The Art of "Candle Talk" Part 2~~~ Understanding what the Candle is saying

Dear Ms. Q,

“How do Candles ‘talk’ to you or me, how do I understand what they are saying?”

Ever since primitive man (wait a minute it might have been primitive woman) discovered fire, and later on how to make fire, fire has played a very significant role in religious or spiritual settings, wood will pop or snap, sometimes as if in answer to a question put before the gathered leaders, from there it was felt that spirits could speak through the flame.

Unfortunately with arson it takes a very twisted and sick turn.

But for someone doing candle magick or spells/rituals, how the candle “talks” or acts can give a person an idea of how a spell is going, in a way it’s a form of divination but more importantly it’s a way to connect to the spirit’s and your spirit guides and angels.

Divination using either a free-standing candle or a glass enclosed candle, takes on different forms, first with the flame itself how it acts, second the sound of the flame----does it pop, crackle, hiss, chatter, the smoke of the flame, how the candle melts especially in free standing and figural candles, the soot left on the glass enclosed candle, how the wax or glitter or herbs (especially in a glass enclosed candle) positon themselves.    This is all about how the spirits or energies communicate with you through the candle.

TESTING FOR DRAFTS

Before doing any candle magick or spells or even “setting lights” (I’ll explain that later) you need to test the various areas of where you’re going to do you candle spells.

Now for those that follow a pagan or wiccan belief this might be hard because some beliefs suggest to have your altar facing either true or magnetic North or in some cases East ward towards the rising sun I’m told native Americans have the entrances to their lodges facing eastward, most Catholic churches at least in ancient times traditionally  would have the main altar in the east quadrant with the entrance to the church facing  and side altars with the Mother Mary altar in the north  and St. Joseph altar in the south quadrant.   Now a days it depends on the plot of ground where they can build a church.

But where you will do your candle work may be in a different location  than where you have your altar for ritual work, and the only way to determine that is to take a plain pillar or taper candle and set it in different spots of your working area and take notes of any activity of the flame, if it moves around too much you have a draft and will not get a true reading or response from the candle,  if you find a spot where the “neutral candle’s flame” does not move around at all or very little then that is the area to do your candle work.   Some people go so far as to get a 3 or 4 sided folding screen to cut down on drafts as well, if it turns out that no spot is suitable.    Some people go so far as to use an elaborate 4 sided wooden screen to help not only create sacred space but also have a nearly no draft area for their candle work.

Once you have settled on a spot then as you do your work you can then get an idea from your candle what is happening.

WHAT NOT TO USE THE CANDLE FLAME FOR

Some people think that by burning a candle it will tell you whom you’re going to marry, not really, there is an old custom using a large mirror and a candle on a certain date of the year, that you will see who you will marry but that is not the same as using a candle to tell you who it will be.

Some people will use a “black Mirror” and a candle for scrying, but this is different from candle magic.

Only when you are doing a candle spell can you tell if the spell is working, having trouble, is not working at all etc. but only during the process of doing spell work.

Chas from Mystic Dreams shop says “ While most other symbolic modalities used in magic tend to be outwardly static when set in play, a candle can act as a sort of “self-diagnostic tool”, indicating how the spell in progress may or may not be working….. Remember that these are only general indicators and you should follow your intuition as your first authority”

Understanding what your spell candle is talking about  takes various steps, first is the Flame, then Smoke or Soot, then how the Wax melts (either with a free standing candle or glass-enclosed candles), then (more recently) how the glitter or herbs cling to the wax or glass sides. 

But the first thing is reading the Flame.

READING THE FLAME

This is Both  for free standing and glass enclosed candles----

DOES NOT WANT TO BURN

If the candle does not want to burn this means that spiritual cleansing other than what has been done, either on yourself or your spiritual environment needs to be done, especially if this is a prosperity or protection candle.  

If it does not even want to light it means this type of working will not be right nor will it work for what you need, therefore another type or kind of spell needs to be done.

If the candle you’re using is being used for domination of a person or to inflict harm, another type of spell must be used.  

IF THE FLAME DOES NOT WANT TO GO OUT

If you attempt to snuff the flame out or blow out the flame and it does not go out it means that the spirit does not want you to put it out.

Also if you blow it out or snuff it out and it flicks back on, that means the same thing. 

You Must let the spirit complete the work because something important is working and you do not want to interfere with or interrupt it.

