Black Candle (Meaning, Symbolism, and Spiritual Uses)

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Curious what burning a black candle means? They’re much less sinister than you think! Black candles sometimes find their way into movies and shows about witches and can have a bad reputation.

While their meanings are connected with endings, which sometimes means death, they’re mostly used in spells and candle magic to banish, uncross, or remove negativity or evil spirits.

They do, however, have a tendency to be permanent, so make sure that’s your intention. More on that later.

They’re best to burn on Saturdays, the day of Saturn. Or, with orange candles on Samhain, the Wiccan new year.

Why Should You Burn a Black Candle?

Black candles are best for candle magic or manifestations that focus on:

absorbing negative energy
inner strength
breaking bad habits
protection
ending a phase you’re ready to move on from
removing negative emotions
clearing obstacles
honoring the crone aspect of the triple goddess
breaking hexes or curses
banishing evil spirits from a space

Here are some times you could burn a black candle:

You’re dealing with a lot of drama around a situation that won’t seem to end. A black candle can help clear out the stagnant negative energy so you can move forward.

If you want to break a bad habit but find yourself struggling to release it, a black candle may help you let it go.

When you want to cut the cords with someone energetically or are ready to begin the next phase of your life but feel too attached to the prior one to do so.

To help clear a haunted space of malicious or troublesome spirits.

To protect yourself from attacks or release yourself from a curse or a hex.

What’s the Difference Between a White Candle and a Black Candle?

If you’ve read my article on white candles, you may start to see that some of the meanings and uses overlap. Both can be used for clearing negative energy, removing blocks, and breaking apart obstacles. It’s believed they just do it differently.

Black candles absorb. Think of them like a black hole or a vacuum that has a consuming energy.

White candles push out energy. When you’re using them to remove obstacles, think of them like a blinding flash of light that clears the room.

What Day Should You Burn a Black Candle?

The black candle is associated with Saturn, the Roman God of endings. Saturdays are the day of Saturn, making Saturdays best for burning black candles.

Saturn is also associated with the zodiac sign of Capricorn and the Devil tarot card.

While that may sound ominous, that’s exactly the kind of energy you need if you’re looking to close something. Sometimes closing doors allows another one to open. And, if you’re struggling to release something, the Satrunal energy can help you do just that.

A word of warning: Saturn was also the god who devoured his son, so be mindful you’re not “throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” if you will. If you want to reduce or remove an energy in a gentler way, use the candle connected with that energy while the moon is waxing.