To successfully interpret how your magical ritual will proceed, you will communicate not only with your subconscious, but also with the witnessing entities within you. Two candles will never react the same, even when they are the same.
Although it is unpredictable, a candle has unique properties that make it different from another of the same lot.
Each candle displays its unique personality when consecrated and lit, shaped by your desires and communicated and housed in the flame.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Candle flame direction meaning, especially in relation to the four cardinal points, is a nuanced aspect of candle reading in various spiritual practices.
A flame leaning towards the north can signify physical manifestation and grounding, aligning with the earth element.
When the flame points east, it’s often interpreted as relating to mental clarity and communication, resonating with the air element.
A southward flame might symbolize passion and energy, connected to the fire element, while a flame moving westward is typically associated with emotional aspects and intuition, linked to the water element.
These interpretations help practitioners understand and direct their intentions more effectively in rituals and spells.
When you start working with candles, you will find they have a unique language.
The language is expressed by:
- the dance of the flame
- the spread of smoke
- the shots
- the crackle of burning wax.
Also read:
Flickering Candle Meaning & Other Signs (Flame Divination)
Meaning of a Candle Flame Going Out [Explained]
Candle Flame Split in Two Meaning Explained [Witchy Tips]

Communication with you will vary slightly from one candle to another, depending on the task assigned to it and how well you aligned your intention. As you burn your candle, clear your mind, and focus on it.
See how the smoke rises, how the flame dances, and hear the sound it makes. Smoke can rise east or veer south, the flame can grow larger or smaller, and the sound can be crackling. When connecting with candles, you will soon find that the candle flame will dance, sink, and sway frequently regardless of how carefully you shield it from drafts.
This is called a dancing flame, one of the ways a candle communicates with you. This dance has meaning and, once understood, it can help you determine how your magic is progressing.
Let’s see the meaning of a candle flame’s direction.
Before we continue
I was honored when I was recently asked by Court TV producers to consult on a case.
You can view the clip below. This case is a great example of why I do not cast any spells that have harmful intentions. As a Professional Spellcaster, I work with clients from all over the world and it’s important to me to remain grounded and stay ‘in the light’ so that I can help as many people as possible.
Working with candles takes skill and patience and isn’t recommended in most cases. I provide these “do it yourself” articles for educational purposes, but it is strongly recommended that you consult a divination expert such as Mystic Amber and allow us to do the work for you.
This way you know it’s being done by someone experienced and knowledgeable and we’re also always here to answer questions about your reading and provide follow-up at no additional charge.
Candle Flame Reading

Candle Flame Interpretation (Reading), also known as Pyromancy, is a centuries-old divination practice deeply rooted in the mystical world of witchcraft and spellcasting.
This mesmerizing art involves gazing into the dancing flames of a candle, seeking hidden messages and insights within their flickering movements.
Just as each flame is unique, so too are the messages it conveys.
Our skilled practitioners will help you decipher the subtle language of the flames, providing guidance and revelations that can illuminate your path toward manifesting your deepest desires.
What you can expect from us:
- Private and personalized approach
- Reading done in less than 24h
- Unique, in-depth answers and explanation
- Free consultations before & after reading
We have helped hundreds of clients over the years, and we’d love to work with you as well.
Contents
Candle flame pointing north
When doing spell work:
If you are doing spell work and your candle flame is pointing to north, it means that the spell is going to manifest and its results will be long term results. So, for example, if you cast a love spell to attract your crush and the candle flame is pointing north, it means that your crush will be attracted and that this attraction won’t be useless but great for your future.
When cleansing:
If you are cleansing your space and the candle flame is pointing north, it means that the cleansing ritual is going to be successful and that fresh, positive energy is winning against the negative energy you want to get rid of.

When performing a moon ritual:
If you are performing a moon ritual to set your brand new intentions and the candle flame is pointing north, it means your desires will manifest in the next month, right before the next new moon phase.
When doing tarot readings:
If you are doing a tarot reading and, after lighting a candle, its flame is pointing north, the message the tarot cards have in store for you is confirmed. It’s like a proof the reading is going well and that you are in tune with the cards and open enough to get their messages.
When contacting spirits:
If you are trying to contact spirits and the candle flame is pointing north, it means the connection is successful and you are genuinely connected with the spirit you wanted to contact.
Usually, suppose you are trying to communicate with spirits but don’t want to connect with a specific spirit. In that case, the candle flame pointing north means the spirit that is connecting with you is a benevolent one.
Candle flame pointing south
When doing spell work:
If you are doing spell work and your candle flame is pointing south, the spell will not manifest.
When cleansing:
If you are cleansing your space and the candle flame points south, the cleansing ritual will not be successful and the positive energy you are trying to bring into your place is not strong enough to defeat darkness.

When performing a moon ritual:
If you are performing a moon ritual to set your brand new intentions and the candle flame is pointing south, it means your desires won’t manifest in the upcoming month.
When doing tarot readings:
If you are doing a tarot reading and, after lighting a candle, its flame is pointing south, the tarot cards’ message is not truthful. Maybe you weren’t focused enough or maybe you misinterpreted the message the tarot cards had for you.
When contacting spirits:
If you are trying to contact spirits and the candle flame is pointing south but it’s very weak and low, it means that you weren’t able to connect with the other side. If the candle flame moves fast and points south, just be careful as some bad entity might be trying to communicate with you.
Candle flame pointing east
When doing spell work:
If you are doing spell work and your candle flame is pointing east, you must try a different spell to make it manifest. Use your intuition and creativity to make it happen.
When cleansing:
If you are cleansing your space and the candle flame points east, the cleansing ritual is not strong enough to cleanse your space. Try something more powerful like a smudging or perform a combination of a cleansing ritual and a protective spell.
When performing a moon ritual:
If you are performing a moon ritual to set your brand new intentions and the candle flame is pointing east, you should recast the moon ritual in the next month to let it manifest or give something different.
When doing tarot readings:
If you are doing a tarot reading and, after lighting a candle, its flame is pointing east, the message that the tarot cards have in store for you is to do another tarot reading. Shuffle the cards again and give it another try. If the message is still too confused, wait for another time to feel truly connected and open to get tarot card messages.

When contacting spirits:
If you are trying to contact spirits and the candle flame is pointing east, the spirits want you to use some other tool to get in touch with you. Maybe something more powerful like a spirit box, a spirit app, or a Ouija board.
Candle flame pointing to west
When doing spell work:
If you are doing spell work and your candle flame is pointing west, it means some emotions will be involved and some struggles will rise up while waiting for manifestation.
When cleansing:
If you are cleansing your space and the candle flame is pointing west, the cleansing ritual is working but you need to stay strong and bring more positivity.
When performing a moon ritual:
If you are performing a moon ritual to set your brand new intentions and the candle flame is pointing west, it means that some emotional changes will happen. Usually, it means love is around the corner.
When doing tarot readings:
If you are doing a tarot reading and, after lighting a candle, its flame is pointing west, the message that the tarot cards have in store for you is to focus even more on your emotions and on what you truly want. Listen to yourself and to your heart.
When contacting spirits:
If you are trying to contact spirits and the candle flame is pointing west, it means the spirit you are connecting with is a spirit that loves you, maybe a loved one who passed away and wants you to know he is still around protecting you.
Don’t forget that if you want I can cast a professional spell for you! Check out my shop and let me do my witchy work to help you create your dream life!