If you have to leave the candle alone such as leaving the house and are uncomfortable to leave it burning you must ask the spirit for permission to put it out and try to put it out again.  (Some practitioners may ask the spirit to protect the candle to allow it to burn unattended but that can be dangerous especially if there is someone working against you)  

HIGH FLAME

The spell is going to work fast and be effective.  If this is for prosperity or protection it shows that the environment is clear of negativity. 

 If it’s for domination and/or harm of a person or business, may see quick results as they do not have spiritual protection.

 For other workings the candle is working by sending out a large amount of power & strength to make manifest your work, that your prayer will be answered quickly.

A high flame also means there is little resistance.

If a high flame is calm and does not produce smoke or soot then you are in the presence of a large entity or major guardian spirit.

LOW/WEAK FLAME

If the flame is low it is not working well you need to cleanse your environment, especially in regards to prosperity and luck spells.  

With domination and harm of a person, they are protected and resisting due to a strong spirit, it will be awhile before you see results, it has been suggested to try another spell in combination with the present one to get faster results (personally I’ve found that it can be hard especially of the person you want to do harm to is essentially a good person)

Other meanings is that it is working slowly to remove an obstacle or to bring about positive energy,  your prayers may take longer to work and it will be harder to overcome some opposition.

THE FLAME FLICKERS

It means the presence of spirits, this is good especially if you want to contact your ancestors, if the flame pops while flickering the spirit is trying to communicate to you, you need to meditate and open up to it but do not contact spirits if you are using the Ouija board, this brings negative spirits, you will need to create a circle or sphere of protection.

If this is a devotional candle it means you are in contact with your deity and any prayers or petitions will be heard.    

If the flame is high and aggressive and it flickers in large strokes this tend to be darker spirits and deities, and they are also there to listen and/or aid you.

THE FLAME APPEARS TO BE JUMPING

This means that spiritual warfare might be occurring on your behalf, especially if this is a war-type candle, it’s possible the person you’re trying to affect is fighting back.

THE FLAME CRACKLES OR HISSES

 There are several meanings behind this in some cases it means that spirits are talking about the work being done and how to do it, in essence the spirits are pleading your case for you on your behalf, the louder the crackling the stronger the opposition against you.

If for self-protection that indicates someone is talking about you and has bad intentions towards you.  If you’re using this candle to do harm on someone then they are thinking about you, and may know your intentions

You’ll need to look  to the purpose of the candle and the other actions of the flame to determine exactly what it is.

THE FLAME GOES OUT DURING THE SPELL

 If it goes out while burning it means the spirits cannot help you, the answer you seek is already determined.

It can also happen if you unexpectedly get the result before the candle is finished.

If the spell was for protection it means that while the spell was being performed, anti-spell craft was directed your way and your spirits were unable to fight it off.

 If it was a spell that you were directing towards someone it means their spirits were able to fight off the attack and the person is now aware of it, in that case another spell must be performed.

THERE IS MORE THAN ONE FLAME OR A FLAME SPLITS INTO TWO OR MORE FLAMES

There several interpretations here, usually the center or main flame represents you.    If this is a candle for protection each flame other than the center one represents an enemy.  If using a domination candle spell it means that the person that the spell is focused upon is being helped by other people or spirits.

In matters of love there is usually on one single flame, if it splits into two separate flames it’s believed to indicate a split in the relationship or some sort of division or separation.   

If this is a break-up or separation candle to break up a couple it indicates that the request is being granted.  However if both flames stay lit the couple may stay together.

There are occasions when the flame will split into three flames if for divination it means someone is interfering between the couple or interfering in your work to break them up.

If this is candle work to attract a lover, watch to see if the flame appears to rise out of the wax, if so then your spell is working and if both flames join together into one large flame it should be successful.

Another meaning about two or more flames indicates the presences of spirits, deities or an unknown human being involved in the spell work.   If a human is involved you need to watch the action of the candle to see if this person is good or evil.

TALL STRAIGHT FLAME

During a séance it is a sign that a spirit is present or it may mean the arrival of a stranger.

HOW THE FLAME LOOKS WHILE BURNING

A healthy flame---it will have a bright red core, surrounded by a blue halo, then a yellow color.

A blazing red center means that spirits are getting to the heart of the matter.

A dim red center or it’s just a pinpoint shows that a situation that may not be motivated by the heart.

A blub or knot building on the tips of the wick means the possibility of opposition or a third party working against you.

