So what is it about that flickering flame that you just can not look away from?
Why are we as humans drawn to it?
And why does it flicker?
Let’s find out.
Why That Flickering Flame
Have you ever wondered why that flame that you are drawn to flickers?
Or have you ever thought about flickering flame before?…
Well, you should have and I am going to give you some answers to why it happens.
Why Does The Candle Flame Flicker?
When we light our man-made candles the actual flame of the candle is sustained by a constant flow of oxygen and melted candle wax.
The wick of the actual candle pulls up this liquid wax, which is then present around the flame. This action in itself keeps that flame going.
Here comes the interesting part… When the amount of wax or oxygen that the flame is getting gets disrupted, this is when the flame of the candle flickers you get that flickering flame effect.
This liquid wax is drawn up the wick by capillary action.
So…
If the flame gets too little or just too much air, or fuel as you would call it, the flame can then flicker or flare.
And the unburned carbon particles or you could say soot will escape from the flame before they can fully combust.
I have always asked myself this same question, even when there is no breeze in a room the flame of a candle flickers, and I have questioned myself why…
How Do You Interpret Candle Flame Meanings?
Let’s go into detail here as I am sure that there are many people out there who have thought about this as well…
Learning How to Interpret Candle Flame Meanings
Did you know that most candle meanings come from ancient cultures and practices, such as the:
- Romans
- Celts
- Babylonians
- Greeks
Over the centuries, these various religions, such as Hoodoo rootwork espoused and added to these candle divination meanings to their own culture.
So many of these candle flame meanings were adopted and also incorporated into numerous practices, including Wicca.
Blue Candle Flame
According to Grove and Grotto’s.
Of the Candle Signs Dictionary.
Yes…
There is such a dictionary believe it or not…
A blue flame symbolizes the presence of a spirit. Now, this can be a fairy, an angel, or another highly evolved spiritual entity.
Red Or Yellow Flame
Grove and Grotto…
States that when a flame burns yellow or red, that mundane energy, we are not talking about spiritual here, is fueling the burn and can also be powerful in itself.
The Dancing Flame
Grove and Gotto…
Advise that a sporadically burning flame that dances all about is indicative of a spell that has the power to work, but not without its possible problems.
The interpretation of this also depends on other factors, such as whether the flame is tall or short.
It could also mean resistance; so the higher the flame jumps, the greater is, the resistance, according to Spiritualists at Original Botanica.
A Tall Strong Flame
Now this flame alone bodes itself well for candle magic and also spells.
It is apparently strong enough to push through any obstacles and even tall enough to reach the height of goals and intentions.
The Flickering Flame
Some believe that a flickering of a candle flame is announcing the coming arrival of a spirit.
There is also another traditional meaning, and that is that strong, almost raw emotions are also involved and can lead to arguments.
In A Little Book of Candle Magic, the author DJ Conway explains here that a flickering or sputtering candle’s communications can be interpreted by the four compass poi:
- North: If the flame flickers toward the north, it is said to be an indication that the cause is actually a physical one, and not from a spirit.
- East: A flame that is flickering toward the east indicates that the mental part of your spell is working.
- South: Now, the bending of the flame toward the south, demonstrates that a great deal of physical energy surrounds your intent.
- West: When the candle flame tilts towards the west, it reveals the energy and depth of very strong emotions that are part of the spell work.
The Sputtering And Crackling Flame
Conway has also written that a flame that sputters and crackles can indicate a form of some sort of communication.
The intensity of these both determines the messaging itself…
Such loud crackling and frequent sputtering warn of arguments.
Opposing Forces
Now, a noisy and also continuous sputtering of a flame could indicate that someone or there are other forces that oppose you.
You can also light additional candles to provide that greater energy. If the sputtering of the candle flame continues, it is best to end the work that you are doing and try another time.
Dual Flames
In Coventry Magic with Candles, Oils, and Herbs, author Jacki Smith discusses candles that burn with more than just one flame.
Aside from those natural physical causes that cause this, Smith says that the traditional interpretation of two flames burning from one wick involves the two energies or energy that is also cut in half.
Two Energies At Work
The most common interpretation for this is that these dual flames are the presence of two energies that are either working together or are in opposition to each other.
This is also determined by the kind of spell being worked.
Flame Self-Extinguishes
According to Candle Magic for Beginners: The Simplest Magic You Can Do by Richard Webster, when a flame self-extinguishes, it then puts an end to your work.
This, however… Can also mean that your prayer or spell was received by the spirit world. It can also indicate that your spell is opposed by either an individual or the spirit realm.
Low Flame
Grove and Grotto also state that a low flame does not have the energy to push the intent into completion.
If a low flame is steady, you are being reminded here to be diligent and expect a good result. If the flame weakens, the spell will not work.
If it gradually begins to grow stronger and taller for instance… The energy to bring your spell to fruition has been released.
Short Weak Flame
Webster writes that a weak flame will just produce weak results.
It indicates that the time simply is not right. And it also can indicate the spell is wrong, especially if the flame flickers.
It could mean that your timing is off, or that your spell needs more work before it can be powerful enough to complete your intent.
Regardless of whatever the reason, a short weak flame means there is not enough energy to bring your intentions into reality.
Jacki Smith advises the flame should just be extinguished. You can then try to strengthen your spell at another time.
A Steady Flame
Conway states this kind of flame is considered a positive indication the candle is doing its job. So there are strong supportive energies behind the intent.
A Fast Burning Candle
Apparently, there are two different types of fast-burning candles.
Each one has a specific meaning that can help you to assess the success of your spellwork.
Uneven Fast Burning Candle
A candle that burns unevenly, with one of the sides melting down faster than the other side, indicates that your spell was not properly grounded before you cast it.
You will then need to cast the spell all over again at another time.
And if, on your second try, the candle burns fast again and unevenly as well, then stop your work and try your spell later.
Even Fast Burning Candle
A candle that burns faster than normal, yet it does have an even burn, can be a good omen as long as the candle does not have any other unusual attributes to it, such as popping or sputtering away.
If a candle seems to burn out of control, then it can be a symptom that something within your work is just not correct.
You should therefore stop and repeat your spellwork again.
Paying close attention to each step you are doing to ensure it is correct the next time.
And if your second attempt results in the candle burning evenly but fast, you can consider the spell successful.
Looking back at the form of flames and their meanings to the past and that they are carried on now does bring us into the realm of Harry Potter.
Yet by the sounds of it, it is a tricky business, and you are probably best just sticking to a wand…
We now know why we have the flickering flame, and the reason that causes it and we do not have to ponder on this anymore.
So when someone is looking at a flame most probably thinking the same thing as to why.
You have the answers that they are looking for.