Jessie Taylor
Deity candles are used in various traditions of Paganism, Wicca, and witchcraft. They are used to invite deities into one's space, communicate with them, or indicate that one is worshipping or working with a particular deity. The candles are often placed on an altar or shrine and may be inscribed or painted with symbols of the deity they represent. The colour of the candle may also be chosen to correspond with the deity. For example, purple is associated with Jupiter, and yellow with Apollo. The way in which a candle burns can be interpreted as messages from a deity, with a candle that cracks or explodes, for instance, indicating displeasure. One can also perform an informal candle reading by observing the wax movements and formations as the candle burns and using intuition to interpret their meaning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To invite a deity into your space or communicate with them |
| Candle colour | Purple for Jupiter, yellow for Apollo, blue for Boann, white for Selene, etc. |
| Candle markings | Inscribe or paint symbols of the deity, e.g., an owl for Athena, antlers for Cernunnos, or runes for Odin and Frigga |
| Wax movement | Sudden flare, tenacious wax spike, steady dripping, or formation of a wax river or pool |
| Wax shapes | Look for shapes that have meaning to you in light of the candle's qualities and your current life situation |
| Soot | When the glass is covered in soot, it means trouble is on the way |
| Crackling or popping sound | Someone is trying to communicate with you |
| Candle won't go out | The energies around the candle do not want it to be put out, perhaps because the working is in a critical phase |
| Candle cracking or exploding | Indicates displeasure from the deity, perhaps due to being upset, offended, or displeased with the offering |
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What You'll Learn
Interpreting the flame and wax
Flame
A tall flame is generally a good sign, indicating that your spellwork is powerful and meeting little resistance. A low flame means there is resistance to your working and a cleansing or banishing may be needed. A dancing, fluttering, or erratic flame signifies high energy in a spell, but also chaotic energy. A small flame that flickers and bends is not a great sign, indicating that the timing of the spell is wrong, or that you are asking for an outcome that is unlikely or unfavourable. If the small flame falters or drowns in the wax, your petition will not be granted at this time. A blue flame is a sign of spiritual presence, while a red or yellow flame means that more mundane energy is fuelling the spell.
Wax
Leftover wax can also be interpreted. A lot of leftover wax, especially if it is at least half an inch, could mean that there are things to resolve before your spell can be successful. Wax left untouched on one side may mean your intention is facing resistance from every direction except the one associated with that side. If the wax forms shapes, animals, or sigils, these can be interpreted using your intuition or a symbol dictionary. In hoodoo candle burning, the practice of ceromancy, or divination by wax, is combined with pyromancy to "read signs from candles".
Smoke
Smoke can also be interpreted, and this practice is called capnomancy. White smoke is a sign that your intention has been received and is being supported. Heavy smoke could mean the universe, your guides, or spirits are trying to get your attention. Black soot around the flame could signal resistance or interference.
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Using deity candle colours
Deity candles are used in various cultures and belief systems, including ancient Roman, Egyptian, Hindu, Wiccan, and Afro-Caribbean Santeria traditions. Each tradition associates different colours with specific deities, energies, and intentions.
In ancient Roman tradition, purple candles were associated with the god Jupiter and represented power. Yellow was linked to the god Apollo and symbolised creativity and healing.
In Wicca and Neo-Wicca, practitioners may use deity candles on their altars during rituals. These candles can be inscribed or painted with symbols of the deity they represent. For example, a candle representing Athena might feature an owl, while one for Cernunnos could have antlers. Some practitioners also use plain candles in jars decorated with images of the deity.
The colour of candles is also significant in Hindu tradition, where they are used in puja ceremonies, and in Santeria, where colours are chosen based on the specific intention and energy desired for the ritual.
Additionally, silver candles are often used for rituals involving lunar deities, astral projection, or enhancing magical intuition. They can also neutralise negativity and invite serenity. Brown candles represent stability, reliability, and our connection to the natural world, and can be used to balance and heal the root chakra.
White candles are used across many traditions for spiritual purification, protection, and consecration. They are associated with purity, innocence, peace, harmony, truth, unity, and goodness.
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Carving deity symbols
First, select a candle that feels right for the deity. This can be based on intuition, shape, colour, scent, or any other feature that resonates with the deity being invoked. For example, a candle representing Athena might feature an owl, while a candle for Cernunnos could have antlers.
