Power in Numbers
T he basics of candle magic start with the lighting of a single candle for a single purpose, but there can be many reasons to burn multiple candles.
Burning Multiple
Candles Consecutively
If you are working magically on a long-term project and want to keep the spell focused and high energy, you can burn candles consecutively, that is, burning one candle and when that candle is finished burning, lighting an identical candle for the same purpose. Consecutive candles can be burned in a few ways: burning a specific number of candles, burning candles for a set time period, or burning candles until the result is achieved.
An example of burning a specific number of candles could be burning seven yellow luck candles, one after the other, for good luck.
An example of burning candles over a set period of time might be for a spell to get a good grade in a class, with the first candle being lit at the beginning of the semester and subsequent candles being burned one after the other until the last day of the semester.
An example for burning a candle until a result is achieved would be a spell to bring in a new lover, with candles being burned one after another until the new love comes into your life.
Burning Multiple Candles Simultaneously
If you are working on more than one spell or working on an issue that has multiple facets, you might want to burn multiple candles at the same time to address the different parts.
Multiple candles can be directed at one spell. For example, you may be doing a spell for financial success and burn one candle for prosperity, another for general success, and a third candle to remove any blocks that may stand in the way.
Multiple candles can also be lit for different spells simultaneously, as long as those spells don’t conflict with one another. For example, you could light one candle for a love spell and another candle for a money spell at the same time. You would really be doing two different spells, so it’s technically not a multi-candle spell, but I do get asked whether or not it’s okay to burn two or more separate candle spells at the same time; I have never found it to cause a problem. Be careful, however. You should avoid doing candle spells with objectives that are at odds with one another. For example, burning two different candles to get two different jobs when you only really want one job divides your attention and projects confusion and lack of focus. In that case, pick the job that you want the most and do a spell for that one, or do a more general spell to get the “best” job.
Burning a Master Candle with Support Candles
You can also burn one main candle, which is called a master candle, with support candles to amplify your intention. Master candles are usually larger, either a larger pillar or a figural candle; support candles are usually smaller and may be arranged around or next to the master candle. Support candles allow us to bring numerology, additional colors, shaped layouts, and more variety and customization into our spell.
You may want to burn a master candle for a certain intention but also bring the power of a certain number into your spell work. For example, to build strong and long-lasting prosperity, you could do a spell with a prosperity master candle surrounded by three smaller support candles for a total of four candles. For more on numerology, see the section below.
Support candles also allow you to add different colors to your spell work, such as a spell with pink and red candles for a heart-centered (pink), yet passionate love (red), or a prosperity spell with green and yellow candles for growth (green) and success (yellow). For more on color magic, see chapter 2.
A setup with a master candle and support candles can also be used to represent different forces and people in a spell. For example, you could have a master candle representing the petition or wish and support candles representing the people for which the wish is intended. Or you could have a master candle representing a deity and one support candle representing the petition and others representing the people who are to receive the benefits of the spell work.
Support candles also allow us to arrange candles in layouts, shaped arrangements that bring an extra layer of meaning to a spell. For example, you could have a master candle for protection surrounded by smaller support candles in a circle to provide a guarding barrier. (For more on layouts, check out chapter 9).
As you get more experienced at candle magic, incorporating more candles into your spells opens up more opportunities for personalizing your spells.
Support Candle to Represent a Person
When choosing a candle to represent another person, there are a couple of options. Most spell casters will choose a figural candle in the shape of a person to represent the individuals involved, but you can also use a taper candle or vigil candle to represent a person. Choose a candle in the color which represents the qualities of that person or the qualities that you wish them to have. Or, if you know the person’s birthdate, you can choose a candle in one of the colors that corresponds to their sun sign.
aries: red or orange
taurus: green or pink
gemini: yellow or pale blue
cancer: silver or white
leo: gold or purple
virgo: brown or green
libra: pink or pale blue
scorpio: red or black
sagittarius: blue or orange
capricorn: black or brown
aquarius: blue or white
pisces: lavender or pale green
Inscribe the name or initials of the person on the candle to link the energy of the candle to the individual.
