Candle Magic – How to Use Candles and their Colors in your Rituals and Magic

Last Updated on July 14, 2022 by Wishbonix

When it comes to indispensable tools for magical workings, candles are right at the top of the list. Aside from providing light, the way the flame flickers and how the candle burns are often said to be powerful omens that give the magical practitioner a chance to know whether or not the request will be answered. In most cases, once you decide on the right candle color, you can use oils to dress it for additional magical effects.

Fire is a potent element in magical activities, with the spell casters drawing energy from it for hailing the spirits to eliminate negativity. With the coming of the candles, it was possible to derive the requisite energy more safely.

The word candle comes from the Latin word candeo, meaning “I burn.”

Candle magic holds different meanings to different practitioners, varying with the candle’s color and the flame’s movement, among many other criteria observed in candle magic.

Candles in Spells and Magic

In spells, the candles hold immense power in determining the flow of the energy. Since ancient times there has always been great relevance to candles by including them in prayers and offerings made in various religious and spiritual practices, including witchcraft.

Spell Casters, priests, witches, and energy workers observe the flame’s path, which determines the spells’ success. These practitioners also believe in the power of the candles in forcing their way into the spiritual world, bringing immense powers to the spells cast.

The color, dressing of the candle, and the placement of the same in the spell define the success of the spells.

Candle Magic is easy to perform and suited even for beginners.

The Colors and Energy

Science has found that each color in the world can only be seen when certain conditions exist. Each color has its own wavelength of energy that can be seen – or not. Thus, each color has its own energy, which can contribute to its effects in a spell. But most people already know this innately. Think about the last time you were exhausted during the day. Many people will wear bright colors to help increase their energy. Those who are sad might wear black to express this sadness. All around us, colors not only show our emotions, but they can also express our energy. When specific colors are used in spells, you can increase the energy of the spell, helping to make it stronger or to call attention to certain things you want to focus on, depending on the desired outcome of the spell.

The Power of Fire

Fire is something that has always held the attention of human beings. It has been a force of power ever since the dawning of the human race when the Stone Age people first discovered it. Fire and warmth are essential aspects of human life. Without heat, we would all cease to exist. A powerful force has to have some magical properties, and candle flames are an effective form of sympathetic magic used in medicinal spells and divination. Each color of the candle has its specific kind of vibration, which is used to enhance the power of the magic.

Igniting the Magical Process

Lighting a candle is the ignition required to get the vibration started. Once you have used a candle, ensure it is only ever used for that exact purpose; otherwise, the different vibrations built up can interfere with each other.

As with all objects used for magic, the candle must be cleansed and blessed before use. It removes any negative energies and strengthens the candle’s power and, therefore, the spell’s power. The longer a candle burns, the more effective it is. The candle should only be put out after the spell has been completed.

Types of Candles

Various types of candles can be used for spells, ranging in how long they last and their size and shape. For example, a Votive is a smaller candle that does not burn long, but you can easily burn several Votives simultaneously, especially when different colors are needed. Alternatively, an Alter Candle is tall and burns for a long time, meaning it can be lit first and extinguished at the very end. The longer burning leads to the magical process being more effective.

Anointing Candles

Anointing the candle before use is very important, and there are several ways in which you can do it. It can be narrowed down to two general ways that most of the magickal community use.

• Method number one involves starting at the middle, working up to the top, and then traveling back down to make you the center point of the candle, sending your positive energy into both planes.
• The second method is to start at the top, travel down to the bottom, and go underneath and back up in an unbroken line. Follow this with a quarter turn and re-do the line to ensure the candle is “tied” in the way you want it to work.
• Click here to learn more about Anointing Candles

Making Your Own Candles

Many people choose to make their own candles, and there are a plethora of different ways to do it. Mostly, it is a relatively simple process. However, concentration and preciseness are required to get it exact, a perfection all candle-makers should aspire to. You will need to pay close attention to the dripping of melted wax due to a small wick and the flame taking in too much wax due to an overly large wick. If you pay attention to these things, your candles will work perfectly.

To conclude, candle magic is a diverse and potent craft that can be adapted to suit the individual’s needs. As a powerful tool in witchcraft, the various colors of candles are valuable items of knowledge for anyone involved in casting spells and performing magic.

The Colors and Their Meaning in Candle Magic

Red

When used in rituals and spells, it can be unpredictable and wild. Red is primarily used in magic for love, passion, sexual attraction and potency, fertility, willpower, courage, loyalty, change, determination, strength, violence, and independence.

Since red is the color of the root chakra, it should also come as no surprise that red candles are used for spells involving power and passion. You can also use red to improve libido, draw love, and call upon fire’s most primal aspects. It speaks of energy, health, sexual prowess, strength, masculinity, and courage.