BLUE LIGHT FROM A FLAME

This is a sign that good spirits are nearby especially if there is a lot of blue in the flame it means your angles and spirits are protecting you from a possible unhappy outcome.

But sometimes especially during a séance if a candle flame burns blue, it’s a warning that death is nearby, be careful.

HOW THE FLAME ACTS IN GLASS ENCLOSED CANDLES

Glass enclosed candles are also called Novena candles and they are used in Folk magic or Hoodoo tradition as well as Santerían tradition but I’ve also seen them used in Catholic folk magic as well, especially for Novena’s.   

 In the long run I prefer to use glass enclosed candles over free-standing ones for safety sake,   but since I have a fire place where I can burn a free standing candle safely and then do wax divination I have the best of both worlds, but for 90% it’s much better to use the glass enclosed candles.

The flame as it acts on a free-standing candle or figure or pillar candle will act the same in a glass enclosed candle but there are also these extra interpretations to it.

IN ADDITION TO A HIGH FLAME---

Watch if the flame is high and produces no soot on the glass you are in the presence of a larger entity or guardian spirit

THE GLASS REMAINS CLEAR---

A clean even burn from the top to the bottom indication that all will go well with your spell and that you will get what you are petitioning for.   Especially despite any opposition.

But this is only if you chose the correct spell or correct novena and used the correct timing.  If not then even though the candle may burn clean the expected results will not necessarily appear.

However on the positive side a clean burning candle does suggest that all will be well although the desired wish(s) may not manifest itself quickly.

CANDLE BURNS THE GLASS COMPLETELY BLACK

If the candle burns the entire glass black all the way down it suggest that negativity has been directed towards you.

Your work is being blocked, this is serious obstacles that stand in your way, preventing you from attaining your desired result.  

There are several meanings behind this,  someone may have caste a spell against you so you may need to do more work such as uncrossing and negativity removing, usually cleansing your environment and lighting a reversing candle does the trick.

It can also mean the person has very seriously significant spiritual protection.     If so then burn another candle to break through their defenses, if still not working, then you need to re-evaluate if this working is just or not.

If this is a candle to dominate or harm someone then Spirit is saying you should stop because it may back fire on you.

BLACK SMOKE AT THE TOP BUT CLEAR AT THE BOTTOM

Someone may have been working against you (the darker the blacking the stronger the opposition you’re facing)   if only the top part of the glass it means the spell was initially met with negativity before it could work,  if it clears by the middle  then the negative influence or obstacle has been unblocked.   Remain thinking positive thoughts and prayers and continue to persevere.

CLEAR AT THE TOP BUT BOTTOM HALF IS BLACK

Again several meanings depending upon the work you’re doing.

It could be a warming that negative influences are being sent to you, that someone is working against you.

Or depending upon the work you may be facing a number of challenges and have a difficult road ahead, what some people will do is using a sharp object will scratch on the top a cross on all 4 sides and then increase your protections and consider doing uncrossing rituals.

If it was for prosperity or luck then negativity was sent your way and the candle detected it use what was suggested in the line above.

If it was used to dominate or harm a person, the soul/spirit of that person was alerted and took action to reverse the spell, either through prayer or spell work.

WHITE SMOKE OR SOOT ON THE GLASS OF A CANDLE

This too has many meanings

It can indicate communication with the spirits or angels, as well as purity of purpose or exorcising negativity.

I can indicate that the spirits heard your prayers and are working to remove the negativity that might be surrounding the work and this is especially true in doing unhexing or uncrossing rituals, the amount of white soot will tell you if it’s completed or not.

To determine that if the white soot only goes half way down or less then the cleansing was successful.

If the white soot goes from the top to the bottom of the glass you might need further cleansing and spiritual work.

If you find white soot only at the bottom of the candle it means the presence of outside assistance either spiritually or physically.

If the glass is burned half black and half white soot it means that one aspect overrode or is over-riding the other, by looking at the top have of the glass candle you can tell what was undone.

If black soot is on top then your spirits cleared it.  If white soot is on top then the spirits of another have worked against your attempts.  You need to look at a different candle spell.

If the soot is on just one side of the candle it means that the work you’re doing is incorrect, meaning that the way the candle was fixed wasn’t right or appropriate or the spirits were not happy with the candle itself.

THE CANDLE BREAKS, OR EXPLODES 

Depending upon the candles being used for various reasons it can mean there is strong pressure from someone working against you.

If the glass cracks but does not break it means that there was some opposition that has been broken, the opposition was sent to the spell to try to deflect it or your spell encountered it while being sent.

