Updated: May 18, 2023
Did you know that in candle magic, your candle can give you signs as to whether your spell is working? Below are several things you can watch for when burning your candle.
Candle Flames
Tall, bright, strong flame-Lots of energy behind your spell; barriers are coming down; fast, happy results are likely
Small, but steady flame-less energy, but still a good sign; positive results likely, but there may be a delay; stay focused on your goal
Small, weak flame-flickering and bending is usually a sign that something is not working; timing could be off; asking for something unfavorable; if flames falters and dies it's a sign your spell won't be granted at this time
High flame that dances-high/chaotic energy; successful spell, but probably with complications; other wills could be working against you
Rapidly flickering flame-dims and brightens; spirits are present; usually indicates success and that your message was heard
Blue flame-sign of spiritual presence; higher spiritual beings have taken an interest in your intention/spell; power added to spell/intention
Popping and sputtering-noisy candles indicate outside forces are present; communication with spirits; can mean interference or sending a message to you; increase concentration on a spell/ intention
Candle flame goes out suddenly-the spell has been extinguished by outside forces; usually means the spell did not work (or that the result has already been obtained); release your intention and modify your spell or try again at a later date
Candle won't extinguish-you have forgotten or missed something; sit down and rethink everything/meditate longer; ask the universe if you can snuff the candle; try to extinguish again by snuffing out--never blow out a spell candle!
Candle won't light-could be a wick issue, or this spell won't work for your purposes; the outcome is outside your control; try again after reconsidering your intention and cleansing/smudging your space
Soot & Container
Black pieces in wax-black debris (that wasn't intentionally placed, like herbs, etc) signifies unintended consequences; more spell work may be required; karmic baggage, guilt-nothing too serious, but requiring some clean-up
Black soot on glass-signifies negative energy/interference
Black soot TOP of jar only-negative opposition has likely been overcome
Black soot ENTIRE/MAJORITY jar-spell has been unsuccessful; may need to cleanse and repeat work at another time
White soot on glass-rare occurrence; represents spiritual communication and assistance
Candle forms crater/tunnel in middle-incomplete candle burns with lots of leftover wax are not a good sign; will/focus too weak; ineffective energy to complete task; spell blocked
Candle explodes/container breaks or cracks-dramatic endings in candle magic are a sign your spell has been stopped by a higher power and that you shouldn't be doing that spell work; reconsider your intention/spell
Wax left in container-lots of wax leftover on the bottom or sides of the candle container can indicate blockages to the success of your spell; might need to cleanse your space and try again
source: https://www.wolfwickhaus.com/how-to-read-spell-candle-signs