Numerology in Candle Spells
Numerology is the study of the symbolism, meaning, and magic of numbers. If you are oriented toward numbers, you may want to include magical numbers in your spell work, as they are another way to give your spells an extra boost of power.
Just as symbols can have magical significance (for example a heart signifying love) numbers have symbolic meaning. We can interpret this magical significance when the numbers are presented to us (for example, when we happen to see a digital clock read 4:44). We can also invoke those numbers when we want to bring in their vibrations. For the most part, we focus on the single digit numbers as power numbers.
1– Beginnings, unity, newness, focused concentration, independence, originality, ambition, will, self-reliance, freedom, strength, initiative, new ventures, essence, identity, peace.
2– Duality, partnership, division, choice, cooperation, harmony, support, diplomacy, patience, parenting, nurturing, home, marriage, romantic love, contrast.
3– Trinity, union of the divine and human, expression, creativity, optimism, enthusiasm, joy, family, fertility, children, talent, communication, writing, movement, time.
4– Material concerns, practicality, orderliness, logic, hard work, loyalty, building, responsibility, foundations, concentration, patience, endurance, health, job, real estate.
5– Adventure, adaptability, change, freedom, exploration, variety, sensuality, curiosity, travel, imagination, versatility, legal issues.
6– Beauty, harmony, balance, nurturing, understanding, healing, duty, comfort, service, community, romance, justice, chance.
7– Spirituality, good luck, philosophy, wisdom, faith, divine nature, invention, contemplation, introspection, esotericism, perfection, authority, public image, religion.
8– Achievement, strength, self-discipline, power, success, authority, manifestation, ambition, attainment, renewal, money, prosperity, career.
9– Completion, culmination, wishes coming true, change, graduation, evolution, next steps, endings.
There are two special numbers that will show up in magic that are outside of the 1 through 9 range.
11– Master number, prophecy, intuition, enlightenment, adaptability, sensitivity, awareness, psychic ability.
13– Luck, success despite long odds, transformation, magic, manifestation.
There are several ways to incorporate these numbers into your spell work and add another level of intention to your magic.
Multi-Candle Spells
You can do a multi-candle spell and use the number of candles that supports your spell work. For example, a fertility spell using three different candles simultaneously or a prosperity spell with four single candles burned consecutively.
Burning a Single Candle Over a Certain Number of Days
You can also burn candles over several days and choose a number of days that has numerological significance. For example, you could burn a seven-knob candle over seven days or you could work with a tall taper candle and burn it over nine days.
Burning a Candle for a Certain Period of Time
Instead of burning a candle for a measured segment over a certain number of days, you can time your candle to burn for a certain number of minutes or hours each day. If you choose this method, you will not be able to control the number of days the candle is burned.
Starting a Candle at a Certain Time
Another way to incorporate numerology into your spell work is to start your candle spell at a certain hour, either starting on the hour (for example at 8:00) or choosing a repeating number such as 2:22.
Adding a Certain Number of Herbs to Your Spell
As you add herbs to your spell, you may want to consider the number of herbs or curios you use in your spell. For example, you may want to add seven herbs to a spell to connect to your spirit guides.
Working with Numbers on a Vigil Candle
If you’re dressing a vigil candle and poking holes around the wick, the default number is seven, however, if you want to use a different number that more closely aligns with your intention, you can do that to amplify the energy of your spell.
Other Ways of Working Numerology into Your Spell
When working with numbers, we have only discussed choosing a number that corresponds to your intention. However, you can work with other special numbers such as dates, addresses, lucky numbers, and so on.
How to Work with Multiple Digits
Whenever you get to a number that has two or more digits, we can use them in two ways: looking at each digit individually or adding the digits together to reduce them to a single master number. So, for example, if you have a number 21, you can use the energy of the 2 and the 1, and then you can add 2 + 1, which equals 3.
