Have you ever lit a candle and found yourself mesmerized by the flame? That soft flicker isn’t just for ambiance; it’s one of the oldest tools in magical practice. Candle magic is a simple yet powerful form of manifestation that anyone can learn. Whether you’re seeking clarity, abundance, protection, or love, candles can help you focus your energy and intention in a tangible way. 

In this post, we’ll explore the basics of candle magic: how it works, how to get started, and a few simple rituals to try. 

What Is Candle Magic? 

Candle magic is a type of sympathetic magic meaning it uses symbols and representations (in this case, candles) to influence real-world outcomes. The flame represents transformation, passion, and the spark of your will. When you light a candle with focused intention, you're sending your energy into the universe, asking it to return in kind. 

People have used candle magic for centuries in spiritual, religious, and folk traditions. Today, it's commonly practiced in modern witchcraft, Wicca, and even secular forms of manifestation. 

Choosing Your Candle 

The candle you choose matters but don't worry, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Here are a few tips: 

Color: Each color holds symbolic meaning. For example: 

White: Purity, protection, clarity (also a universal substitute) 

Red: Passion, strength, courage 

Green: Money, growth, healing 

Pink: Love, friendship, harmony 

Black: Banishing, protection, breaking bad habits 

Blue: Peace, wisdom, communication 

Yellow: Success, creativity, confidence 

Size: A small chime candle is perfect for quick spells, while a pillar or jar candle can be used for longer workings. 

Scent (optional): Choose scents that match your goal. Lavender for calm, cinnamon for power, rose for love, etc. 

Prepping Your Candle (AKA "Dressing" It) 

Before lighting, take a moment to “dress” your candle with intention: 

Cleanse it: Wipe it down or pass it through incense smoke to clear lingering energy. 

Carve symbols or words: Use a toothpick or knife to inscribe your candle with symbols, a name, or your intention. 

Anoint with oil: Rub a small amount of oil on the candle. For attracting, rub oil from the top down. For banishing, rub from the bottom up. 

Focus your intention: Hold the candle and clearly visualize your goal. Feel it. Believe it’s already happening. 

Performing the Ritual 

When you’re ready: 

Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. 

Light your candle and say your intention aloud (or silently if you prefer). 

Watch the flame. Let your mind connect with the fire and your goal. 

Sit in meditation, journal, or simply be present until you feel the energy has been released. 

Let the candle burn down safely, or snuff it out (never blow it out, as some traditions say that scatters the energy). 

Simple Candle Spell Example: Attracting Prosperity 

Use a green candle 

Dress it with cinnamon oil 

Carve the word “ABUNDANCE” and a dollar sign 

Light the candle on a Thursday (linked to Jupiter and wealth) 

Say: “Money flows, success grows. I welcome prosperity into my life.” 

Aftercare: Closing Your Ritual 

Always give thanks to yourself, the universe, or any spirits you may have worked with. Dispose of candle remnants respectfully. Some bury wax, others throw it away or keep it as a token until the wish comes true. 

Final Thoughts 

Candle magic is a beautiful way to turn inward, set intentions, and work with the elements. It doesn’t require expensive tools or deep occult knowledge, just a candle, a quiet moment, and your focused will. 

Light up your practice. One flame at a time. 

Get a printable companion to this blog post at my digital Etsy Shop, Drinks & Divination!

Candle & Fire Safety Disclaimer- Please practice fire safety when working with candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Use a snuffer to extinguish candles instead of blowing them out to prevent wax splatter or fire risk. Do not leave candles burning while you sleep. Make sure the candle is fully extinguished before disposing of wax or moving the container.

By performing any candle ritual, you assume full responsibility for your safety and actions. Use common sense and respect the element of fire.

New House, Etsy, and The Future: A Life Update

 

Well hello! (Yells into the void) Is there anyone out there? Haha! It's been awhile... yet again... I have some updates for you and some real solid plans for the future of this blog. Lets jump into it!

New House: We bought a house! J and I purchased our first house last May and let me tell you how excited we STILL are! We were lucky enough to find exactly what we wanted, in our price range, in a really tough market! The house never felt strange, there was no adjustment period, it felt like "ours" from day one. I have had THE BEST time transforming this house into the perfect bohemian grandma/cottage-core home. Right after we moved into the new house, J's grandma died. We inherited a lot of furniture pieces from her. We've honored her and my own deceased grandmas by turning our sitting room into the "grandma room". I had read Grimoire Girl by Hilarie Burton early last year and she talks about the importance of giving your house a name. We named our house after both of our maternal Grandmothers. 

Etsy: Fall of 2023 I was hanging out with one of my best friends discussing our artistic passion. By the end of the evening I was ready to reopen my Etsy shop and start creating again. I had a long enough break to where I missed working with the clay. I promised J that I would only do it for as long as it was fun, and if I got burned out I'd stop. I also don't do "made to order" pieces anymore. I make a collection ahead of time, and sell from the inventory. That keeps me from having to make pieces when I don't have time. I'm in control of the time and energy I put into Etsy. Coming back from the nearly 3 year hiatus of Etsy, I have found that the "planning community" had changed quite a bit. My planner clips were not selling like they used to, and there didn't seem to be a lot of planner clips on Etsy in general anymore. I made some earrings, little gnome figurines, and Nintendo Switch Charms. At first the gnomes were the most popular thing. Now it's really transitioned into the Nintendo Switch Charms being super popular. I haven't created anything new since fall though because my KC Chiefs jersey earrings sold like hotcakes (locally, not on Etsy) and I was EXHAUSTED by the end of the football season haha. I'm redoing my home office currently so things are in disarray but I have plans for new collections very soon! I'm also going to add Kindle Charms to the mix. If you're interested in seeing what is currently available, you can check out my shop HERE.

Future: I've really been thinking about my future with this blog and Emilee Speaks as a whole. Obviously, I've picked Etsy back up and I've been working on a blog post idea list. I'd really like to start writing posts again. I have also been working on a tarot workbook for a few years that I need to finish. I get all these ideas of things I want to create and then life gets in the way. I'm not going to promise the world today, but I will say it won't be 3 years before I post again!