The Language of Candles

     As you begin working with candles, you will discover that they have a unique language. The language is expressed by the dancing of the flame, the wafting of the smoke, and the snap and crackle of the burning wax. .

     No two candles will ever react the same way when lit even when they are homemade and all things are known to be equal in their manufacture. Though undedicated, a candle has unique properties that individualize it form others of the same batch. When dedicated and lit, each candle displays its unique personality with in it's flame. 

     As your candle burns, free your mind and concentrate on the candle. Watch how the smoke rises and the flame dances and listen to the sound it makes. The smoke may rise to the East or waft to the South, the flame may flare or dwindle, and the sounds may be of a popping nature. Ask yourself how these actions relate to the Magick you are performing. The answers you perceive are often startling and revealing about the true nature of your desires.

     Do not be surprised if the unenlightened attribute the language of your candles to the myriad of "logical" explanations regarding drafts, chemical compositions, atmospheric conditions, etc. When the results are in and heads are scratched in dismay, just remember that "All of Magick Is a Seeming Array of Uncanny Coincidence to the Unenlightened."

The Flame

     You will soon realize that your candle flame will frequently wav, dip, and bob regardless of how carefully you shield it against drafts. This is called a dancing flame, one of the ways a candle communicates with you. The dance has meaning and. once understood, can help you determine how your Magick is progressing.

Strong Flame: this indicates that power and energy are going into your desires for manifestation. This is a very good sign. When a figure candle is used, a strong flame generally indicates that the person represented by the figure is winning or angry or is using authority over another. when two figure candles are present, the higher and stronger flame represents authority over another.

Weak Flame: This can show you that you are facing heavy opposition and must redo the Magick several times in order to overcome the power you are facing. The weak flame can also indicate, on a figure candle, that the subject is losing the battle, argument, etc., against another.

     The weak flame that goes out usually means that you have missed your target altogether. Start over and b more careful of the intentions you put out.

Jumping Flame: This is an attention getter. It can indicate raw emotions along with explosions of energy, depending on the candle used and its intended purpose.

     When two figure candles are being used, a jumping flame usually means that an energetic or heated discussion or argument is taking place.

Rainbow Flame: As indicated by the name, this flame is composed of various colors. They have the same meanings as those listed in the colors page listed in this site.

Flame pointing North: Something physical is manifesting. This can be of long duration.

Flame Pointing East: Something mental is manifesting. New Ideas, intuitions.

Flame Pointing South: Something is happening that is aggressive in nature, a steamy, hot situation.

Flame Pointing West: Something emotional manifesting. A good sign of success.

The Smoke

The following general rules apply when interpreting the direction your candle smoke takes:

North:

     You will have to work for what you want. Success will not be easy or rapid. Perseverance is the key here. In the case of health, it can mean a condition can get worse. Look to other omens for more information.

East:

     Success comes with thought and strategy. Carefully review the situation. Patience is the key here.

South:

     Success comes rapidly with your request. In the case of health, your recovery is immanent.

West:

     When the smoke wafts to the West, the issue is too emotional. Step back, You are too involved. Look at the situation from a detached point of view to clear the mind. Then, reanalyze the problem. Is there something you are overlooking?

The Talking Candle

     Candle chatter denotes communication on some level. That level will depend on the magick you are performing. Chatter is most common when using figure candles and can denote who is getting told what and by whom.

Soft, infrequent Chatter: Indicates intimate conversation and, at times, pure thoughts.

Mild, Frequent Chatter: Someone in a position of authority is giving orders or directions.

Strong, Frequent Chatter: Denote Arguments, quarrels or loud disagreements.

     Remember, the language of the candle is important. The direction of the flame, the wafting of the smoke, and the audible chatter are all a from of communication for divination into past, current, and future events. Take notes and learn the language of the candle so you can better understand the workings of your magick.

     Whenever you are looking for omens in candle language, always use your common sense. Remember that each magickal act is different and reach candle is unique. Combine this awareness with your subconscious interpretations of the omens and you will find that your interpretations will vary from those of others under similar circumstances. experiment to find out what is right for you.

source unknown but appreciated