Black candle magic is often used for protection work and to remove negativity. Black candle spells can also assist in breaking bad habits, enhancing shadow work, fostering a connection with spirit guides and aiding divination practices. In some circumstances and traditions, hex and curse spells may call for a black candle. If you want to use a black candle spell in this way I would suggest doing some research into the specific spell you intend to use as well as the cultural context and ethical implications of the spell.

This post will explain the different types of black candle spells and their uses. I have also included a black candle spell for protection, a black candle spell to banish negativity and a black candle divination ritual at the end of the post if you would like to try black candle magic.

What is candle magic?

Candle magic is a practice that harnesses the energy and symbolism of candles to manifest our intentions and desires. 

When crafting candle magic, you select a specific candle colour that aligns with your intention and then infuse the candle with your energy and desired outcome. As you light the candle, you visualise your intention, sending your energy and intention into the flame. Burning the candle represents the release of energy and the manifestation of your desired outcome. The ritual serves as a symbolic representation of your intention and helps you focus your energy towards achieving your goal.

Candles have different symbolic associations depending on their colour, for example, red for passion, pink for love and blue for communication. The symbolism around candles can differ in different cultures and practices, though, so feel free to create your candle spells around associations that are important to you.

Ways to use a black candle spell

Here are some examples of ways to use black candle spells in your magical practice.

Using black candle spells for banishing and removing negative energy

Many witches and pagan practitioners use black candles to cleanse a space or person of negative energies and influences. You can light a black candle to absorb and transmute negative energy either from yourself or your space. As the candle burns, imagine any negativity being transformed by the power of the flame and absorbed into the candle, creating space for light and positive energy.

Using black candles to break bad habits or addictions 

You can also use a black candle spell to help overcome unhealthy habits or addictions. As the flame flickers, imagine it burning away the negative habit and the energy of the bad habit being consumed and transformed. See the negative patterns dissipating and being replaced by positive energy. When you feel ready, extinguish the candle, symbolically extinguishing the old habit.

Using black candle spells for protection 

A black candle can be used to create a shield against negative influences and harmful energies. As you light the black candle, imagine its light warding off any unwanted or harmful energies or intentions. You can also visualise a shield of energy forming around you to protect you from harm. Whether used in rituals, spells or daily meditation practices, the black candle can be a powerful way to feel protected and empowered.

Using a black candle to enhance shadow work and divination

A black candle can be a powerful tool to enhance shadow work and divination practices. Lighting a black candle can create a safe and nurturing sacred space where we can explore our fears, wounds and unresolved emotions. In divination, the black candle can act as a focal point, aiding in connecting with the spiritual realm and accessing deeper insights and intuitive guidance. 

Using black candles for hexes and cursing 

Some witches use black candle spells to cast hexes or curses on others. Whether you choose to use black candle magic for this purpose will depend on your beliefs and practice. I would always attempt to find alternative solutions to a problem first, if possible. There are also alternatives to hexes that you can try out before you resort to a hex. However, a black candle hex may be needed when all other magical and mundane alternatives have failed and when there is a significant need for protection, justice, or reparation.

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.

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 
• Protective herbs such as rosemary (optional)
• Protective oils such as sage, rosemary or frankincense (optional)

Steps to take

Preparation

• First, choose a place to work where you will not be disturbed. You can set up your items on a table or bookshelf or on the floor. You may want to cleanse your space with incense or sound. Clapping your hands can be an effective way to cleanse space.
• 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. If desired, you can anoint the candle with protective oils or sprinkle it with protective herbs.  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. 

The Spell

• As you light the candle, imagine the flame as a purifying and protective force. Focus on your intention and visualise the 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.

Closing the spell

• 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.

When you have finished the spell, dispose of any remaining herbs respectfully, either by burying them or by scattering them in nature. Put the salt and any candle wax in the bin rather than on the ground as it can be harmful to wildlife and the soil.

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. Pick up your candle and hold it in your hands, visualising it as a tool for channelling insights.

Next, carefully light the black candle and place it securely in the holder. As you do so, visualise the flame as a beacon for 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. Blow 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.

Ritual: Black candle for protection

What you need

Take several deep breaths to ground your energy.

• 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

• Take several deep breaths to ground your energy.
• Focus on your intention of protection and safety.
• If desired, cleanse the area with incense or visualize a protective circle around you.
• As you light the black candle, state your intention aloud or in your mind.
• Example: “This flame represents the protective energy surrounding me.”
• Gaze softly at the candle flame.
• Visualize 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.
• Example: “I am safe, protected, and at peace.”

After the ritual

• Carry the feeling of protection with you throughout your day.
• Consider keeping the candle in a visible place as a reminder of your intention.

Note: Always practice fire safety. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Black candle magic is a powerful tool for introspection, protection, divination and shadow work. Black candle spells can be useful for self-discovery, transformation and personal empowerment.

Have you found this post useful? If so, please share it with anyone who may be interested in learning more about black candle magic.

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