Candle colors and their meanings

Candle magick and color magick are two simple, powerful forms of magic used by beginners and
experts alike. (We once published a list of color meanings in a product description, and it quickly
became the most viewed page on the website.)

Each color carries a different energy frequency. In spellwork, the energy of colors is used to
generate a specific response in the magick worker, and to attract certain energies through the
principle of sympathetic magick. If you've ever wondered which colors mean what, here's a primer to
get you started. Feel free to supplement this information with color meanings from your own
tradition and experience.

You can find different colored candles at most metaphysical stores, and also home decor and craft
shops. Keep in mind that your spell can still be effective even if you don't have the "right" color
candle. (Author Dorothy Morrison tells a funny story, about needing a brown candle for a spell, and
ad-libbing it with a white emergency taper and the beige foundation in her purse!) You can also
decorate a candle with a ribbon or cord of the appropriate color, or simply use your powers of
visualization.

The color of purity and new beginnings. Use a white candle for rituals involving healing, new
beginnings, and spiritual growth. Also appropriate for Lunar and Goddess workings. Church
candles are usually white, thus white candles are associated with prayer, remembrance, and
devotion. White may be substituted for any other color candle when that color is not available.
Black

A strong, banishing color, black is associated with transition and rest. Burn a black candle to absorb
negativity, break a bad habit, or mark the end of a phase in your life. Many protective spells include
a black candle.

Red

Red is the color of sex, love, power and vitality. A red candle draws these qualities to you, and aids
you in any spellwork that requires strong, fiery energy. A red candle is often used in conjunction with
black—burn the black candle first to banish negativity, then the red candle to draw in fresh
energy. (So-called "dual action" or "reversible" candles combine red and black into one candle.)

Blue

Blue helps you call upon the peace and patience of the element of Water. Blue carries a gentle, but
powerful energy. Choose a blue candle for spells involving emotional healing, truth and justice. A
very spiritual color, blue can help awaken and heal the psychic mind.

Yellow

Yellow is associated with the element of Air and the powers of the mind. Burn a yellow candle for
success in school or the arts, or to enhance communication in a relationship. Yellow also increases
focus and intuition. Yellow is a great choice for business spells, especially when you need fresh
ideas and inspiration.

Green
Traditionally the color of money magick, green symbolizes growth in every sense. A green candle
attracts abundance and earthly well-being. Use for prosperity, health, and workings involving Nature.
Green is also a popular choice for luck-drawing spells.

Orange

The vibrant hue of orange evokes ambition and creativity. Orange candles are well-suited for career
workings, or any other time you need to assert your strength and individuality.

Purple

The color of mystery and magic, purple is associated with psychic matters. Use a purple candle for
divination, astral travel, and to strengthen your connection with the unseen realms. Historically the
color of royalty, purple is also suitable for magick related to wishes, ambition, power and authority.

Pink

Pink is the color of emotional well-being, sensuality, and matters of the heart. Choose a pink candle
when you wish to grow in compassion and self-love, or attract the love of others. Forgiveness and
reconciliation spells also call for gentle pink.

Grey

Resting halfway between white and black, grey is the color of neutrality and balance. A grey candle
may be used in protective magick, when you wish to neutralize negative energy that may be directed
at you. Also used to gain discernment and wisdom.

Light Blue

The calming, cleansing energy of light blue is used for spells of healing, and also to dispel anger.
Light blue invokes the soothing qualities of the element of Water without its deeper, more dangerous
properties. The color of unclouded daylight, light blue is also good for truth-seeking.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a greenish tint of blue. It is the color of the famous desert gem, or the Caribbean sea.
Turquoise shares many of the calming, healing qualities of light blue. Turquoise also stimulates
creativity and the spirit of exploration. Sea-blue candles are sometimes used to connect with
Undines and water Fae.

Lavender

Lavender combines the innocence of white with the spirituality and passion of purple. Lavender
candles are used for spells of love, intimacy and friendship, as well as wishes of all kinds.

Ivory

Similar in meaning to white, but with a tinge of earthy brown. Ivory is good for Full Moon workings,
initiations, or any time you want an alternative to bright white. Because it corresponds to precious
things like ivory, pearl, and cream, this color is also used to attract luxury and abundance.

Light Green
Light Green is used to invoke the lighter qualities of the Earth element—good luck, prosperity, and
celebration. Light green is a good choice for Faery workings and rites of Springtime.

Magenta

Magenta, dark pink, and hot pink candles take the loving energy of pink and kick it up a notch! While
pink candles draw compassion and tenderness, stronger pinks are all about the passion. Use a dark
pink candle for spells of sexuality, sexual confidence, and flirtation. Dark pink candles are used to
attract a lover (especially a female lover).

Brown

Brown is a strongly grounding, Earthy color. It aids in emotional stability, balance, and building trust.
Some Witches also use brown for manifestation magic and connecting with the realm of animals.

Burgundy

Half-way between the two colors, burgundy tempers the passion of red with the practicality of brown.
Use burgundy for magick related to determination, strength, and personal power. Burgundy
resonates with the blood, and helps in grounding and bringing your passions to fruition.

Silver

Silver is associated with the Moon, psychic receptivity, dreaming, love, rest and healing. On a
Wiccan altar, a silver candle is often used to represent the Goddess.

Gold

Gold corresponds with the Sun, wealth, confidence, willpower, generosity and optimism. A gold
candle may be used to represent the God. A grey or white candle may be substituted for silver, but
there is really no substitute for the eye-catching gleam of gold!

Shop our candle collection, or view all the articles on our site here.