What Each Candle Color Means, and How to Use It

Candles have been part of prayer and ritual for a very long time, from church altars to the colored candles sold in markets across Latin America. Each color is tied to a feeling, so the color you pick becomes part of your signal before you say a word.

You don't need a candle in every color. One white candle can stand in for all of them. But when you choose a color on purpose, it helps you focus, and focus is what makes a ritual strong.

White stands for peace, clarity and fresh starts. It is the all-purpose candle: when you are not sure which color to use, use white. Light one to clear your mind, to start a new month or to send a wish of any kind. A line to say: "I begin again with a clear and open heart."

Green is the color of money, growth and luck, like new leaves in spring. Light a green candle when you are calling in abundance, a new job or a project that grows. It is a favorite in rituals for prosperity, often on the first of the month. A line to say: "Abundance grows in my life every day."

Pink is tender love: self-love, friendship and gentle romance. Red is passion, desire and courage. Light pink when you want to feel loved and soft with yourself, and red when you want more fire, in love or in going after a dream. A line to say: "I am loved, and love finds me easily."

Yellow is joy, confidence and clear thinking. Orange is creativity, energy and fun. Gold is success and abundance at its brightest. Light one of these before an exam, a big talk, a new idea or any day you want to shine. A line to say: "I shine, and good things are drawn to me."

Blue is calm, peace and honest words. Purple is spirit, intuition and your higher self. Light blue on a busy day when you want to slow down, and purple for meditation, dreams or a quiet moment with the universe. A line to say: "I am calm, and I trust what I feel." Purple is also the color of the violet flame of Saint Germain, a light many call on to let go.

Black is for protection and for closing a chapter. Many people light a black candle to let go of an old habit or a heavy feeling, then light a white one after it for a fresh start. Brown is home, steady ground and the things that last. A line to say: "I let go of what is done, and I am safe."

Any day works, but old planetary traditions give each day a ruler. Friday belongs to Venus, the planet of love, so many light pink or red candles on Fridays. Thursday belongs to Jupiter, the planet of luck and plenty, so green and gold candles often go on Thursdays. Sunday belongs to the sun, for success. The new moon and the first of the month are lovely for starting anything new.

As long as you can stay with it. A small candle or tea light can burn down in one sitting, which many people love because the ritual has a clear end. A bigger candle can be lit for a few minutes each day while you say your line, then snuffed out. Many people snuff the flame instead of blowing on it, so the wish is not blown away. Never leave a flame alone, and keep it away from curtains, pets and kids.

A candle is a beautiful moment, but your signal goes out all day. Put the line you said on your lock screen so you see it again. Before a big ritual, many people first clear the energy in their home. And when the flame is out, Amplify keeps sending your desires for you, day and night.