The color red is also associated with: wisdom, longevity, encouragement, battle, war, ambition, breaking hexes, pregnancy, childbirth, rebirth, freedom, and justice.

• Gender: Male
• Elements: Fire, Air
• Planets: Mars, Sun, Venus
• Moon Phase: Full Moon
• Direction: South
• Numbers: 1, 5, 9
• Day: Tuesday
• Season: Summer
• Holidays: Beltane, Litha, Yule
• Tarot: The Emperor
• Zodiac: Aries, Leo, Scorpio
• Chakra: Root Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Basil, Dragon Blood, Pine
• Herbs: Rose, Chives, Cayenne
• Stone: Ruby
• Plants: Sunflower, Nettle, Rose
• Angel: Michael
• Gods: Iris, Ganesh, Maeve

Orange

When used in rituals, it is primarily associated with attraction, kindness, encouragement, stimulation, adaptability, and legal issues.

Orange candles are ideal for removing negativity from any situation and attracting happiness and good luck. Orange is also used for creativity, control, enticing justice, abundance, money, and success, and to promote sexual desire and lust. It is the color of mental agility, balancing, health, and breaking spells.

• Gender: Male
• Elements: Air, Fire
• Planets: Mercury, Mars, Sun
• Full Moon: June
• Directions: East/South
• Numbers: 2, 1, 8
• Days: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• Season: Autumn
• Holidays: Beltane, Mabon, Samhain
• Tarot: The Lovers, Hierophant
• Zodiac: Leo, Sagittarius, Taurus
• Chakra: Sacral Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Dill, Lily of the Valley
• Stones: Moss Agate, Carnelian
• Herbs/Plants: Fern, Marjoram
• Goddess: Isis

Yellow

In color healing, yellow is said to be the color that reveals the truth and allows the recipient to see clearly. Therefore, it should be no surprise that yellow candles are used in rituals designed to boost mental capacity, focus, and intellect. It endows the properties of memory, intelligence, mental agility, and communication.

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for learning, persuasion, knowledge, charm, jealousy, confidence, comfort, concentration, mental clarity, understanding, and protection.

The color yellow is also associated with friendship, happiness, intuition, communication, optimism, higher power, and spirits.

• Gender: Male
• Elements: Air, Fire
• Planets: Sun, Mercury, Uranus
• Full Moons: August, July
• Direction: East, North
• Numbers: 1, 3, 12
• Days: Sunday, Wednesday
• Holidays: Beltane, Imbolc, Mabon
• Tarot: Magician, Strength
• Zodiac: Aquarius, Cancer, Virgo, Gemini, Leo
• Chakra: Solar Plexus
• Oils/Scents: Lemon, Bay, Frankincense
• Stones: Topaz, Yellow Diamond
• Herbs/Plants: Laurel, Ash, Vine

Green

Since green represents the heart chakra, it is a perfect color for attraction. Many people also consider green the best candle for improving health, wealth, and fertility. Green stands for good luck, harmony, fertility, and fruitful abundance.

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for luck, success, finances, prosperity, money, wisdom, energy, growth, ambition, herbal healing, rejuvenation, resurrection, and to counteract jealousy and greed.

Green is associated with action, optimism, sleep, well-being, courage, challenges, and changes.

• Gender: Neutral (Male and Female)
• Elements: Earth, Water
• Planets: Uranus, Earth, Jupiter, Venus, Mars
• Moon Phase: Full Moon
• Directions: East, North
• Numbers: 2, 3, 4, 7
• Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• Holidays: Beltane, Earth Day, Imbolc, Litha, Ostara, Yule
• Tarot: The Empress, Suit of Pentacles
• Zodiac: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Taurus, Libra
• Chakra: Heart Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Elder, Musk, Mint
• Herbs: Rose, Chives, Cayenne
• Stones: Jade, Emerald, Peridot
• Plants: Catnip, Blackberry
• Angel: Ariel
• Goddess: Iris

 

Blue

When you need a bit of extra luck expressing yourself clearly, a blue candle will be your best ally. This candle can be combined with green or red for expressing yourself better in love or money matters. Blue represents healing, inspiration, truth, psychic protection, and femininity.

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for understanding, truth, devotion, calming, tranquility, patience, sincerity, health, loyalty, honor, peace, astral projection, sleeping, friendship, harmony, and commitment.

Blue is associated with loneliness, stress, darkness, spirituality, and changes.

