Meaning of candles: colors, shapes, flames, wicks and more!

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Jennifer Sherman

The sacred meaning of the candle

Since ancient times, candles have been used beyond their usefulness as light, but are loaded with spiritual symbolism. It is not necessary to be a practitioner of magic or any religion to understand the power of a candle, just have been a child who, on his birthday, made a wish and blew the candle from above the cake.

Candles are in several routine rites. They can be lit to accompany a prayer, to set the mood of a romantic dinner, on birthdays, to perfume the house and even at the time of saying goodbye to a loved one. They carry the light and warmth that illuminate the precious moments of our earthly life.

Candles are connected to magical beings such as angels, deities and gods. In some religions, it is believed that the guardian angel communicates through the candle flame and transmits our wishes to the higher planes.

Regardless of our belief, the subconscious activates memories and sensations when being under the light of a candle, which can transmit various energies such as comfort, warmth, optimism, joy, tranquility and an aura of sacredness, as it automatically puts us in a meditative state.

When lighting a candle with a spiritual purpose, it acts as a transmitter of our wishes and helps to focus our intentions and project them to the Universe. In addition, the candle's light induces us to the ethereal, mystical and high vibrations, facilitating meditation, prayer and rites.

These objects can be part of a more elaborate rite, in accordance with the propitious times for each type of intention, with the stars, the phases of the moon, the signs, or simply be lit in an intuitive way, which has just as much force.

The light and heat from the candle can be combined with colors and aromas that make the environment warm and cozy, energizing people around and expelling bad vibes. Many are the possibilities that a candle has. Now we will see how to choose the ideal candle for what you want.

Meaning of the candles of different colors

Colors have their own symbology and vibrations, which can help extract the most intrinsic desire of our soul. They help the unconscious to access information and awaken specific places of our psyche.

Each candle color has a unique meaning that can stimulate different aspects of our life and attract what we need. Let's see what each candle color transmits and in which aspect of our life it can influence.

White candle

The white candle is like a translucent crystal and therefore has all the possibilities. Because it is a color that reflects all the others, it is called the color of light. Because of this, the white candle can be used for any intention, but especially for peace, cleansing and balance.

Its energy is linked to the moon, the feminine and intuition, and represents purity and spirituality. If you do not have a colored candle, you can use a white one instead of any color. Just have your intentions very concrete and focus on your desires.

Black candle

There is great prejudice when it comes to black candles, because it is erroneously linked to negative things. But, contrary to what many people think, the black candle expels bad energy, because it has the power to absorb the harmful vibrations around.

This candle is used in times of transformation, for the removal of someone or something, breaking spells and protection against attacks. It is related to Pluto and its occult and mystical matters.

However, the black candle should be used with care and wisdom, because since it absorbs bad energies, you should be very aware of what you want and the energies that are involved and need to be discarded in order to neutralize them. If you want to change the energies of the environment, but do not know how to deal with them, prefer the purple candle, in this case.

Red Candle

The red candle has a strong energy of love, passion and fulfillment. It has the power to root the love of the family and has a very strong vibration in the Universe. Therefore, it can be used for urgent requests. It is related to Mars and the energies of sexuality, strength and courage.

It is often used at Christmas, a time of unity and family nourishment. It is potent to combat fears and psychic attacks, because its protection force is immense, as well as in times when it is necessary to face obstacles and personal battles. It is also used when you feel that someone is trying to sabotage your actions.

Blue candle

Symbolizing tranquility, the blue candle brings peace and emotional balance. In the case of light blue, it can be used for meditation, as it promotes full attention and stimulates inspiration and the search for the good energies of the Universe. It is linked to Jupiter, so that its energies are of expansion of ideas and wisdom.

The dark blue or vivid blue candle attracts inner joy, wisdom, improves self-esteem and assists in business prosperity and focus on studies. It also promotes peace at home, the balance of ideas, intellect and justice.

Pink candle

The pink candle has an immense energy of unconditional love, affection and affection. It promotes joy and pure emotions, dissolves hatred and sorrow. Still, it is a great color to be chosen in romantic dinners, because it has an aura of sensuality and comfort.

It is also very suitable for attracting sensitivity and pure and true feelings, being a great choice for decorating the home. It is related to Venus and its subjects, such as love, beauty, art and affection.

Green candle

The green candle has the energies of healing, protection, luck and fertility. Being a color closely linked to nature, green transmits tranquility and balance. It can be lit to promote health and prosperity.

It is related to Venus and the Archangel Raphael, who rule the health and healing of grieves and bad feelings. This candle has strong healing power. You can anoint it with essential oil, with intentions to health or fertility.

Yellow candle

Linked to the Sun, the yellow candle has energy of joy, wisdom and clairvoyance. Meditating under its flame brings expansion of the mind to the wisdom of the Universe and provides joy and happiness, improving crises of anxiety and sadness.

It is also linked to business success and money making. It improves and stimulates communication and drives away bitterness and sadness. It is widely used to attract professional and financial success, and also benefits jobs that deal with the public and that require creativity.