When getting into dates, such as birthdates, anniversaries, or potential dates to start your spell work, the method is to add the numbers of the day, month, and year together and reduce them to their single number. For example, the date July, 4, 1776 is 7+4+1+7+7+6 = 32. 32 needs to be further reduced: 3+2 = 5. So the number to work with to access the energy of this date is 5.
Working with Numerology and Dates to Start Your Spell
Numerology lends itself very well to working with dates. You can work with numerology to choose the date to start your candle spell. If you want to do a spell to support the successful manifestation of a project and decided to work with the number eight, for example, you can wait until you get to an “eight” day to start your spell. The simplest way to do this is to wait until a day of the month that reduces to eight, such as the 8th, 17th (1+7 = 8), or 26th (2+6 = 8) of the month.
If you’d like to get into more complex numerology, you can add the month and year into the mix and reduce to eight. If you are looking for a spell start date that completely reduces to an 8, the way to do this is to first start with the current date.
Today is the 4th of June, 2020
4 + 6 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 14
14 = 1+4 = 5
So, today would be a 5 day.
Once you determine the number of today’s date, you can just add 1 for each additional day
5 June, 2020 = 6
6 June, 2020 = 7
7 June, 2020 = 8
So, working with numerology, the nearest upcoming eight day after our start date would be June 7, 2020.
Blending Numerology with Other Factors
If you want to add even more power to your spell launch date, you can incorporate moon phases, moon signs, astrology, time of starting and so on, in addition to numerology. For example, you could start a love spell on a two day that lands on a Friday, with a waxing moon in the sign of Taurus at 2:22 a.m.
Whew, that’s a lot! Most spell casters don’t get that complex with their spell’s start time. Don’t feel as though you must work to that level of detail. Working with one or two timing methods is just fine.
Working with Special Dates
Another way of working with numerology and dates can be to come up with special numbers regarding dates.
If you are doing a spell to influence a person, you can use the birthdate of that person, reduce it to a single number and do a spell incorporating that number of candles or herbs to add another layer of connection to the person. You can also work with anniversaries in the same way.
This kind of numerology can also be used on things not related to people. If you were applying to get a job at a corporation, for example, you might use the founding date of that corporation in your spell work to influence them to hire you.
Working with Addresses
Another interesting way to work the power of numbers into your spell is through the power of the address number on a house or building. If your spell involves buying or selling a home, renting an apartment, getting a job at a certain location, or something else associated with a building, you can create a deep connection with the location by incorporating the key number for the address into your spell work.
Just reduce the numbers in the address to a single number and incorporate that number into your spell work through the number of candles, number of days the candle burns, or number of herbs used on the candle. For example, if the address is 2509 Main Street Unit 7, add 2+5+0+9+7 = 23, then reduce 2+3 = 5. Use this key number 5 in the spell work to connect to the location in a powerful way.
Lucky Numbers
Many people have a favorite number they consider to be their lucky number. You can use your lucky number in spells for yourself to enhance and empower the connection between yourself and your spell work, or someone else’s lucky number if you are doing a spell for them to empower the connection between the work and the person.
Multi-Day Spells
Multi-day candle spells can be done by burning one candle in segments over the course of a set number of days or can be done by burning individual candles, one each day, over the course of a certain number of days.
Multi-day spell done with a single candle
A single candle spell burned over multiple days can be done with any candle with the one precaution that you must choose a candle of the appropriate size for the number of days you hope to burn it. It’s hard to make a birthday candle burn more than one day, and it’s impossible to burn a vigil candle or a large pillar candle in less than a few days.
There are some different methods of burning a candle over a certain number of days. The easiest method is to just estimate and burn the candle for an approximate amount over each of the days. If you’d like to be more precise, before you start your spell, you could scratch marks creating segments in the wax and burn it down to the mark each day. Another way to mark off these segments is with straight pins. Still another alternative is to get a candle especially created to burn in segments.
Some candles are especially designed to be burned over several days. A seven-knob candle is a single candle made up of seven individual segments. The idea behind the seven-knob candle is that you burn one segment each day over the course of seven days.
