This article can help you find the best type and size of candle for your ritual or spell. Once you’ve chosen the right kind of candle, you can use the color correspondence chart to select the perfect candle color to help you achieve your magical goal!

The Best Type of Candles for Rituals & Spells

Although some spells may recommend a specific type of candle, most of the time it will be up to you to choose the kind of candle you want to use. Below is a list of the most popular candle sizes and shapes and how they are traditionally used. We hope you’ll find this information helpful as you decide what candle is best suited for your ritual, spell or sacred space.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are higher in price, but many believe they are more powerful since they are produced from nature. Some experienced practitioners use beeswax to craft their own candles. When personal energy is used to make candles for a specific purpose, the additional energy of the practitioner is captured in the candle and gives their magical work an extra boost.

Chime Candles

Chime candles are also referred to as spell candles as they are an ideal size for spellwork. Their short burn time means you won’t be up all night waiting for your candle to burn down. Chime candles are basically small tapered candles that are about four inches in length and a half-inch in diameter, and they are available in a wide variety of colors.

NOTE: Because of their small size, you will need a special chime candle holder to support them. Both chime candles and holders are available in our Wicca magical store.

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are thick, long burning candles and are ideal for altars and sacred spaces, where they are lit repeatedly. Some spells need 7-day candles. These are pillar-shaped and are usually in glass containers. Pillar candles come in a variety of lengths, colors , and even aromas. They are less likely to drip while they burn. However if you want a totally clean burn, jar candles are your best choice.

Taper Candles

Taper candles excel at creating special atmospheres. They can add a little magic, romance or elegance to any area. These long candles require candlestick holders and may be a bit messy to burn if they are not standing straight or if there is any air current nearby.

Tea Light Candles

Tea light candles are nice to have on hand as they can be used for any spur of the moment magical work. They are small, easy to transport and very affordable, making them a great all-purpose candle. To burn tea light candles you can simply set them on a heat resistant surface or pick up a decorative tea light container to help you create a special magical atmosphere!

Votive Candles

Votive candles are shaped like tea light candles but are usually at least twice the size. They make an affordable alternative to pillar candles if you are on a tight budget. These candles can make a mess as they burn down. A votive jar, bowl or a heat resistant plate can help contain the melted wax as it burns down.

NOTE: Some Witches make the melted mess part of the magical process and read the wax shapes for messages from the Spirit world.

Candle Color Correspondences & Magical Uses

When we use colored candles in our rituals and spells, the energy of the color we choose can assist us in manifesting our goals and dreams. Knowing the type of energy each color represents is extremely helpful.

Below is a list of frequently used colors and their typical associations. These are simply guidelines and there is nothing wrong with creating your own personal associations. If a color represents something different to you, go with what your intuition tells you.

At the top of this list is the color white. Although white has its own special associations, it is also a wonderful substitute for most any other color. Perhaps this is because white light is actually the sum of every single color! You can’t go wrong using white candles in your rituals or spells The rest of the candle colors are listed in alphabetical order.

White Candles

The Goddess
Higher Self
Purity
Peace
Balance
Substitute for any other color

Black Candles.

Binding
Repels Negativity
Protection
Banishing
Shapeshifting

Blue Candles

Water Element / Direction West
Wisdom
Meditation
Calm and Tranquility
Good Fortune
Communication
Spiritual Inspiration

Brown candles

Grounding
To Influence Friendships
Special Favors

Copper Candles

Professional Growth
Business Opportunities
Career Maneuvers
Passion
Money Goals

Gold Candles

The God
Promote Winning
Male Power
Happiness

Green Candles

Earth Element / Direction North
Physical Healing
Money and Good Luck
Mother Earth
Tree & Plant Magic
Growth
Personal Prosperity

Orange Candles

General Success
Property Deals
Legal Matters
Justice
Selling Possessions

Pink Candles

Affection
Romance
Friendship
Nurturing
Planetary Good Will

Purple Candles

Third Eye
Spiritual Awareness and Psychic Ability
Hidden Knowledge and Wisdom
Peace and Tranquility
Influencing People in High Places

Red Candles

Fire Element / Direction South
Passion
Love
Fast Action
Career Goals
Strength
Driving Force
Survival
Blood of the Moon

Silver Candles

The Goddess
Astral Energy
Female Energy
Telepathy
Clairvoyance
Intuition
Dreams

Yellow Candles

Air Element / Direction East
Intelligence
The Sun
Memory
Logical Imagination
To Accelerate Learning
To Break Mental Blocks