The Best Candles for Manifesting— And How to Use Them

Manifestation has become a buzzword over the past three years, seeping into cultural dialogue. You’ve probably heard someone say, “I manifested that,” or come across a spiritual worker on TikTok claiming that you can simply manifest the life you want. In fact, on TikTok alone, the hashtag #manifestation has 15 billion views, and between March and July Google searches for the term rose by 669 percent.

The basic premise of manifestation is straightforward — you set your intentions by focusing your thoughts on the desired outcome until it materializes. This concept gained popularity through books like The Secret, which emphasize the law of attraction. However, with so many different perspectives and techniques available online, it can be challenging to know where to begin or what to manifest. Some videos even suggest that you can manifest physical attractiveness. Among the various methods, using candles stands out as a popular and accessible practice. Candles are not just for creating a cozy atmosphere; fire is seen as a spiritual representation of willpower. If magic revolves around intention, candle magic takes that intention and ignites it, making it a powerful tool for manifestation.

For those interested in using manifestation candles to set their intentions, Los Angeles-based diviner Porsche Little offers tarot readings through her Instagram account and provides some basic steps to get started. Here’s a detailed guide to help you begin your manifestation journey with candles:

1. Prepare Your Space

The first step is to ensure that you and your space are spiritually cleansed. “You can do this by using sage or frankincense and myrrh,” says Little. Cleansing your space helps remove any negative energy that might interfere with your intentions. It creates a blank slate, allowing positive energy to flow freely. Once your space is cleared, write down all of your intentions in detail. Be as specific as possible. For instance, instead of simply stating that you want a relationship, describe the specific qualities you’re seeking in a partner. This detailed approach helps focus your energy and makes your intentions more concrete and actionable.

2. Think Ahead and Schedule Your Manifesting Session

Planning your manifestation session in advance can significantly enhance its effectiveness. “Doing manifestations on a particular day will benefit you and your spell work,” explains Little. For example, if you want to manifest new opportunities, performing the ritual during a new moon can be particularly powerful. If your goal is to attract love, burning candles on a Friday can be beneficial, as Fridays are associated with Venus, the planet of love. Enhancing your candle magic can involve additional elements like oils, scents, and glitter, which add a personal touch to the ritual. However, the most crucial aspect is to set your intentions clearly and confidently claim them for yourself.

3. Pick a Color

The color of the candle you use can also play a significant role in your manifestation practice. Little notes that certain candle colors are believed to work best for specific needs. “Brown is great for grounding, green is great for manifesting money, and red is great for passion,” she explains. However, don’t feel restricted by these associations. You can use any color as long as your intention is strong and clear. The color serves as a visual aid that can help you focus on your specific goal, but ultimately, it’s your intention and belief that drive the manifestation process.

4. Shop Thoughtfully

When sourcing your candles, trust your intuition to guide you. “I recommend you go with what intuitively works for you,” says Little. Supporting local businesses and community spiritual workers is also important. Little suggests visiting your local botanica and supporting community brujas. She advises against purchasing candles from large corporate companies that profit from the spiritual community without contributing to it. Little herself offers a spiritual bath product called Eshu’s Ashe, which should be used while lighting a white candle and praying to Eleggua (a deity) for guidance, the removal of obstacles, and the opening of new paths.

If you’re still unsure where to start, here are some recommended manifestation candles to help you begin:

• White Candles: Versatile and great for clarity and general use.
• Green Candles: Ideal for financial and career-related intentions.
• Red Candles: Perfect for manifesting love and passion.
• Brown Candles: Good for grounding and stability.

Manifestation is all about focusing your thoughts and intentions to create the life you desire. By incorporating candles into your practice, you add an element of ritual and symbolism that can amplify your efforts. Remember, the key to successful manifestation lies in having clear intentions and a strong belief in your ability to achieve your goals. Happy manifesting!