How to Perform a Basic Candle Spell
Candles have been used in magic and witchcraft since ancient times. They illuminate a special kind of power to us now, but in the past, candles were used in magic for more practical reasons—they were almost always available. With electricity being non-existent for the majority of human history, if you were going to perform a spell at night, chances are it was next to a dimly lit candle.
Candles today come in so many shapes, scents, and sizes. You can purchase pillar candles in tall glass jars, small tea lights, or collect mini spell candles in a variety of colors to meet your magical needs. But how do you know which one to choose for your spells?
Choosing the Right Candle Type
When you’re ready to start working with candle magic, the first thing you need to do is decide what type of candle will work with your spell, ritual, or intention. The first thing to consider is the amount of time you need the candle to be lit. Pillar or tumbler candles can be re-lit for spells that span multiple days or uses. But if you’re looking for something quick or are in a pinch, a tea light or even a birthday candle might work for you.
- Pillar Candles: Stand up tall and are usually large and round on top. Sometimes they come in a tall glass container.
- Votive Candles: These are 2-3 inches tall and are always burned in a glass jar made for votives, although they are usually sold separately.
- Mini Spell Candles: You can find these online or at your nearest witch/occult shop. They always come in a variety of colors and are thin and around 3-4 inches tall.
- Taper Candles: Taper candles are tall and skinny. They usually need a special holder to stand upright.
- Tea Light Candles: Tea lights are inexpensive candles and, more recently, come in a variety of colors and scents. They are usually short and round, housed in a tin or small plastic container.
- Tumbler Candles: These are essentially jar candles and most often come in scented fragrances.
- Specific Shapes (Skull, Couple, etc.): Sometimes you can find specific shapes of candles for different uses. Common ones in witchcraft include skull-shaped candles or couple candles (two figures holding hands). If a spell calls for a specific shape, it will usually indicate what to use.
Candle Color Meanings
Once you’ve selected the type of candle, the next step is to choose the color. The right candle color can help amplify a spell or intention by multiplying the energy. It’s important to pick the right color to maximize your effort and keep the energy of the spell aligned.
- Black: Banishing, protection, absorbing negativity.
- White: Cleansing, purifying, healing, truth.
- Pink: Self-love, relationships, friendships.
- Red: Love, passion, lust, power, confidence. Also used to speed up workings.
- Blue: Communication, psychic energy.
- Orange: Ambition, success, motivation.
- Yellow: Clarity, manifestation, logic, learning.
- Green: Prosperity, money, wealth, abundance.
- Purple: Intuition, divination, spiritual connection.
Anointing/Fixing Your Candle with Oils and Herbs
A fixed candle is specifically prepared or “fixed” with herbs, oils, or other items designed for your specific intention. Adding oils and herbs that align with your spell creates a fixed candle.
Some methods to fix your candle:
- Oil directly on the candle: Drip oil directly onto an unlit candle before use.
- Lighting the candle first: Light the candle and wait for a pool of wax to form. Extinguish the flame, drip oils into the hot wax, let it harden, and relight.
- Rolling in oils/herbs: Spread oil on a plate, roll the candle in it, then roll in crushed herbs.
- Stabbing the tops of large candles: For pillar or tumbler candles, use a sharp object to poke 3 holes in the top. Drip oil and herbs into the holes, optionally covering them with melted wax.
A Basic Candle Spell
Ready to try a candle spell? You don’t need a ton of fancy herbs or oils to get started. Writing out your intentions, keeping a clear and focused mind, and using the energy of the candle is all you need.
What You’ll Need:
- A candle (mini, votive, or tea light, as it will need to burn out completely)
- Matches or a lighter
- Paper and pen/pencil for writing your intentions
Optional Items:
- Crystals, herbs, or oils that align with your intention
- Incense for cleansing your space
- A journal for organizing your thoughts
Instructions:
- Prepare your space: Take time to clear your mind. Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal to focus.
- Cleanse: Optional—burn incense to clear the energy.
- Set up: Place your candle in a heat-proof container. Fix, anoint, or charge your candle if desired.
- Write your intention: Tear all sides of a small piece of paper, removing machine-cut edges. Write your ask concisely, using past-tense phrasing (e.g., “I’m in Italy meeting someone special”).
- Fold the paper: Fold it toward you 4 times and place it under the candleholder.
- Light and meditate: Light the candle, hold your hands near the flame to feel the energy, and visualize your intention as if it has already happened. Stay in this state as long as needed.
- Finish: Open your eyes and let the candle burn out completely.
Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t have the perfect candle, a white candle can substitute for almost anything.
- Never leave your candle unattended. If you need to step away, extinguish the flame and relight it later.
- Many witches avoid blowing out candles, as it feels like extinguishing their intention. Use a snuffer if needed.
- Trust your instincts—there’s no “right” way to do magic. If it feels right and aligns with your energy, it’s the right choice for you.