Candle Scrying 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Mystical Messages
April 7, 2025 | Miriam Slozberg
People have used divination methods like candle scrying to seek advice from the unknown since ancient times. Candle scrying is one such practice that allows seekers to interpret hidden messages.
They can use it to see knowledge and become attuned to their intuition. Candle scrying is pyromancy (divination by fire) involving the seeker staring into a candle flame. Or, they can stare into the melt and smoke surrounding it for symbolic messages.
This article will introduce you to the basics of candle scrying, such as what it is for. You will also learn how to prepare and interpret the messages. Let’s delve into this further.
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What is Candle Scrying?
Candle scrying is a form of divination that involves staring at a candle flame, the melting wax, or the smoke. You do that to interpret symbols, images, or intuitive messages.
Unlike other traditional scrying methods, such as crystal ball or mirror gazing, candle scrying uses fire as its medium. This technique allows practitioners to obtain spiritual messages through the movement and behavior of the flame.
Practitioners believe that the flame links the physical and spiritual planes. It enables one to receive guidance from higher powers, spirit guides, or the subconscious.
Why Practice Candle Scrying?
Someone may practice candle scrying for several reasons, including:
Receiving spiritual guidance – Messages from the divine, spirit guides, or ancestors.
Enhancing intuition – Developing your ability to sense subtle energies and symbols.
Seeking answers – Gaining insight into personal questions or dilemmas.
Manifestation and intention setting – Using the flame to focus on desires and future goals.
Healing and self-discovery – Insights into emotional blockages and personal growth opportunities.
If candle scrying interests you, let’s discuss how to prepare for it.
Before leaping into the practice, preparation is key. Creating the right environment will allow you to achieve a deep meditative state. Therefore, it will make you more receptive to messages.
The candle’s color, kind, and shape can affect your reading. Following is a quick guide:
White – Purification, clarity, and spiritual insight.
Black – Protection and banishing negativity.
Blue – Wisdom, communication, and emotional healing.
Red – Strength, energy, and passion.
Green – Healing, growth, and prosperity.
Purple – Psychic ability and spiritual connection.
Yellow – Creativity, confidence, and intellect.
Select a plain, unscented candle to avoid distraction and allow the flame to burn naturally. Others prefer to use ritual candles specially prepared with oils and herbs.
Second Step – Create a Sacred Space
How do you select a sacred space? It is easy. All you need to do is to choose a darkened, quiet space where you will be free from interruption. You may want to:
Purify the area using sage, palo santo, or incense.
Use crystals (such as amethyst or selenite) to raise spiritual energy.
Set up an altar with meaningful objects or symbols.
Use soft music or employ meditation bells to set the mood.
After that, you will want to go to the next step.
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Creating a sacred space is a key part of preparing for candle scrying, as it helps you enter the deep focus needed for divinatory work.
Third Step – Set an Intention
Before you light the candle, take some time to set a clear intention. What do you need, like guidance on a specific situation or general insight into your life? Defining your purpose will allow you to receive applicable messages.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and focus on your intention. Visualize the clarity or answers you need, and allow your mind to quiet and be open to spiritual guidance.
Whether seeking reassurance, advice, or a sign, grounding yourself beforehand strengthens your connection to the flame’s wisdom. When ready, light the candle and begin your scrying practice with mindful awareness.
How to Practice Candle Scrying
When ready, do the following to begin your session of candle scrying:
The first step is to light the candle. Light the wick with a lighter or match and watch the flame. Ground yourself with a deep breath. Say a prayer or affirmation for guidance and clarity.
Then, you want to enter a meditative state. Gaze at the candle flame, relaxing your eyes without squinting. Release analytical thoughts and welcome relaxation. Notice the flame, wax, or smoke changing as your mind quiets.
Then, interpret the flame by observing the way the flame moves and acts. What follows are some common interpretations:
Steady flame – Peace, clarity, and good spiritual connection.
Flickering flame – Spiritual presence or an answer which must be carefully interpreted.
Jumping or erratic flame – Chaotic energy, blockages, or urgent messages.
Dimming or weak flame – Low energy, patience required, or muddled guidance.
Sudden extinguishing – A message that it is not the right time to seek answers.
If using a candle that drips wax, watch how it melts and forms shapes. Some practitioners use a bowl of water to catch the wax and then interpret the patterns. Symbols may appear, much like tea leaf reading. Here are some common wax interpretations:
Animal shapes – Messages related to the traits of the animal.
Numbers – Indications of timeframes or significant dates.
Letters – Initials or words forming guidance.
Faces or figures – Guides, ancestors, or spirits with messages.
If your candle smokes, note its direction and movement:
Smoke rising straight up – Confirmation and clear communication.
Smoke drifting to the left – Subconscious or past-related message.
Smoke drifting to the right – Influence from the future or outside sources.
Dark smoke – Negative energy or energetic blockages.
Interpreting Your Messages and Closing Your Session
Candle scrying is a personal experience, and the interpretations will vary based on your experiences and intuition. Here are some tips for interpreting what you see:
Journal the experience – Write down everything you saw, even if it doesn’t make sense initially.
Trust your intuition – Follow your gut instincts about what the symbols mean.
Compare with existing knowledge – Cross-reference with spiritual or dream symbolism for additional insight.
Reflect later – Some messages will be clearer after some time has passed.
Close the session when you intuitively sense that it is over with gratitude. Snuff out the candle while silently thanking the universe, your guides, or your intuition for the information received.
Spend a few minutes grounding yourself. You can drink water, touch the earth, or hold a grounding crystal like hematite.
Key Takeaway
Candle scrying is a powerful form of divination that can deepen your spiritual practice and enhance your intuitive abilities. Why choose candle scrying? You may want to uncover answers to pressing questions or simply wish to access higher wisdom.
Whatever the reason, candle scrying offers a gateway to mystical guidance. With practice, patience, and an open mind, you can evolve by utilizing this divination method.
However, you must learn to trust and integrate the messages that arise to foster growth and transformation.
