intention rise.
With flame and will, my desire is realized.”
Sit for a few minutes in meditation, watching the flame. Imagine your wish manifesting in the world as energy radiates outward from the candle’s light.
Let the candle burn down safely (never leave it unattended), or extinguish it respectfully—never blow it out, as this can symbolically “blow away” your intention. Instead, snuff it out or pinch it gently with wet fingers.
If your spell is ongoing, relight the candle at the same time each day until it’s completely burned.
Interpreting the Flame
Witches and magicians often read the candle flame for insight or messages from spirit.
Here are some traditional interpretations:
• Steady, bright flame: Strong energy and clear intent; your spell is working well.
• Flickering or dancing flame: Spirit presence or emotional energy surrounding your spell; the energy is active and responsive.
• Low or weak flame: Obstacles, doubt, or resistance may be blocking your goal.
• Sudden flare or popping sound: A message or burst of energy; sometimes indicates unseen assistance.
• Candle goes out: The spell may need to be reworked or the timing may not be right.
Wax patterns can also be interpreted:
• Wax pooling smoothly: Energy flowing easily toward your goal.
• Uneven drips or tunnels: Conflicting forces or distractions.
• Shapes forming in the wax: Messages—trust your intuition in reading them.
Closing the Spell: ensure you do this!
When the spell is complete, thank any deities, spirits, or elemental forces you invoked. Ground yourself by touching the earth, breathing deeply, or eating a small snack to bring your energy back to the present moment.
You can bury any leftover wax, ashes, or paper in the earth to symbolically return the energy to nature, or dispose of them respectfully in running water.
Finally, always affirm your belief:
“So it is done.”
As I will it, so shall it be.”
Candle Wax and Smoke Divination (Ceromancy)
Candle divination, ceromancyalso is the ancient art of interpreting the shapes, patterns, and movement of candle wax, smoke, and flame to receive messages from spirit, guides, or one’s own subconscious. It combines intuition, symbolism, and observation, turning a simple candle flame into a tool of revelation.
The History of Ceromancy – Divination Through Candle Wax and Flame
Ceromancy, from the Greek words kēros (wax) and manteia (divination), is one of the most ancient and enduring forms of fire and wax divination. It bridges the mystical symbolism of fire—spirit, transformation, and illumination—with the fluid, shapeshifting nature of wax. For thousands of years, people have gazed into candles or melted wax to seek omens, answers, and messages from the divine.
What follows is a look at the history of how ceromancy developed and evolved through the ages.
Ancient Beginnings of ceromancy
Ancient Greece
The earliest known practice of ceromancy is believed to have originated in ancient Greece, around the 5th century BCE. Greek seers and priestesses would pour melted beeswax into bowls of cold water, interpreting the shapes that formed as messages from the gods or spirits.
These rituals were often performed in temples or at sacred springs, where water was thought to hold divine power. The Delphic oracles and other prophetic circles sometimes used flame or wax divination alongside other forms of scrying, such as reading smoke, oil, or water surfaces.
Wax was chosen because of its purity and connection to bees, creatures sacred to goddesses like Artemis, Demeter, and Persephone. Bees were believed to move between worlds—the earthly and the divine—just as wax transforms through fire.
Ancient Rome
The Romans inherited much of their magical practice from the Greeks and also used candles and wax in divination. Roman augurs and soothsayers sometimes observed the way candles dripped, burned, or sputtered to interpret omens—especially in domestic rituals.
Ceromancy was also connected to household gods (Lares and Penates). A clear, steady flame was seen as a blessing and approval from the spirits; a flickering or smoky one might foretell conflict or change. Wax was also poured during private rituals to divine the fate of journeys, marriages, and ventures.
Medieval and Renaissance Europe
During the Middle Ages, candle divination persisted quietly within folk magic and witchcraft traditions. While open divination was often condemned by the Church, people continued to practice ceromancy in secret—especially during sacred nights like Samhain (All Hallows’ Eve) and Yule.
Witches and wise women would use beeswax candles for their purity and spiritual resonance. The melted wax was dripped into bowls of water or wine, and the hardened shapes were read like visions.
Common interpretations included:
• Circles: cycles and unity
• Crosses: burdens or spiritual protection
• Hearts: love or reconciliation
• Figures: spirit presences or future events
By the 16th and 17th centuries, ceromancy appeared in many grimoire traditions—books of magic written by alchemists and magicians. The famous “Key of Solomon” and other European magical texts mention wax and flame reading as a legitimate tool for communication with spiritual forces.
