Some pyromancers look directly at the flame of their candles, interpreting signs and symbols they may see within. For the rest of us, observing a candle’s flame behavior can be an effective way to get a message from spirit guides and ancestors. Whether you’re burning candles for divination, protection, or simply to enhance your rituals, understanding the meaning of candle flame is an important skill to master.
In general, a candle’s flame is created by the wax gas it emits. The wick absorbs liquid wax molecules and pulls them upward into the hot flame. As the wax molecules are vaporized, they release gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The carbon atoms in these molecules rearrange to create the blue and yellow colors of a candle’s flame, due to chemical emission (chemiluminescence).
A stable and bright flame is considered a positive sign that spirits are supporting your spells or magick work. It also suggests that the energy is strong enough to overcome obstacles and reach your goals or intentions. If the flame flickers or moves, this indicates that the timing of your spell is off or that you need more energy to bring it into being.
If a candle’s flame tilts toward the north, it symbolizes spiritual energy. A flame that tilts east shows that mental energy is working, while a west-bent flame is the result of physical or earthy energies. When the flame sputters and crackles, it’s a sign that your spirit guides or ancestors are trying to communicate with you. The type of communication varies depending on the reason you’re burning the candle and what kind of spell you’re conducting.