Multi-Day Spell Done 
with a Seven-Knob Candle 
You will need
Seven-knob candle
Dish or tray
Wax inscribing tool
Spiritual oil
Dried herbs
Glitter
Snuffer
1. Inscribe your intentions on the candle. You can write one single word or a short phrase seven times—once on each of the knobs (for example, “love,” “luck,” “health”)—or you can write seven different words or phrases, a different one on each knob, as long as they all pertain to one spell. Write across the candle horizontally, or write vertically: up from base to wick for things you want to bring in, or down from wick to base for things you want to clear out.
2. Dress the candle in a spiritual oil that supports your intention by applying several drops of oil to your hand and rubbing it on the surface of the candle. Again, apply it up from base to wick for things you want to bring in, or down from wick to base, for things you want to clear out.
3. As you apply the oil and hold the candle, visualize your magical goal, speak your spell words, and feel the energy moving from your hands into the candle.
4. Sprinkle an herb, glitter (or both) on the candle. Dry, light powdered herbs will adhere the best. Chunkier, heavier herbs such as roots or resin pieces might need to be ground up in a mortar and pestle before sticking to the candle. Don’t overdo it with the herbs. Some herbs are flammable and will catch fire as your candle burns. Just a light sprinkling is safe and effective in your spell. Most glitter is nonflammable and can be added safely.
5. Place your candle on the tray. If you are having trouble getting the candle to remain steady, you can warm the bottom of the candle with a match or lighter and then press it onto the tray.
6. Sprinkle any heavier herbs around the candle’s base.
7. Light your candle as you speak your petition.
8. When one knob has completely burned, snuff out your candle.
9. On the following day, light your candle again and burn another knob and then snuff the candle when it’s complete.
10. Repeat steps 7 through 9, burning one knob each day until the final knob is lit. Let the candle burn to completion.
Seven-Knob Candle and Taper Candle with Pins Marking Segments
Taper Candle Spell Divided into Segments with Pins
Multi-day candle spells can also be done with plain taper candles and straight pins. Using straight pins, divide the taper candle into equal segments by pushing pins into the side. In the next example is a working that spans three days, but you can adapt it to the number of days that best corresponds with your intention.
You will need
Tall beeswax taper candle
Dish or flat tray
Spiritual oil
Dried herbs
Glitter
Three straight pins
Snuffer
1. Dress the candle in a spiritual oil that supports your intention by applying several drops of oil to your hand and rubbing it on the surface of the candle. Apply it up from base to wick for things you want to bring in, or down from wick to base for things you want to clear out.
2. Sprinkle an herb, glitter (or both) on the candle. Dry, light powdered herbs will adhere the best. Chunkier, heavier herbs such as roots or resin pieces might need to be ground up in a mortar and pestle before sticking to the candle. Just a light sprinkling is safe and effective in your spell. Most glitter is nonflammable and can be added safely.
3. Estimate or measure about one third of the way down from the top of the candle and push a pin into the side of the candle.
4. Measure another third of the way down and insert a pin into the side of the candle.
5. Finally, push the last pin into the base of the candle, almost at the bottom.
6. Warm the base of the candle with a match or lighter to slightly melt the wax and affix it to the tray or dish.
7. Speak your spell words and light the candle.
8. On day one, allow one segment to burn until the pin drops and then snuff the candle out.
9. On the second day, burn another segment until the second pin drops and then snuff out the candle.
10. On the third day, let the candle burn completely.
11. Once the candle spell is complete, you can retrieve the pins and use them to keep the energy of the spell going. The typical way to work with pins is to hide them by pinning them in curtains, under furniture, in carpeting, or in the lining of clothing to keep the magical influence flowing.
Burning Candles without Measurements
Of course, you always have the option to burn a portion of any candle each day over a specific number of days just by estimation; you don’t have to use knobs or pins or be precise in measuring the segments burned each day. For example, if you decide you want to burn a candle for three days, you can let it burn for about a third each day, finally allowing it to burn completely on the third day. Of course for a bit more precision, you can mark off segments before you prepare the candle using an inscriber to make lines in the side of the candle, or mark the sides of the glass with a paint pen for glass-encased candles and use these as a rough guide.