Next, decide on the intention behind the candle. This could be a word, a symbol, or a sigil that represents the deity and your intention. For instance, a heart represents love, an arrow signifies direction, and an evil eye symbolises protection. Carve the chosen design lightly into the wax with any carving tool, and then go over it again with deeper lines. You can also use stencils or freehand your design.
After carving, it is common to anoint the candle with oil, which amplifies the magic and sets the intention in motion. Choose an essential oil that aligns with your mystical goal and rub it all over the carved design. You can also add glitter to your candle by shaking non-toxic glitter over it and rubbing the excess into a bowl with latex gloves.
Additionally, you can enhance your candle with herbs, crystals, or decorative matchsticks. Place the herbs at the base of the candle, away from the wick, and add small crystals on top, as most stones can withstand heat. These additions help to personalise your candle and connect with your spiritual goals.
Finally, the act of burning the candle completes the ritual. The melting wax and flame can be interpreted as messages from the deity, or simply as a reminder of their presence. The candle's light serves as a visual representation of your intentions, bridging the internal with the physical world.
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Dedicating the candle to a deity
When dedicating a candle to a deity, the candle's features (shape, colour, and scent) can be chosen based on what you associate with the deity. You can also decorate the candle with labels, carvings, or paintings that represent the deity. For example, a candle representing Athena might have an owl carved into the wax.
There is no particular ritual required to dedicate the candle to the deity. However, you can write or perform a ritual if you feel inclined to do so. The main action is to imbue the candle with the intention of dedicating it to the deity. This can be done in whatever way feels right for you.
Some people choose to light deity candles as part of a ritual or offering. For example, you can light the candle when asking for something or during activities that you want to dedicate to the deity. You can also light deity candles whenever you want to invite the deity's energy into your space.
In some Pagan traditions, deity candles are placed on an altar during rituals. These candles can be lit before or during the ritual. In Wicca, the candles are often placed at the north aspect of the altar, but this may vary depending on the specific tradition.
It is important to note that dedicating a candle to a deity is a personal and spiritual practice that can be adapted to your own beliefs and preferences.
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Using candles as a deity reminder
Candles have been used for centuries in various religious and spiritual practices. In Paganism and Wiccan traditions, for example, "god and goddess candles" are placed on altars during rituals. These candles can serve as visual reminders of the deity's presence and can be inscribed or painted with symbols representing the deity. For instance, a candle representing Athena might feature an owl carved into the wax, while a candle for Cernunnos could have antlers painted on its sides.
Similarly, in witchcraft, deity candles are used, and while there is no mandatory ritual to dedicate the candle to a deity, individuals can imbue the candle with the intention of associating it with a particular deity. Some people interpret the flame or melting wax as messages from the deity, while others use the candle as a reminder of the deity's presence.
Additionally, candle reading is an ancient divination practice where individuals interpret the melted wax and flame to find meaning. Different colours of candles are associated with different gods and goddesses. For example, purple is linked with Jupiter and power, while yellow represents Apollo and creativity or healing.
The way a candle burns can also be interpreted as a message from the deity. For instance, if a candle encased in glass burns completely and is covered in soot, it may signify impending trouble, while a candle that cracks or explodes could indicate displeasure from the deity.
By understanding the symbolism and interpretations associated with deity candles, practitioners can utilise them as powerful tools for connection, divination, and remembrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Deity candles are candles used in some traditions of Paganism as god and goddess candles. They are used to indicate that one is worshipping or working with a deity.
There is no particular ritual required to dedicate a candle to a deity. However, you can write or perform a ritual if you feel called to do so. The key action is to imbue the candle with the intention that it is associated with a specific deity. You can also inscribe or paint the candle with symbols of the deity it represents.
Deity candles can be used as a visual/physical reminder of a deity's presence. They can also be used to interpret messages from a deity by observing the flame or melting wax. Additionally, deity candles can be burned during offerings, meditations, and spell work.
Candle reading is an ancient divination practice where one looks for meaning in the melted wax. Keep a specific question in mind and observe the wax movements, formations, and shapes that may have meaning to you. Use your intuition to interpret what you see and find the answers you are looking for.
Different candle colours are associated with different gods and goddesses. For example, purple is associated with Jupiter and represents power, while yellow is associated with Apollo and represents creativity and healing.
