Interpreting Candle Flame Meanings: Your Ultimate Guide

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The spirits are talking, and your candle knows what they’re saying

Co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 30, 2023 Fact Checked

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Common Interpretations

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Candle Flame Colors

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High Flame Candle

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Reading Candle Flames

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Expert Interview

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.

Section 1 of 4:

Common Interpretations

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Dancing 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]
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- 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.
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.

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Small 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]
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- A steady but low flame can still produce magic if your intentions are strong.
A high, steady candle flame may be a sign that you’re feeling confident. Your power is at its fullest, and your spell work will reflect that. This tall flame is a message from the spirits that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.^{[3]
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Flickering 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]
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- 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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Crackling 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]
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- 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.
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]
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Sputtering 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]
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- 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]
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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.
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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Dual 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]
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- 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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Smoking 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]
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Section 2 of 4:

Candle Flame Colors

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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]
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Red 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]
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- 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]
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- Yellow represents the Earth’s energy and symbolizes spiritual nuances.
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White 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]
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Black 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]
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Section 3 of 4:

What is the spiritual meaning of a high flaming candle?

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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.

Section 4 of 4:

Best Practices for Reading Candle Flames

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Notice if there’s a draft, fan, or breeze in your space. Outside elements could affect how your candle burns.^{[16]
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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]
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Set 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]
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- 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.).