With the glass only cracked it means your spell was protected and defended successfully.

But if the glass breaks, shatters or explodes it means you are up against something much stronger and larger than yourself.

It can be one of two things, malicious working have either protected your target or have been attracted to your work and are trying to interfere.

Or it can indicate someone is working or casting work against you and you are not spiritually protected properly or not strong enough because what was thrown at you was larger than what you sent out.   In that instance do a stronger working and light another candle to work against it.

If this was a protection or reversing candle it means that the candle protected something from attacking you which required a lot of negative energy being directed towards you, the candle broke the negativity in the environment, however it can also mean the presence of secret enemies.

If the candle is to dominate or cause conflict to someone it means the person is being protected spiritually,  if your working was to protect yourself by doing dominate or conflict work then light another candle of the same type to break their defense to allow the spell to work correctly.  But sometime it can mean that protection of the individual was broken.

However if this is an uncrossing candle this is a good sign because it means that a/the spell that was placed upon you has been broken. 

You have to remember blockages could be the result of someone coming up against you, however you could also be creating the blockage yourself and thereby sabotaging your workings.  You need to examine all possibilities honestly.

THE CANDLE BURNS ONLY ON ONE SIDE

Your spell or work will only be partly effective, something was wrong with either the fixing of the candle or the wrong candle was used.

ENTIRE TOP OF THE CANDLE INCLUDING THE WICK IS ON FIRE….

First make sure you do not have anything flammable near it and be prepared to smother it with sand, a fire extinguisher or water if the flame is exceedingly high.

Otherwise keep a very close eye on it to see how it settles down if it doesn’t then smother it something is working against you.

But if the top of the candle including the wick is on fire but not dangerously so again observe it to see how it settles down it means that the spell is being fought off by guardian spirits but more than likely, it will be successful---again keep a close eye on it and make sure it is on a flame resistant surface.

In the end all your resources to read this candle will come into play, the soot, flame and glass should be read for the outcome.

BURN MARKS ON THE GLASS

If the heat of the flame burns the label with the image of the saint it indicates that there is a nemesis or as the young people refer to them frenemies that are stabbing you in the back and/or are working against you possible even doing the evil eye.   Increase your protection and wear the blue and white glass bead that protects against the evil eye.

ACCELERATED BURN

This maybe a good sign but the rewards may be short lived and you may have to repeat the spell.

SIGNS ON THE GLASS

Sometimes signs are left in the soot residue  and you may have to read it like reading tea leaves, for example if there appears a skull in heavy black soot that is not a good sign but if it’s a dove in white soot that is a good sign.

Write down what you see in the soot if there is anything at all and use your own intuition to come to a conclusion and be honest not wishful thinking regarding the significance of it.

If you decorated the inside of your candle with herbs and/or glitter read it as if it were like reading tea leaves.

WAX RESIDUE INSIDE THE GLASS

If there is around ½ inch or more left over wax at the bottom of the glass it means the spell needs to be repeated.  

Any wax clinging to the insides of the glass means there may be some personal hindrances to the progress of the spell, and it may need to be repeated.

READING THE SMOKE~~~

If a  free-standing candle  puts out a lot of smoke while burning but then burns clean at the end it means that there is hidden trouble or someone is working against you and what you desire, things will not go well at first but with repeated spell work it can be overcome.

CANDLE PUTS OUT BLACK SMOKE WHEN LIT

The candle is starting to remove negative energy from you and what you petition.

CANDLE PUTS OUT WHITE SMOKE WHEN LIT

It means your prayers or petition will be answered but there will first be a struggle to get it done.

IF THE SMOKE MOVES TOWARDS YOU

Your prayer or petition will be more than likely be granted

IF THE SMOKE MOVES AWAY FROM YOU

For you to get your prayer or petition granted it will take a great deal of work and perseverance.

IF THE SMOKE MOVES TO YOUR RIGHT

You will need to use patience to gain success, you must use your head or logic as oppose to your emotions to pursue your petition or desires.

IF THE SMOKE MOVES TO YOUR LEFT

You are in danger of sabotaging yourself subconsciously because you are becoming too emotionally involved with the situation if you continue being that way your petition or prayer will not be answered.

In my next several sections I will be discussing reading the wax in free-standing candles, then how to properly dispose of your candle workings, and then finally what psalms to use for what purpose with what color candle.

Please be patient as this is an extensive subject to cover.

Blessings,

Ms. Q