Candle Flame Meaning: A Magical and Unexpected Secret Language

A candle flame meaning has deep significance in many spiritual beliefs. These high, flickering flames can dance and jump, taking on unique shapes as they burn (which is excellent for divination work). Understanding a candle flame’s meaning can allow us to delve into the depths of our souls and connect with the unseen forces around us.

When it comes to candle magic, remember, every practitioner interprets each meaning differently, but I’m going to give you the most common meanings. Keep your mind open to possibilities and use your intuition for the most accurate results! Anything you read in an article will pale in comparison to your own spiritual knowledge.

Now with a flickering flame as our guide, let’s embark on a journey to decipher the language of the candle flame’s meaning.

Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout this article.

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Mundane over Magic

Before we break down each candle flame meaning, it’s important to note you should always consider non-magical and scientific meanings before spiritual ones. Is your wick too long or too short? Is there a fan on in your room or an open window creating a breeze?

Always consider the mundane before the magical to keep your readings accurate!

Why Read Candle Flames

Throughout your spell or ritual, it’s essential to pay attention to the behavior of the candle flame. It whispers secrets of intuition and connects us to spiritual realms beyond our comprehension. By monitoring its behavior, you can fine-tune your spell to achieve the best possible outcome.

Spiritual meanings can be found in the way the candle flame moves, flickers, changes color, or any smoke it releases.

Candle flames speak directly to the heart of any Pagan, Witch, or spiritual practitioner who reads and understands them. Whether you’re spellcasting or looking for spiritual guidance, understanding the meanings behind candle flames can add a whole new dimension to your experience.

Candles were among the earliest inventions of the ancient world, as shown by candlesticks from Egypt and Crete dating to at least 3000 BC.

By the European Middle Ages tallow candles were in wide use: in a Paris tax list of 1292, 71 chandlers, or candlemakers, are named.

Britannica – Candle Lighting

Candle Flame Burning Interpretations

Candle flame readings serve as a tool for self-discovery, decision-making, personal growth, and spiritual guidance. It can help each of us understand different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Candle magic helps us connect with our intuition and make the best choices, aligning us with our spiritual goals or intentions.

Flickering Candle Flame Meaning

A flickering candle flame means there is a spirit or guide nearby. If you used the candle to represent a deity or spirit guide, they want you to know they’re here with you. Your message was received and understood. Your spell or ritual was successful.

This beautiful flickering flame, swaying back and forth like a delicate ballet, reminds us of the ebb and flow of life’s uncertainties. It encourages us to adapt and find stability in the chaos of life.

Jumping Candle Flame Meaning 

A jumping candle flame is a lot more feisty than a flickering flame and indicates that your spell is surrounded by a lot of energy. This is typically a good sign and indicates your magic or intention will manifest quickly.

Dancing Candle Flame Meaning

In candle magic, an irregular dancing flame represents high intensity and wild energy. A dancing flame suggests success, but it is likely to coincide with complications.

The taller the flame jumps, the more resistance and obstacles you’ll likely encounter.

Candle Popping

A candle-popping flame lets you know a spirit guide or ancestor is trying to communicate with you by using candle crackles, sizzles, and pops. Try using a notepad, journal, or grimoire to record what you hear so you can piece it together.

You may understand a different meaning at a later time. Remember to also record your spell or intention to help interpret the candle flame’s meaning.

I’ve heard some witches and spiritual practitioners claim a popping candle flame indicates gossip is involved in your ritual.

When it comes to mundane meanings, it can also indicate your wick is wet!

Self-Extinguishes

A self-extinguishing candle typically indicates your intention or spell has been resolved or decided. Your candle will sometimes self-extinguish if the outcome has already happened before the candle is completely burned out.

This isn’t always a bad thing; it could mean that your message was received and noted. Give it some time, re-evaluate your intentions, and try the spell again later if your results don’t come to fruition.

However, I know some witches or spiritual practitioners believe a self-extinguishing candle flame is giving you a firm message of NO until you complete more inner healing or shadow work on your end.

Tall Strong Flame

Imagine a tall candle flame, standing proudly and unwavering, radiating its energy with grace and poise. A tall, strong flame is capable of pushing past any barrier and reaching the peak of your dreams and desires.

A tall strong candle flame means your challenges are crumbling, and quick, positive outcomes are inevitable. Your intention was successful and will come to fruition. There’s clearly a lot of power behind your magic and intention.

When it comes to mundane meanings, your wick may be too long!