• Gender: Neutral (Male and Female)
• Element: Water
• Planets: Moon, Venus, Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus
• Full Moons: February, October
• Directions: West, Northeast
• Numbers: 4, 5, 6
• Day: Friday
• Holidays: Litha, Mabon
• Angel: Raphael
• Tarot: High Priestess, Hanged Man, Suit of Cups
• Zodiac: Aquarius, Gemini, Sagittarius, Libra, Scorpio, Pisces
• Chakra: Throat Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Honeysuckle, Cedar, Basil
• Stones: Azurite, Turquoise, Blue Opal
• Herbs/Plants: Carnation, Cypress
• Gods: Manannan, Brigid, Iris

Violet/Purple

As the color of spiritual vibrations, purple candles are usually used for invoking spirits and gaining access to higher realms. If purple reminds you of death and resurrection, you might want to work with a candle more appropriate for the situation in need of remedying. On the other hand, if you associate purple with royalty and abundance, it might be suitable for wealth and good luck rituals in your case. Purple stands for truth, financial success, highly developed psychic ability, and idealism.

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for wisdom, power, meditation, divination, justice, luck, sadness, spiritual protection and healing, protection, enhancing psychic and spiritual abilities, and breaking bad luck.

Purple or violet is associated with independence, awareness, manifestation, the senses, and transformation.

• Gender: Male
• Elements: Air, Water
• Planet: Jupiter
• Full Moons: January, June
• Direction: East
• Numbers: 7, 8
• Days: Thursday, Wednesday
• Holiday: Lughnasadh
• Tarot: Wheel of Fortune, The Star
• Zodiac: Sagittarius
• Chakra: Crown Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Cedar, Nutmeg
• Stones: Amethyst, Sapphire
• Herbs/Plants: Mimosa, Mugwort
• Gods: Fortuna, Justitia

Black

Using black or white candles can be controversial, depending on the culture you were raised in. As with purple candles, if you associate black with death, you should avoid using these candles for rituals related to beginnings. On the other hand, if you think of black as a mystery or the great void that all things come from, a black candle might be what you need for a ritual. It is also important to note that some people use black candles to cast hexes, while others use them to undo them or even transmute them into positive energy.

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for self-control, quiet power, rebirth, reversing, Negation without reflecting, unlocking when stuck, banishing evil or negativity, reversing, binding negative forces, and releasing the truth.

The color black is associated with the underworld, witchcraft, crossroads, beginnings, and the afterlife.

• Gender: Male
• Elements: Air
• Planets: Saturn, Pluto, Earth
• Moon Phase: New Moon
• Direction: East
• Numbers: 6, 8, 13
• Days: Saturday, Tuesday
• Season: Summer
• Holiday: Samhain
• Tarot: Judgement
• Zodiac: Scorpio, Capricorn
• Chakra: Root Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Myrrh, Holly, Juniper
• Stone: Onyx, Black Quartz
• Herbs/Plants: Beech, Oak, Elm
• Animals: Rooster, Dragonfly
• Gods: Epona, Hecate, Kali

White

Perhaps it can be said that white candles are just as controversial as black ones. They are often used as an all-purpose candle in cultures where white is seen as a symbol of purity and grace. Since white is viewed as the emptiness of death and winter or the absence of color instead of all its combinations in the light spectrum, you may not want to use it for healing or blessing rituals. As with black and purple candles, you should be guided by your own intuition about the goals you want to accomplish. White is the color of pure things and spirituality. Peace is represented in the color white, and in some cultures, it represents mourning and death.

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for healing, purification, potential, meditation, peace, consecration, divination, spiritual strength, and protection (can be substituted for any other color)

The color white is also associated with optimism, visions, compassion, clarity, consecration, and blessings.

• Gender: Male and Female
• Element: Air
• Planets: Moon, Earth
• Full Moons: January, March
• ]Direction: East
• Numbers: 0, 1, 2, 5, 7, 9
• Days: Monday, Sunday
• Holiday: Imbolc
• Tarot:
• Zodiac: Aries, Leo, Scorpio
• Chakras: Crown Chakra, 3rd Eye Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Sandalwood, Myrrh
• Stones: Opal, Clear Crystals
• Herbs/Plants: Rosemary, Woodruff
• Angels: Auriel, Gabriel, Michael, Raphael
• Gods: Bertha, Danu, Ganga

Gray

In rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for neutrality, balancing positive and negative, achieving balance, canceling, peace, attuning to the spiritual world, dreams, veiling, and vision quests.

The color gray is also associated with secrets, sorrows, and endings.

• Gender: Male and Female
• Elements: Water, Air
• Planet: Moon
• Full Moons: January, March
• Directions: West, Northwest
• Numbers: 1, 4, 5, 6
• Days: Monday, Saturday
• Tarot: Hanged Man, Threes
• Zodiac: Virgo, Cancer, Scorpio
• Chakras: None
• Oils/Scents: Ginseng, Jasmine
• Stones: Moonstone, Black Pearl
• Herbs/Plants: Clove, Hyssop

Pink

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for love, friendship, spiritual healing, inspiration, beauty, attracting lovers, partnerships, affection, romance, attraction, inner harmony, unselfish emotions, and banishing hatred.

