Black Candle Spells for Protection, Banishing and Divination

Feeling overwhelmed by negative energy? Struggling with unwanted influences or seeking deeper protection? A black candle spell might be exactly what you need.

Black candle spells have a bit of a negative reputation. This might be because, in popular culture they may have been associated with hexes, curses or devil worship! In reality, black candle magic is mainly used for protection and banishing, but they can also be a powerful aid to divination and shadow work.

I have found that working with black candles is a deeply grounding practice, especially in the darker months of the year when the long winter nights are perfect for fire and candle magic and rituals. Black candle spells and rituals help me to feel safe, protected and positive.

Here I have shared three black candles for you to try as well as some of the history and culture behind black candle magic.

A black candle spell to banish negativity

The following black candle spell will remove negative energy from your home. This spell outline can be adapted to suit your needs and practice as well as the tools and ingredients you have available.

What you need

Black candle
Matches or a lighter
Candle holder or fireproof plate
Salt

What to do

Choose a place to work where you will not be disturbed and set out your tools on a stable flat surface.

You may like to sprinkle salt and protective herbs around the perimeter of the area where you will be working.

Next, clearly define your intention for the spell. For example, to banish negative energy, protect your home and create a harmonious environment.

Place the black candle in a candle holder or on a heatproof plate. You can write your intention, such as the word protection on the candle with a needle or toothpick if it is large enough, but this is optional.

As you light the candle, imagine the flame as a purifying and protective force. Focus on your intention and visualise any negative energy being transformed as the candle burns.

Recite a simple incantation or affirmation that aligns with your intention. For example, you could say:

With this spell I banish negativity

Replacing it with peace and harmony

With each moment this candle burns down

Peace and harmony fill this home

As you recite the incantation, visualise the candle flame growing brighter and absorbing the negative energy in the room, transforming it into positive, uplifting energy.

Extinguish the candle or let it burn out completely if you can watch it. If you are unable to watch the candle burn down completely, you can relight the candle on another occasion and repeat the process as many times as necessary until the candle has burned down.

Your space should now be clear of negativity and full of peace and harmony. Repeat the spell as often as needed.

Black Candle Divination Ritual

This black candle ritual can enhance your intuition and help you communicate with your higher self or supernatural energies and entities. You may like to complete the previous spell to banish negativity before you start the ritual. Or you can do your own cleansing or protection ritual.

What you need

Salt
Black candle
Matches or a lighter
Pen and paper (optional)

What to do

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. You can do this ritual at an altar, on a table, or on the floor – whichever feels more comfortable to you.

Before you begin, take a few deep breaths to centre yourself. Clearly state your intention for the divination, focusing on receiving guidance, insights, or answers to specific questions.

Now, sprinkle a circle of salt around your working space. The salt can be just around the space on your altar where you are working or you can create a larger circle that surrounds you.

Next, light the black candle and place it securely in the holder. As you do so, visualise the flame drawing in spiritual guidance. Feel the energy of the candle, and focus on the intention you set earlier.

Sit comfortably in front of the lit candle. As you watch the flickering flame, let your mind relax and open. Be open to any thoughts, symbols, or images that may come to you during this process. This method of divination is a form of scrying, where insights can come through the flame.

If you receive any impressions or insights, jot them down. This can help you analyse and interpret the information later. However, it’s also okay to simply absorb the experience without documenting it.

When you feel you’ve received enough information or guidance, thank the energy or entities you’ve connected with during the ritual. Extinguish out the candle, and take a moment to reflect on your experience.

Ground yourself by connecting with the earth’s energy. You can do this by eating or drinking something, moving your body or imagining a beam of light that comes into the top of your head, down your spine, through your legs and out through the soles of your feet connecting you to the earth below.

After the ritual, review any notes you took or reflect on the insights you received. Consider any symbols, emotions, or thoughts that stood out. You may want to research any symbols that came to you, however, remember to trust your intuition in interpreting the information, as it may be unique to you.

Black Candle Protection Ritual

What you need

A back candle
a fire-safe candle holder
matches or a lighter
Incense (optional)
protective crystals like obsidian or black tourmaline (optional)

What to do

Begin by taking a few deep breaths to centre your energy. Focus on your intention of protection and safety.

Cleanse the area with incense or by clapping your hands to break up and disperse negative energy.

As you light the black candle, state your intention, for example: “This flame represents the protective energy surrounding me.”

Gaze softly at the candle flame and visualise a protective shield of black light emanating from the candle and enveloping you. Feel the warmth and safety of this protective energy.

Speak or think affirmations related to protection and safety, such as “I am safe, protected, and at peace.”

Black Candle Protection Spell Sachet

This black candle spell creates a powerful protection sachet that you can carry with you or place in your home. The combination of candle magic and herbal protection creates long-lasting defensive energy.

