Candles are an integral part of any witch's life and their colors have many meanings that are important to understand if you want to get the full benefit from them. Not only does the color have meaning, but also the way the wax melts, the way the smoke drifts, and the way the flame does or doesn't flicker.

It is vital when working with candle magick to truly understand how the candle works in relation to magickal practices and/or meanings. The candle should be "read" from the beginning to the end in order to get a clear picture of the processes underway.

If you get a thick black oily smoke when lighting the candle it often signifies the removal of negative energy from around you. A mixture of black and gray smoke means that someone or something is trying to block your prayers. White smoke means that your prayers are being answered but a mixture of white and gray means there may be some delay.

Smoke drifting to the right and toward you means prayers are being answered but to the right and away from you means that you need patience. Smoke drifting to the left means that you have become too emotional for your prayer to be answered at this time.

A flickering flame means there is interference going on and you need to send stronger prayers. A strong long flame, or a short wide flame means that your prayer will work quickly. A low, weak flame means that there will be a delay before your prayer will be granted. If a candle will not stay lit it means that there are blocks to the prayer being answered.

Remember, if you need to extinguish a candle, it must be snuffed out and not blown out.