It bears repeating that if you are thinking of burning a candle in segments, the one thing you may want to take into consideration is that if you have a large candle such as a vigil candle or a large pillar, it will be better to burn it over a greater number of days. You won’t be able to burn a large candle completely in two or three days.
Multi-Day and Multi-Candle Spell
Multi-day spells can be done with individual candles over several days. You can choose to burn several versions of the same candle for a series of days or you can burn different candles toward a single goal.
The goal is to complete a candle each day, so make sure any candles you choose are small enough to burn within 24 hours. The ideal candles for this kind of work are slim tapers, which are the same size as chime candles or Hanukkah candles; tiny tapers, which are birthday candle size; or tea lights. Small votive candles and thick tapers, which are the same thickness as regular tapers but about 5" (12 cm) tall, can be used, but since they may burn for several hours may be more difficult to manage in terms of making sure that you are able to burn one completely each day.
Multi-Day Multi-Candle Spell with the Same Candle Type
You will need
Several small candles of the same color and style
Cookie sheet, dish or flat tray
Spiritual oil
Dried herbs
Glitter (optional)
1. Dress each of the candles in a spiritual oil that supports your intention by applying several drops of oil to your hand and rubbing it on the surface of the candle. Apply it up from base to wick for things you want to bring in, or down from wick to base for things that you want to clear out.
2. Sprinkle an herb or glitter (or both) on each candle. Dry, light powdered herbs will adhere the best. Chunkier, heavier herbs such as roots or resin pieces might need to be ground up in a mortar and pestle before sticking to the candle. Just a light sprinkling is safe and effective in your spell. Most glitter is nonflammable and can be added safely.
3. Warm the bottom of each candle with a match or lighter and then press it onto the tray. You may place the candles in a layout that supports your intention.
4. Light the first candle as you speak your petition.
5. Let the candle burn until it’s complete. If you have to leave or go to sleep before your candle is complete, snuff your candle out (don’t blow it out) and then relight it when you return.
6. On the following day, light your second candle and let it burn until it is complete.
7. Keep repeating until you have burned all your candles.
Multi-Day, Multi-Candle Spells
with Several Different Candles
It is also possible to burn several candles of different colors over the course of several days. As long as they all support the same goal, they are part of the same spell. This is usually done for spells where there is a natural progression of some kind.
An example of this could be to do a spell for a job and lighting candles for confidence, prosperity, open roads, and success.
Another example is a spell to mend a relationship where candles are burned to clear out negativity, heal old hurts, open up communication, bring in reconciliation, and rekindle romance.
When preparing this kind of spell, think of each candle as being a step on a road. As you create your plan, think about the first step, the next, and the next, and finally the culmination of your spell.
Multi-Day Spell Done with Different Candles
You will need
Several small candles in colors that support different aspects of your intention
Cookie sheet, dish, or flat tray
Several spiritual oils
Dried herbs
Glitter
1. Plan your spell in advance and determine the order of the candles and the goal of each candle.
2. Dress each of the candles in the spiritual oil that supports its intention. Apply several drops of oil to your hand and rub it on the surface of the candle. Apply it up from base to wick for things you want to bring in, or down from wick to base for things that you want to clear out.
3. Choose the intention of each individual candle and sprinkle the herbs or glitter (or both) on each candle. Dry, light powdered herbs will adhere the best. Just a light sprinkling is safe and effective in your spell. Most glitter is nonflammable and can be added safely.
4. Warm the bottom of each candle with a match or lighter and then press it onto the tray. You may place the candles in a layout that supports your intention.
5. Light the first candle as you speak your petition.
6. Let the candle burn until it is spent. If you have to leave or go to sleep before your candle is complete, snuff your candle out (don’t blow it out) and relight it when you return.
7. On the following day, light your second candle and let it burn until it is complete.
8. Keep repeating until you have burned all your candles.
With all multi-candle multi-day spells, you are not required to set your candles up all at once. You could easily prepare, set up, and burn one each day in a candle holder, for example.