18th–19th Century Revival and the rediscovery of Magick and the occult
In the Victorian era, the rise of spiritualism brought ceromancy back into fashion. Candle and wax reading became popular among mediums and séance circles, who used them to receive messages from the dead.
It was during this period that paraffin wax became common, allowing for smoother, slower-burning candles ideal for long readings. Many spiritualists would pour wax into basins of water during séances, interpreting the images as spirits’ attempts to communicate visually.
Ceromancy was also combined with other divinatory arts, such as:
• Pyromancy (reading fire directly),
• Capnomancy (reading smoke),
• and Hydromancy (reading reflections in water).
Together, these formed a complete system of elemental scrying, aligning with air, fire, water, and earth energies.
Ceromancy in Modern Witchcraft and the Occult
In modern Wicca, Paganism, and folk witchcraft, ceromancy remains a vital part of candle magic and spellcraft. Practitioners use it not only for prophecy but also for feedback on magical workings—reading wax and flame to gauge whether a spell is flowing freely, encountering resistance, or nearing manifestation.
Contemporary witches and wiccans as well as occultists and psychics often perform ceromancy:
• After completing a candle spell, to interpret the results.
• During a full moon or Samhain, to open intuitive channels.
• Alongside tarot readings or pendulum work, as a complementary divination tool.
Many see it as a way to commune with the spirits of fire and wax, whose language is symbolic rather than verbal. The practice honors both ancient traditions and modern intuition—reminding us that every flicker, wisp, and drip of wax carries meaning if we learn to look closely.
The spiritual meaning of Wax and Flame
Ceromancy embodies two sacred principles:
1. Fire transforms – representing will, spirit, and illumination.
2. Wax records – it holds the imprint of that transformation, capturing symbols in solid form.
In this way, a candle becomes both a vessel of intention and a mirror of revelation. The flame expresses the soul’s energy, and the wax preserves its message for interpretation.
Below is a guide to reading candle wax and smoke during or after your spellwork.
Reading Candles
The movement and colour of the smoke rising from a candle can reveal the unseen energies surrounding your spell. Watch carefully in the first few moments after lighting and while it burns.
Direction of the smoke
• Smoke rising straight upward: Your spell’s energy is clear and direct—your intention is being heard and carried to its destination.
• Smoke drifting toward you: The energy or message is returning to you—perhaps something needs your attention or reflection before the spell can manifest.
• Smoke drifting away from you: Your intention is being sent outward successfully. It’s reaching the spiritual or energetic realm where it will take effect.
• Smoke moving erratically or in circles: Confusion, opposing forces, or emotional turbulence around your situation. It may suggest that more grounding or clarity is needed.
Colour of Smoke
• Light or white smoke: Positive energy, purification, blessings, and spirit approval.
• Dark or black smoke: Releasing negativity, breaking through blockages, or burning away old energy. If persistent, it may indicate resistance or an opposing will.
Amount of Smoke
• Thin or gentle smoke: Subtle energy and calm forces at work.
• Heavy, thick smoke: Powerful energy release, or a situation charged with strong emotion or conflict.
Reading Candle Wax
Once the candle has finished burning or cooled, observe the shapes and textures of the remaining wax. The patterns left behind are believed to be messages—from your higher self, spirits, or the universe.
Wax Drips and Flow
• Smooth, even melting: Energy flowed easily; your spell’s intention was clear.
• Excessive dripping: Emotional or overflowing energy—perhaps your desire is too intense or needs refining.
• Wax pooling on one side: Imbalance—something may be blocking part of your intention.
• Tunnelling (burning down the centre only): Focused energy, but perhaps too narrow in scope. You might need to expand your perspective.
Wax Left in the Holder or Dish
• Little to no wax left: Complete manifestation; your spell has released its full energy.
• Large amount of wax remaining: Unfinished energy—something may still need to be addressed or another working performed.
• Wax stuck stubbornly: Resistance or clinging energy; time to let go of old attachments.
Shapes in the Wax
Trust your intuition—what’s the first image that comes to mind?
Common symbolic readings include:
• Heart: Love, compassion, forgiveness.
• Circle: Completion, unity, wholeness.
• Star: Divine guidance or success.
• Animal shapes: Messages from spirit animals or totems.
• Cross: Protection, spiritual trials, or crossroads.