Orange Candle

The orange candle blends the colours red and yellow, making it an ideal candle for enthusiasm, courage, artistic activities and sports. It revitalises the emotional and energises the physical body, and is great for attracting friendship and fun.

It is indicated to increase self-esteem, confidence, enthusiasm and success in undertakings. It is related to the energies of the Sun and Mars, for being a color that has yellow and red, and also with the energies of Mercury, which benefits communication and motivation.

Purple Candle

Being purple the color of energetic transmutation, the purple candle is directly linked to spirituality. It is a protective candle and has the power to dissipate negative energies and transform them into positive ones, as well as to inhibit psychic and spiritual attacks.

It can also help to get rid of addictions or when you feel your energy is being sucked by someone or something, because it has a very powerful protective energy. It relates to the Moon's energies and its subjects, such as emotion, intuition and mysticism.

Meaning of candles of various shapes

Like colors, candle shapes can have different symbolisms and transmit specific energies. In general, these shapes are linked to the elements of nature and carry the forces present in each of them.

We'll see below what each shape can represent and when to use the shapes to attract what you want.

Cylindrical sail

Cylindrical candles are the most commonly found and used candles. Regardless of the size or how long they can burn, the cylindrical shape of the candle promotes personal growth, spiritual evolution and purification.

The energies circulate around the candle like a spiral and rise up into the cosmos. This is why it is the most commonly used format, as it can work well for all types of intention.

Square candle

The square candle has a strong connection with the earth. Therefore, using it will bring concreteness in your intentions, firmness in thoughts and provides materiality, being the most suitable format for requests for money and prosperity.

It also relates to the four elements and allows all the energies to be employed in the realization of desires.

Triangular sail

The triangular candle is linked to the element of fire, being very powerful for beginnings, to provide courage and energy. It is very indicated for requests that represent overcoming obstacles, obtain achievements, go through troubled times and master fear.

The candles with triangular shape, for containing three tips, symbolize the balance between mind, spirituality and emotion. So if your intention asks for the completeness of these senses, it is a very suitable format.

Hexagonal candle

The hexagonal candle is connected to the air element and represents wisdom, knowledge and is associated with Saint Sebastian. It is very indicated for meditation and search for answers, as well as to attract prosperity and success.

Being in tune with the air element, the hexagonal candle provides attention and focus on matters involving the intellect, such as studies, business and problem solving. It also enhances intelligent communication.

Pyramid candle

The pyramid-shaped candle symbolizes the search for the divine, and can also bring the energy of materiality. It is indicated in the search to fulfill desires and also in the achievement of victories, as well as for spiritual or personal ascension.

The pyramid is linked to the earth element and is indicated when you want to materialize something that has to do with the elevation of the spirit, not only with the material, since all the lines are at the top, which indicates the search for the spiritual.

Cone Candle

The cone-shaped candle symbolizes balance, as it has the three planes: physical, emotional and spiritual. In addition, it has the peak pointing upwards, symbolizing the energies circulate and ascend. It is great for moments that need a quick solution, as it favors communication with the cosmos.

The energies surround the candle first through the top, and when reaching the base, they linger longer. This allows the focus of these intentions to be on the base, on the material, and on what concerns important decisions that base the future.

Half Moon Candle

The half moon candle has a connection with the element of water and symbolizes the emotional and intuitive. It is ideal for moments when intuition is heightened, or to boost it. Because it represents the emotional, it is great for understanding hidden feelings and also signs of the Universe.

It is connected to Iemanjá and Nossa Senhora da Conceição, representing the force of the waters, mermaids and waves. It is indicated for wishes related to the feminine and emotion, issues such as love, forgiveness and healing of feelings.

Meaning of candle flames

There is an oracle that uses the candle to obtain answers from the Universe, called Ceromancy. For this study, the candle represents the human being, in which the candle is representative of the body, the wick is the consciousness, and the flame is the spirit.

For some beliefs, our Guardian Angel is the one who communicates with us through the candle flame. Lighting a candle for him can maintain the connection with the higher protection, raising the energies and providing clarity to the mind and feelings.

To make use of this oracle, when lighting a candle, the person must intend to find these answers and analyze in detail, and with full attention, the flame and what it may be signaling. You can ask objective questions, or only analyze the flame when making a prayer or request.

Also, aromatic candles or candles with herbs cannot be used for this purpose, and a quiet place without wind should be chosen, as this can alter the reading. We will see below some common interpretations of the candle flame.

Candle with blue flame

If, during your meditation or prayer, you notice that the candle flame has turned blue or bluish, it is a sign of spiritual strength and indicates that the requests and goals are being heard, but may take time to come. So keep the faith and perseverance that soon they will be achieved.

Candle with red flame

The red flame of the candle indicates that your request is already on its way. All you have to do is to hand it over to the Universe and not worry about this issue anymore, because it will be solved promptly.

Candle with yellow flame

The candle with yellow flame has the meaning of joy and happiness. Therefore, what you want will bring you many prosperous and beneficial moments. Regardless of the circumstance in which this yellow flame manifested itself, it brings good energy and great answers.

Candle with flame going out for no reason

If, when lighting a candle, the flame goes out even without interference from wind or anything like that, it means that the energy of the environment is charged, or that you are not doing your part to achieve the goals.

