Candles are so beautiful and likely something everyone has in their home and not always for magickal purposes. However nothing sets a more magickal scene then a bunch of lit candles around a room.

Candles are a simple tool but also a very powerful one. It is a tool that can be used as part of a spell or magickal working or it can be the whole spell. The common practice of making a wish on birthday candles is at its core candle magick without people even realizing it.

Candles are a representation of the element fire and it is believed by some that the candle carries the spell, intention, magick, or whatever your preferred term is, up through the flame and out into the universe. The type of candle, colour, and scent are all factors that are considered when picking the candle to use. While intention is the most important part of any magickal workings it can be nice to incorporate additional elements to your work.

Colour

This is probably the most considered factor in candle magick. Everyone knows that each colour corresponds with certain emotions and can be used to bring certain aspects into your life. Colours are a very personal thing and what colours mean to you might mean something different for someone else, this is especially true between cultures. Below is a small and suggested list, you can download a virtual and more in-depth list in the store here or the printer friendly version here.

Scent

Using essential oils, herbs, and other scented products really can amplify any spell work.
For this you can either use something that also brings the same energy in or something that brings in a complementary energy. For example if you burn a green candle to attract money you could anoint it with cinnamon for success. Another example is using the candle to light incense or herbs to amplify the workings.

Anointing

To anoint or dress a candle with scented oils (either derived from the plant such as calendula oil or from a carrier oil mixed with essential oil) pour the oil into your power hand and rub the candle with it.
If you are wanting to bring something into your life rub from the top down and to banish something from the bottom up however; there is no wrong way to do it if you are setting your intention and holding them while doing it. While you are anointing the candle think of your desired outcome and focus on exactly what you would like to bring in, this is the most important part of anointing.

What candle to use?

Choosing the right size or kind of candle can feel overwhelming at first. Starting with your purpose and time frame is the best place to jump off from.
For a quick spell choosing a ritual candle, birthday candle, or a tea light would be best for their short burning time.
For a spell that will be done over multiple days or that don’t require the candle to burn itself out a votive, pillar, tapered, or a jar candle would be ideal.

Tea light, jars, and pillar candles are idea for use with burning herbs or spices as they are easier to contain the burning item.

Another great part about using jars is the ability to write on the outside any words or symbols of power. On pillars and votives and to some degree tapered candles words and symbols can be etched or scratched into the candle directly. It is important to note that etching into a candle will limit its use to this specific purpose while writing on a jar with an erasable marker will allow it to be wiped clean and cleansed for another use.

Practice

Once you have chosen your candle size and type, dressed it, and put any symbols or words on it it is time to take the next steps. Lighting the candle can be as simple and flicking a lighter, lighting a match, or any other method you prefer as there is no wrong way to light it.

The candle is lit, now sit and stare into the flame and concentrate on the desired outcome, really feel it and understand what it would be like to have in your life. Depending on the type of work you are doing you can stay doing this until the candle has burned out or extinguish it and finish.

Finishing

If the candle burns itself out then discard the remains as you would any other spell remains. To extinguish the flame it is important to remember not to blow them out as this is considered rude to the fire elements. It is best to use a snuffer to put out the flame or use a tool to pinch the flame out.
At this point you can cleanse the candle or keep it to continue working the magick.

Going Forward

Understanding the basics of candle magick as it is outlined here will get you started working with candles and using them to aid your magickal workings. The more time you spend working with the candles and learning how your own magick interacts with it the more powerful your workings will become. Like all aspects of magick and spells, practice makes perfect and will bring more understanding of the craft into your life.
Start working with candles and getting a feel of which sizes and styles you are drawn to and from there start understanding what the colours represent to you.