Beyond the hygge-inducing ambiance and signature scents we’ve all come to collect (perhaps too enthusiastically), candles have been silent partners in spiritual practices for centuries. There’s a reason we instinctively light candles during life’s most significant moments. From celebratory birthday wishes to romantic dinners, from power outages to sacred ceremonies, flames speak to something primal within us. Candles occupy that perfect intersection between everyday comfort and subtle magic—they’re simultaneously practical sources of light, creators of cozy ambiance, and symbols of transformation.
Fire itself is humanity’s oldest companion. As the element of transformation, it represents warmth, illumination, and change—qualities we seek in both our physical spaces and our inner lives. Candles capture this elemental force in an accessible, controlled form, making them the perfect tools for both creating comfort and focusing intention.
Below is your guide to how the colors and shapes of candles can transform your space—and your energy, from a professional witch, tarot reader, and certified reiki practitioner.
Choose Your Candle Color Wisely
In spiritual traditions, each candle color carries with it a specific energy and feeling, affecting our spaces and mindsets in distinct ways. Whether you’re looking to energize a Monday morning meeting or create a tranquil Saturday evening retreat, understanding candle color meanings helps you make intentional choices that support your goals.
White
The universal color of purity, protection, and new beginnings. White candles are a blank slate, perfect for any intention or to clear away negative energy.
Black
Often misunderstood, black candles are powerful tools for banishing negativity, breaking bad habits, and creating a protective shield.
Red
The color of passion, courage, and vitality. Use red candles to ignite love, boost confidence, or fuel your inner fire.
Shop Red Candles
Bright Red Royale
Modern Curved Pillar Candle, Red
Pink
Soft and nurturing, pink candles are for love, friendship, and self-care. They’re perfect for healing emotional wounds and attracting gentle relationships.
Orange
A color of creativity and joy, orange candles can help you overcome writer’s block, spark new ideas, or bring a burst of energy to your day.
Yellow
Associated with intellect and clarity, yellow candles are ideal for studying, decision-making, and clear communication.
Shop Yellow Candles
12″ Yellow Taper Candle, Set of 6 Pairs
2-pack Spiral Yellow Taper Candles
Green
The color of growth, abundance, and healing. Green candles are your go-to for money spells, career success, and physical well-being.
Blue
Calm and serene, blue candles are used for emotional healing, inner peace, and enhancing intuition.
Purple
A regal hue tied to spirituality, psychic abilities, and connecting with higher realms. Use purple candles to deepen meditation or manifest spiritual growth.
Candle Shape Matters
The shape of your candle affects how the candle burns, how long it lasts, and the type of energy it brings to your space. Different shapes serve different purposes, from the formal elegance of tapers to the practical longevity of pillars. Understanding these differences helps you select the perfect form for your specific needs, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or creating a personal sanctuary.
Tapers
Tapers bring elegant verticality to any space. Their tall, refined presence naturally draws the eye upward, making them ideal for intentions that involve growth, ambition, or spiritual connection. For dinner tables, mantels, or anywhere you seek to elevate ordinary moments into occasions.
Shop Tapers
10″ Tapers 12pk — Prairie Blue
Twist Taper Candles (Set of 4)
Warm White Taper Candle Set of 2
Pillars
Pillar candles anchor spaces with their substantial presence. They represent stability and endurance, and are perfect for long-term goals or rituals that require sustained energy.
Tealights
These offer versatile charm through multiplication. Their small size allows for creative arrangements—floating in bowls, lining pathways, or clustered on trays. They’re great for quick spells, meditation, or to set the mood in a room. Their disposable nature makes them perfect for one-time rituals.
Shop Tealights
White Clear-Cupped 8-Hour Tealights, Set of 50
Signature Wax Tealight Candles (Set of 50)
White Tealight Candles, Set of 12
Now 25% Off
Figural Candles
Figural candles, whether shaped as animals, symbols, or human forms, add personality and specific intention to your space. These conversation-starting forms bring an element of folk tradition, and are very powerful tools for specific intentions.
How to Use Candle Magic In Everyday Life
You don’t have to be a practicing witch to incorporate candle magic into your daily routine. Here are a few simple ways to bring the power of candles into your life:
Morning Ritual
Light a yellow or orange candle as you sip your morning coffee or tea. Set an intention for the day, such as clarity, productivity, or joy.
Meditation Aid
Use a blue or purple candle during meditation to enhance focus and deepen your practice.
Self-Care
Pair a pink candle with a relaxing bath or skincare routine to cultivate self-love and relaxation.
Seasonal Decor
Choose candles in colors that align with the seasons. For example, earthy tones in autumn, whites and silvers in winter, pastels in spring, and vibrant hues in summer.
Dinner Elevation
Even takeout becomes a proper meal when candles join the table. Their presence slows eating, encourages conversation, and transforms functional feeding into communal dining.
Evening Unwinding
Blue or lavender candles signal to your nervous system that it’s time to downshift. Their gentle light naturally reduces exposure to sleep-disrupting blue light from screens while creating environments conducive to relaxation.
The best part of candle magic is its accessibility—no special knowledge or elaborate setup required. The simple act of selecting a color that resonates with your intention, choosing a form that suits your space, and mindfully lighting the wick connects you to both comfort and subtle magic.
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she oversees the brand’s social media platforms, covers design trends and culture, and writes the monthly ELLE Decoroscope column. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art, and lifestyle.
