Candles

Black Burns

In candle magic, the way a candle burns can provide useful information about the energy present during your spell or ritual.

When a candle produces a dirty, black burn—especially if soot appears on a glass-encased candle—this is often seen as meaningful.

Such a burn is commonly understood to indicate that there may be obstacles, negative energy, or resistance affecting your work. This could mean that the energy of the spell is being blocked, or that the situation is more complex than it first seemed.

For instance, if you observe heavy black soot on the glass, it may suggest that negative influences are interfering with your intention. These influences could come from outside sources, such as other people’s energy, or from within, like unresolved emotions or doubts.

Sometimes, a dirty, black burn can mean the spell might not have the desired effect, the blessing may not succeed, or the person involved could be facing more stress or difficulty than initially realized.

If this occurs, it can be helpful to focus on clearing away negativity first. Using the candle’s energy to remove these blockages may help create a clearer path for your original intention.

By addressing these obstacles, you may be able to support your spellwork more effectively and gain a clearer understanding of the situation.