Renew the energies, make sure there is no energetic interference from another person present and see how you can act to make your wishes come to you.

Candle with spiral flame

If you notice that the candle flame begins to spiral, it could be that someone is trying to sabotage your plans, so don't comment on your goals with anyone until they are realized.

Observe whether the spiral moves clockwise or counterclockwise. In clockwise direction, you will receive an external help in what you want. In case it is counterclockwise, make sure to neutralize the energies, as the environment is charged.

Candle with flame going up and down

If, during your prayer or meditation, the candle flame is rising or falling, it means that you are not able to establish focus on your desires. Rethink what you intend and establish total focus, as you may be scattering or confused about what you are asking.

Review whether your intention is in accordance with your plans and virtues, because it is possible that you do not believe 100% in what you are asking, or even know that it is something unattainable.

Candle with sparking flame

If you notice that the candle flame is releasing sparks or even crackling, it is possible that you find it difficult to achieve what you want, or that some harmful energy is around you. Try to make an energy cleaning and start the process again.

Candle with oscillating flame

Some changes and transformations will occur in your request, because you may not be fully aware of the extent of your desire. Also, if the candle flame is oscillating, it may be that you are not completely focused, that you are too anxious about what you want or that there are doubts about the intentions that you put in the candle.

Review whether what motivates you for that desire is concrete or if it is something superficial and try again another day, during a more quiet and centered time.

Candle with high flame

If you notice that the candle flame is getting much higher than normal, it means that your wishes are already on their way. Keep the faith and give your wishes to the Universe.

If the flame is high and still, you don't need to worry, let the Universe do its part. However, if the flame is high and quivering, you need a little more conviction and insistence to achieve your goals.

Candle with low flame

Your wishes may take a while to come true because you are not yet ready to receive them. With the candle flame low, patience and perseverance is needed, and even a little more effort on your part.

You may be feeling unmotivated, but you must set yourself up to achieve your goals and not just wait for them to materialize.

Other meanings of candles

There are many uses of candles in spirituality and there are several ways to add symbolism and potency to their uses, such as adding essential oils and enriching them aromatically. Another way is to place dried herbs and crystals, relating them to the stars, the days and the phases of the moon.

In addition to reading the flames, pottery also reads aspects such as the wax that remains from burning the candle and some aspects of the wick. Let's understand how some of these factors can be interpreted and what the meaning of the 7-day candle is.

7 day candle

The 7-day candle is linked to the number 7, which represents spirituality and the completeness of the being in all its faces. It should be kept lit until the end, because the connection it exerts with the divine is more lasting, intensifying the purposes and strengthening the ties with spirituality.

It can be used for more complex desires that require a greater concentration of power. However, your connection with that intention must also be lasting, otherwise it will simply fade away and then you will need to restart the process.

When a 7-day candle first goes out, you can relight and reconnect with the intention, but if it goes out repeatedly, you need to review the request and try another day, using a new candle and greater attention.

Broken spark plug

There are some sympathies that involve breaking the candle into three parts to bring back a love. However, if this is not your intention, do not use a broken candle for another type of activity, as it can divide the energies and end up attracting your desire in a distorted way.

Candle with wax ladder on the side

If, when burning, the candle forms a wax ladder on the side, it is a sign that your request needs to mature or that you need to evolve in some aspect, then receive it.

Candle with broken wick

The candle with a broken wick shows that you are undecided about what you want. It is necessary to rethink and redo the request with greater certainty and faith. It can also signal that there are two paths to the realization of what you want, and that the decision is entirely in your hands.

How to light a candle for the guardian angel?

There are no rules for lighting a candle, as long as you believe and are sure of your intentions. Many are the indications for using candle magic, such as lighting on a certain day of the week for each subject, in a specific moon phase or colors for more specific uses.

However, we all possess the flame of life within us, a tiny spark of the great divine energy of the universe, and so if we are in tune with it, the candle will only be a conduit of our energy to the cosmos.

The opposite can also be observed, because it is no use getting the right color, aroma, day and time if your intention is not in accordance with what you want. Everything is energy and balance, and what will make the most difference in the spiritual realm is our vital energy.

If you have total conviction of what you want and want to put all the symbolisms at your side to activate the right places of your psyche and maintain full attention, the candle will help a lot: abuse of the colors and aromatherapy, keep this bond with the spiritual tightened, with the warmth and light that candles provide us.

Lighting a candle for your guardian angel or guide is an action that can maintain close ties between you and your spirituality, causing you to have greater clarity in your attitudes and thoughts, as well as open paths.

There is no right or wrong in the spiritual realm: you must act according to what you believe and what you understand works for you. After all, we are unique people, and the manifestation of spirituality follows the same premise.

As an expert in the field of dreams, spirituality and esotericism, I am dedicated to helping others find the meaning in their dreams. Dreams are a powerful tool for understanding our subconscious minds and can offer valuable insights into our daily lives. My own journey into the world of dreams and spirituality began over 20 years ago, and since then I have studied extensively in these areas. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others and helping them to connect with their spiritual selves.