Whether you’re looking for an energy-boosting ritual or just want some quiet time, candles are a great choice. However, they can sometimes behave a little strangely. A tall flame can be the result of an untrimmed wick, and black soot could mean that you’ve left it too long. But a candle that keeps flickering is a little more difficult to decipher, because it could have a spiritual meaning.
According to Grove and Grotto, when a candle’s flame dances it may be a good sign for spells because it shows that the energy of your intention or desire is powerful enough to push through obstacles. However, a short, weak flame is less promising and could indicate that your intent needs more work to bring it into reality.
A candle’s flame dances due to invisible air currents that can move things around, like the breeze you feel even when your doors and windows are closed. They can also be caused by warmer spots in a room, such as near heaters or fans. If you can’t stop the dance, try keeping your candles away from drafts and fan movements.
A flame that keeps flickering can also be a sign of too much wax on the wick. To fix this, simply trim the wick to about 1/4 inch length and check that it’s still secure. You should only burn a candle for 3-4 hours at a time, too, because burning it longer can lead to carbon buildup and cause the flame to start flickering again.