• Tree: Growth, grounding, family, or deep roots.
• Arrow or line: Movement or progress toward your goal.
• Human figure: A specific person connected to your spell or outcome.
You can also gently pour melted wax into a bowl of cool water at the end of your ritual—this is a traditional form of ceromancy practiced since ancient Greece. The wax will harden instantly, revealing shapes that can be interpreted like dream symbols.
Combining Wax, Flame, and Smoke in your readings
Together, the flame, smoke, and wax form a three-part oracle:
• The flame speaks of current energy (how your spell is progressing).
• The smoke reveals communication—how your intent interacts with the spiritual world.
• The wax shows the final result or manifestation of your working.
This holistic approach offers a full picture of your spell’s energy flow and outcome.
Below is a version you can actually use safely and that still reflects the old practice.
CAUTION: always keep water nearby, work on a fire-safe surface, and never leave flame or hot wax unattended.
A Step-by-Step Ceromancy Ritual
Prepare Your Space
• Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed.
• Dim the lights so you can clearly see the flame and the wax shapes later.
• Place on the table:
• A heat-proof bowl or cauldron half-filled with cool water.
• A candle (beeswax or natural soy is ideal).
• A small spoon or ladle for dripping wax.
• Matches or a lighter.
• Your journal and pen for notes.
• Ground yourself with a few deep breaths or a short meditation.
Cleanse and Set Intention
• Pass the candle through cleansing smoke (sage, rosemary, or incense) or visualize white light washing over it.
• Focus your mind on the question or theme you wish to explore. Phrase it clearly—“What guidance do I need about…?”
• Say softly:
“Fire and wax, reveal to me
What truth the unseen world would see.”
Light the Candle
• Light the candle and spend a moment watching the flame.
• Feel its warmth connect you to the element of Fire—the force of transformation and illumination.
• When ready, hold the spoon near the flame so a small amount of wax melts, or let the candle drip naturally.
Perform the Pour
• When the wax is liquid, slowly pour or drip it into the bowl of cool water while keeping your question in mind.
• Watch the shapes form as the wax hardens instantly.
• You can repeat this three times for clarity, forming three “answers” to compare.
Fact: Historically, Greek priestesses used spring water and beeswax in this exact manner, often under moonlight.
Interpret the Symbols
• Remove each wax piece and place it on a clean cloth.
• Study them from different angles; what image or emotion appears first?
• Record your immediate impressions in your journal—trust your first thought before analysing.
• Then reflect using traditional correspondences if you wish:
• Heart: matters of love or compassion.
• Tree: growth or family roots.
• Circle: completion or harmony.
• Arrow: movement or decision.
• Animal shapes: instincts or spirit guides.
• Broken forms: endings, change, or obstacles.
Read the Flame and Smoke (Optional)
If you wish, interpret the candle’s behaviour during the pour:
• Strong, upright flame: clear guidance.
• Low or flickering flame: mixed signals or need for patience.
• Smoke direction: toward you = information for self; away = outward influences.
Close the Ritual : ensure you close the ritual and return all unused energy
• Thank the element of Fire (and any spirits or deities you called).
• Extinguish the candle safely—use a snuffer rather than blowing it out.
• Pour the wax pieces and water outdoors, returning them to nature with a simple phrase like “What was shown is understood and released.”
• Ground yourself again—touch the floor or eat a small bite of food.
Record and Reflect. Write in your Grimoire
Write the date, question, moon phase, candle colour, and your interpretations. Over time, you’ll see patterns emerge—certain symbols may recur or gain personal meaning.
Modern Adaptations for candle work
• Use coloured candles that match your intent (purple for insight, blue for clarity).
• Pair ceromancy with tarot cards or crystals for layered readings.
• Perform under the full moon for heightened intuition or on Samhain for ancestral messages.
A Note on Intuition and Energy
Ceromancy is not an exact science—it’s an intuitive art. What one witch sees as a heart, another might see as a flame or bird. Always trust your first impression, as it is usually the most accurate reflection of what your higher self or spirit is communicating.
Remember to keep a journal, Grimoire/ Book of Shadows to record your spell intentions, candle colours, flame behaviour, and wax patterns. Over time, you’ll develop your own personal language of symbols and deepen your connection to candle divination.
Candles have been with us for millennia and we will always cherish the beauty, power and romance of candles. Their light and energy is a key element of our practice.