What you need

A small black candle
Candle holder or fireproof plate (or LED candle as alternative)
Matches or lighter
Small black or white cloth pouch (alternatively use s small piece of fabric or handkerchief and tie it up with thread or ribbon)
Salt
Dried rosemary
Dried sage
Black pepper
Small piece of black tourmaline or obsidian (optional)
Bell or incense for cleansing

What to do

Choose a quiet space where you will not be disturbed

Place your black candle securely in its holder

Arrange all your sachet ingredients on your workspace

Light the black candle whilst saying “I call upon protective energy to bless this work”

Add a pinch of salt to your pouch saying “Salt for purification and protection”

Add the dried rosemary saying “Rosemary for mental clarity and defence”

Add the dried sage saying “Sage for cleansing and wisdom”

Add a pinch of black pepper saying “Black pepper to banish negativity”

If using a crystal, add it to the pouch saying “Stone of protection, amplify my shield”

Hold the sachet while meditating on the protective energy of the black candle for a few minutes. It can help to remember a time when you felt safe and protected and really feel those feelings of safety.

Close or tie the sachet while visualising yourself surrounded by protective light

Speak these words over your sachet:

“Herbs of power, flame of night
Protect me with your sacred might
Whenever this sachet is near
Protect me safe from harm and fear”

Hold the sachet to your heart and feel the protective energy flowing into it

Extinguish the candle or let it burn down completely if you can monitor it safely

Keep your protection sachet with you in your pocket, bag or place it in your home where you need protection most

Recharge your sachet monthly by repeating steps 13-18 with a fresh black candle.

Cultural associations of black candle spells

Whether you’re an experienced witch or a beginner, exploring the uses and cultural contexts of black candle spells can deepen your appreciation for this ancient magic. Black candle spells have many cultural associations and variations depending on the traditions and belief systems they are derived from. Here are a few examples.

Hoodoo and African-American Folk Magic

In the practice of Hoodoo, a system of folk magic developed by African Americans, black candles are often used for protection and banishing negative energies. They may be used in rituals to remove hexes or curses, dispel evil spirits, or break negative influences.

Celtic and Druidic Traditions

In Celtic and Druidic practices as well as other folk traditions, black candles were often used to honour departed ancestors as well as to aid communication with the spirit realm.

Medieval Europe

During the Middle Ages, black candles were used in rituals and spells, often to banish negativity or ward off evil spirits. They began to develop negative associations when the church began to demonise witchcraft.

Wicca and Modern Witchcraft

In Wiccan practices and modern witchcraft, practitioners use black candles for protection, shadow work, or working with the energies of the dark moon. Black candles may also be employed in rituals related to the Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess or for divination practices.

Latin American and Caribbean Folk Magic

Black candles are used for protective purposes in various Latin American and Caribbean folk magical traditions. They may be incorporated into rituals to ward off negative influences, repel malevolent spirits, or remove spiritual obstacles.

The cultural associations and uses of black candles can vary significantly across different practices and belief systems. When working with black candles or any other form of candle magic, it can be both helpful and respectful to study and honour the specific traditions and practices they originate from.

Frequently Asked Questions about Black Candle Magic

What are black candles used for in magic?

Black candles are primarily used for protection, banishing negative energy, breaking bad habits, enhancing shadow work, and aiding in divination practices. In some traditions, they may also be used for hexes or curses, though this is less common and often controversial.

Are black candle spells safe for beginners?

Yes, black candle spells can be safe for beginners when approached with respect and proper knowledge. Start with simple protection or banishing spells, and always follow basic fire safety precautions. It’s important to research and understand the cultural context and ethical implications of any spell you attempt.

How do I dispose of a black candle after a spell?

After completing a spell, allow the candle to burn out completely if possible. If not, you can relight it in subsequent sessions until it’s fully burned. Once finished, wrap any remaining wax in paper and dispose of it in the trash. Avoid burying candle wax as it can be harmful to the environment.

Can I use a black candle for positive intentions?

Absolutely! While often associated with banishing negativity, black candles can also be used for positive purposes such as grounding, enhancing intuition and promoting inner strength and self-confidence.

How often should I perform black candle rituals?

The frequency of rituals depends on your personal needs and practice. Some people perform protection rituals weekly, while others might do them monthly or as needed. Listen to your intuition and adjust based on your circumstances.

Do I need special tools to perform black candle magic?

While additional tools like herbs or oils can enhance your practice, they’re not strictly necessary. The most important elements are the black candle itself, a safe holder, a way to light it, and your focused intention.

Can black candle magic help with anxiety or stress?

Many practitioners find black candle rituals helpful for managing anxiety and stress. The act of focusing on the flame and visualising negative energy being transformed can be very calming. However, it’s important to note that magical practices should complement, not replace, professional mental health care when needed.

If you have any further questions, pop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you.

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Blessed be

Eva x