Weak Flame

A weak candle flame means there are barriers or obstacles in your path. It’s likely your intention is up against a variety of complexities. A weak or low flame represents a need for personal and internal reflection. It urges us to embark on a journey of self-discovery while shedding the old and embracing transformation.

If the flame is small but steady, you may still have a successful outcome, but it will probably take much longer than you were anticipating.

A vibrating or pulsing weak candle flame often indicates your spell or intention is flawed, or your timing is off. Either way, your spell requires more effort and energy before it can fulfill your intention. Stay focused on your goal, and don’t give up!

​When it comes to mundane meanings, your wick may be too short, or you used too much anointing oil.

Dual Flames

Dual flames typically represent two different energies, implying a difference of opinion and the delicate balance of opposing forces. If you’ve been feeling conflicted, your intention or spell may have multiple perspectives or angles.

A dual flame can also indicate a presence, spirit, or guide (possibly two) has joined your ritual. However, it may be referring to multiple people or intentions. Refer to your intention or spell and use your intuition to determine a dual flame’s true meaning.

For example, imagine your reading was about your Twin Flame. A dual flame would definitely be giving you encouragement about your intention!

Blue Flame Candle Meaning

The spiritual meaning of the color blue centers around healing, trying to sort out strong feelings or emotions, or when you need help seeking out the truth.

When it comes to mundane meanings, your candle may simply contain a chemical that makes the flame turn blue, as explained below.

There are some special types of candles that have flames of different colors. These candles are made by adding certain chemicals to the wax.

When they get hot enough, these chemicals glow a particular color like red, green, purple, or blue.

ACS – The Secret Science of Flames

Heart Shape in Candle Flame

Finding symbols, shapes, or figures in a candle flame is an excellent example of candle magic and flame divination.

Understanding ancient pagan or witchcraft symbols will allow you to expand your divination abilities because the images we see are meant uniquely for us. For example, when a heart appears to me, I know it’s a symbol of love or understanding. However, to you, it may mean heartbreak or a physical heart (maybe suggesting a possible medical condition).

Remember to trust your intuition when interpreting symbols in a candle flame.

Smoke

Seeing smoke of any kind during a candle flame reading lets you know the energy of the element Air is present in your reading. Air is the element of creativity, intellect, and clear articulation. A powerful element for new beginnings, self-expression, and happiness.

Study the smoke and observe its movements. Do you notice any shapes or symbols? Remember to record anything you notice, no matter how small.

I often hear witches or spiritual practitioners refer to white smoke as being positive energy and black smoke as being negative energy. However, this interpretation just doesn’t sit well with me because I believe it has clear and negative racial connotations.

If you’d like to learn more, check out How to Read Smoke Divination: The Forgotten Art of Libanomancy and Capnomancy.

How To Do a Candle Flame Reading

Okay, so you probably want to know how to do a candle flame reading now that you know the interpretations and meanings. Let’s explore a few practical tips to enhance your candle flame reading.

Choose Your Candle and Intention

Feel free to choose any candle that resonates with you for your reading. However, please ensure your candles are clear of defects or splits because these reduce the candle’s spiritual potency. Choose a candle color that is spiritually meaningful to you or represents your intention.

Before lighting the candle, take a moment to set a clear intention for your session. This will help focus your energy and establish a purpose for the reading.

Create a Sacred Space

Before starting your candle flame reading, create a peaceful and sacred space. Cleanse the area with your favorite cleansing technique to remove any negative or unwanted energy.

Arrange meaningful objects or symbols that align with your practice to create a spiritual and harmonious space for your ritual. Dim the lights to enhance your candle flame reading.

Focus on the Candle Flame’s Behavior

Once your candle’s lit, allow it to burn for a few minutes so the flame can stabilize. Observe the candle flame’s behavior without any distractions. Take your time; there’s no rush.

Pay attention to the candle flame’s height, shape, and movement. Is it tall and straight or flickering and dancing? Is it steady or wavering? Patiently observe these characteristics before deciding on any interpretations.

Record and Reflect

Keep a journal, grimoire, or notebook dedicated to your spellwork and candle flame readings. Document your observations in detail, including the candle flame’s behavior, changes, and intuitive impressions.

After the reading, review your notes and reflect on any symbolism you observed. Look for patterns, recurring themes, or connections between the flame’s behavior and your current life situations. This reflection will deepen your understanding of the messages conveyed in the flame.

I hope this Candle Flame Meaning article was helpful! Lots of love to you, and remember, as always…