A pink candle might be better for working love magic if you are looking for a gentler or softer romantic effect. Pink candles are also ideal for smoothing rough surfaces in friendships, work situations, and family matters. It represents romantic love, friendship, and personal affection for another.

The color pink is also associated with well-being, awakening, generosity, and sensuality.

• Gender: Female
• Element: Fire
• Planets: Venus, Mars
• Full Moon: May
• Direction: South
• Numbers: 0, 1, 6, 9
• Days: Friday
• Tarot: The Four Sevens
• Zodiac: Aries, Libra
• Chakra: Heart Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Rose, Apple Blossom
• Stones: Rose Quartz, Pink Sapphire
• Herbs/Plants: Allspice, Lily, Violets

Brown

Since brown is also a grounding color, it can be used in rituals to rid the earth or a local area of negativity via grounding. Some people also note success in using brown candles to attract money, increase psychic powers, and find missing objects.

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for grounding, centering, decision-making, locating lost items, trees, house and home, increasing wealth, telepathy, concentration, protection of pets and animals, and the earth.

The color brown is associated with beginnings, longevity, rebirth, and renewal.

• Gender: Female
• Element: Earth
• Planets: Earth, Pluto, Saturn
• Direction: North
• Numbers: 2, 3, 4, 8
• Days: Monday, Friday, Saturday
• Holidays: Earth Day, Mabon
• Tarot: Four Pages and Four Tens
• Zodiac: Virgo, Capricorn
• Chakra: Sacral Chakra, Solar Plexus
• Oils/Scents: Cherry, Birch, Cloves
• Stones: Rock Crystal, Smokey Quartz
• Herbs/Plants: Tansy, Ginseng, Corn
• Angel: Auriel
• God: Aine

Silver

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for protection, purity, fame, potential, values, the unconscious mind, female energy, inspiration, divination, and repelling spells. Silver has similar qualities to white.

Silver is also associated with power, money, stability, healing, and awareness.

• Gender: Female
• Elements: Air, Water
• Planet: Moon
• Full Moon: November
• Direction: East
• Numbers: 5, 9
• Days: Monday, Wednesday[/kleo_list_item]
• Holiday: Yule
• Zodiac: Gemini
• Oils/Scents: Sandalwood, Myrrh
• Stones: Silver, Opal
• Herbs/Plants: Rosemary, Mugwort
• Gods: Luna, Hecate, Shiva

Gold

When used in rituals and spells, it is primarily used in magic for wealth, fortune, male energy, conscious mind, understanding and knowledge, hope, attracting happiness, intelligence, strength, success, healing, and activity.

Gold is also associated with beauty, the home, security, and creativity.

• Gender: Male
• Element: Fire
• Planet: Sun
• Direction: South
• Numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3, 6
• Days: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday
• Holidays: Litha, Mabon, Yule
• Tarot Card: Chariot
• Zodiac: Leo, Virgo
• Chakra: Crown Chakra
• Oils/Scents: Frankincense, Cinnamon
• Stones: Gold, Topaz
• Herbs/Plants: Sunflower, Marigold
• Angels: Raphael, Auriel

The Colors and Specific Meanings

The candle colors you might use for a spell are endless. And as more people turn to magic, the correspondences for candle magic have varied. It’s no surprise, for example, that pink tends to be a candle color used in love magic. Some correspondences will help you choose the best candles possible for your spell work. Just as you add spices to a recipe, the more components of a spell aligned with your purpose and your intent, the stronger the spell will be – the more effective the spell will be. Learning the basic candle correspondences will allow you to use complementary energy in your spell workings. You might want to keep a copy of these correspondences near your candles so that you always know what to use.

What if I Don’t Have a Certain Color of Candle?

However, this brings up a good question: What if you don’t have the ‘right’ color candle for the spell you want to work? While it’s always recommended that you follow the magic spell candle correspondences, you will also want to remember that your intent is the most critical part of a spell. If you don’t have strong intent, then no matter what the moon phase or the candle color, the spell may not work as you like. If you have a strong intention for your spell casting, then you can use nearly any color of the candle and still get strong results. Many people like to keep an extra white candle around to help them when they want to use candle magic. Thought of as a universal candle color, this candle can be used in nearly anything. But when you can, using candle colors is the best way to ensure your spell will work.

When you use specific candle colors, you can not only intensify the effects of a spell but also hasten the results you see. In making sure that you are doing all that you can to promote the success of a spell, you will find that your spells not only work, but they work far better than you could even imagine.