Hey my witches! There are always questions in groups of what makes a witch and the simple answer is if you practice the craft of witchcraft, you are a witch. Starting out can be daunting for the new (I have no issues with people calling themselves baby witches, you do you.) witch but by doing research, people often find they have been doing it all their lives. Much of the craft has been villainized by religions and society but some practices have never left. Such as lighting birthday candles to blow out and make a wish or to memorialize someone or something.

Candle magick is a great place to start for beginners as well as experienced witches.  For myself, candle magick has always felt neat, precise and easily controllable. Candles are powerful tools and can give so much information about the spell you cast and your intentions, as well as being a great foundation for any spell work you are doing.

Calling on the masculine element of fire invokes life and warmth or burning and destruction in the physical world. Fire adds passion, strength and will. This can bring a powerful boost to your magick and why so many spells involve fire and burning. To make it work fast, use fire and candle magick is all about fire.

You can divine so much information from the candle itself and the act of it’s burning. By observing the way the flame burns, the smoke and the wax melts you can see how your magick is working and read information that will help you understand the outcome of your crafting.

The Flame

Candle won’t light – you need a different spell, this one won’t work.
Flame Drowns – messy or unbalanced work, start over.
Normal Flame – spell is working as expected.
Tall & Steady – getting assistance from a higher source, working strong and well.
Dancing – spirits are present, very positive sign for your spell.
Popping & Cracking – Spirits or target are talking in relation to your spell, watch other signs to understand if it’s good or bad.
Low Flame – strong opposition, your spell, intent or timing should be reevaluated.
High Flame – powerful spell.
Split into Two or More Flames – others are getting involved, possibly ancestors, spirits or another witch, watch for additional signs of good or bad intent.
Flame Goes Out – either the spell is done or the object or intent of your spell has protection or is protected. Look for signs to determine which it is.

The Smoke

Starts with a lot of Smoke but Ends with Little During Burn – some opposition at first but will workout in the end.

These are after the flame is out or during the spell.

Smoke Moves to You – the spell is good and will work.
Away From You – more work is needed.
Up – clear and good spell.
Right – you are clear, grounded and using your head or you need to be.
Left – you are over emotional and need to center yourself and your intent.
Rising Smoke – your spell is good.
Falling Smoke – your spell is not working.
Swirling – release spell to the universe and trust it will do what’s best for you even if it’s not what you envisioned.
White or Grey Smoke – getting assistance your work is good.
Black Smoke – when it starts there is opposition. If it ends the opposition is gone. If it smokes at the end the opposition still exists and your spell may not work.

Reading Wax

Reading wax can be subjective so try to only read it if there are obvious abnormalities.

Flow of Wax – to the right all is well, to the left there maybe issues to deal with.
Many Tear Sized Drips – this spell will hurt someone or make them suffer.
Only Half of the Candle Burned – the spell is not complete and needs more work.
Tall Spikes – there are obstacles still.

Other Candle Use and Divining Considerations

A fast burn means the spell will work fast, while a slower than expected burn may mean opposition.
Timing the burn time may indicated the time the spell will take to work.
Be sure there are no drafts that may skew your reading.
Be sure you have not placed too many other ingredients around the wick that may cause a mini bonfire.
Don’t use paper plates with candle work.
Don’t leave candles burning unsupervised, especially with familiars. They will be drawn to your work and might get hurt or cause a fire.
Candle wax is highly flammable.
Use birthday candles as a budget alternative.
White candles may be substituted for any color.
Always rule out environmental factors before divining.

Ways to Prepare a Candle

Anointing with oils that correspond with your spell.
Carving symbols or runes on it with your athame.
Picking colors that match your intent.
Use a base or holder that adds to your intent.

I hope this helps with your candle work! Let me know how it goes. It’s always good to journal your results so you can look back on specific outcomes and meanings.
Make some magick!