The History of Candles.
Candles have been used for thousands of years. Early forms appeared in ancient Egypt and Rome. Egyptians made rushlights by soaking reeds in animal fat, while Romans developed the wicked candle, using tallow or beeswax.
The tradition of burning candles is closely connected to humanity’s respect for fire. Fire has long been a source of warmth, safety, and a symbol of the divine and the unknown.
In early societies, people gathered around the hearth, treating the flame as something sacred. The hearth fire was often kept burning at all times, representing life and security.
Many ancient cultures linked fire to spiritual power and deities. For example, the Greeks honored the goddess Hestia with an eternal flame, and in Rome, the Vestal Virgins maintained a sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta.
Over time, fire’s symbolism expanded. It came to stand for strength, protection, enlightenment, transformation, and the ability to drive away darkness—both physical and spiritual.
Candlelight, in particular, is often seen as a bridge between the everyday world and the spiritual. The soft glow of a candle can remind us of the sun’s energy and the inner spark within each person.
In magickal practices, candles are viewed as a direct link to the element of fire. Their ability to respond to intention and visualization makes them a valuable tool for focusing energy and manifesting desires.
Simply lighting a candle can change the atmosphere of a space, filling it with a sense of possibility. As the flame flickers, it is thought to carry prayers, wishes, and intentions outward.
Candles can serve as the main focus of a spell or as a supporting element in a larger ritual. In both roles, the candle acts as a vessel for intention, holding and amplifying the practitioner’s energy.
The candle’s physical features—such as color, shape, and size—are all important in candle magick.
Candle color is especially significant, as it is chosen to match the practitioner’s goal. For instance, green is often used for prosperity, while blue is selected for healing or peace.
The shape or design of a candle can also have meaning. Figure candles, shaped like people or animals, are sometimes used in sympathetic magick to represent specific individuals or qualities.
Candle size matters as well. Larger candles, which burn for hours, are suited for long-term goals. Smaller candles, like votives or tea lights, are used for quick, focused intentions.
Color symbolism in candle magick is both ancient and detailed. There are twelve basic colors commonly used, each with its own energy and meaning.
Red, for example, is linked to vitality, courage, and passion. It is considered the most physically energizing color, often chosen for spells involving strength or love.
Violet is associated with spiritual awareness and psychic openness. It is the most subtle and ethereal, making it suitable for meditation or connecting with higher realms.
The main colors of the light spectrum—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—each have unique energies. These can be directed outward to create change or inward for personal growth.
In addition to the primary colors, five secondary colors are often used: black, white, grey, pink, and brown. Black is grounding and protective, absorbing negativity. White is purifying and supportive, often used for blessings or new beginnings. Grey is rarely used, as it represents neutrality or stillness. Pink attracts love and friendship, while brown helps stabilize and anchor intentions.
The timing of candle burning is another important part of candle magick. The time a candle burns is thought to relate to the energy and duration needed for the spell to work.
Each color’s energy is believed to affect how quickly and strongly the magick works. A fast-burning candle may be chosen for urgent needs, while a slow-burning candle supports gradual, lasting change.
For example, someone seeking abundance might anoint a green candle with oil, carve prosperity symbols into it, and let it burn completely while focusing on their goal.
In another example, a white candle may be lit during meditation to invite clarity and peace, with the flame serving as a point of focus for calming the mind.
Candle magick is both simple and profound. The more thoughtfully a spell is prepared and the more energy invested, the more meaningful and lasting the results may be.
By understanding the history, symbolism, and practical methods of candle magick, practitioners can use the ancient power of fire to light their path and bring their intentions to life.
