When you are working with candles, things can get a little confusing. Many spells call for them to burn completely, but this can be challenging when you have a candle capable of burning for a week or more. Should you really keep them burning the whole time? Here are ten things you need to know before you start a candle ritual:

1. Does a seven-day candle need to be lit for seven days straight?

The short answer is: No. If a spell or ritual calls for a seven-day candle to burn completely, that just means that it needs to be lit for seven days total. If you have to leave it unattended, snuff it, then re-light it when you come back.

No spell should ever trump your safety. Leaving a candle burning unattended can cause a fire. Only ever burn a candle in a proper holder, on a fireproof surface, out of reach of children or pets, and away from anything flammable.

2. What does it mean if a candle turns black?

Candles turn black because of soot. This can happen naturally with candles that have a lot of oils or dried herbs in them and may not be anything to be concerned about.

Sometimes, the presence of soot can be a sign of obstacles in your spell. Where and how it appears can tell you where these challenges lie, and whether they were overcome.

3. Do I have to dress my candle, or will my spell not work if I do not?

Dressing a candle with oils, herbs, and other ingredients that align with your desires imprints it with your intention. It adds power to your spell and helps focus it.

You do not have to dress a candle, but doing so enhances your work. The more energy and focus you put into your craft, the better the outcome will be.

4. How do I choose which oil to dress my candle with?

Different oils have different properties based on their ingredients. Some, like Fire of Love oil, are for passionate romance. Others, like Jupiter oil, are for success.

Most oils have a description that will give you an idea of what they do. If you still are not sure, it may be a good idea to read up on the spiritual properties of herbs and decide which essential oils would help.

5. What does it mean when my candle goes out? Should I re-light it, start the ritual over, or give up?

If the candle snuffs itself, this can mean one of two things. Either your intent was not focused, or there is strong opposition to your spell. This means that it will not come to pass right now. It can also mean that your desires are already on their way to you.

If you are not sure whether you should repeat the spell again, perform a quick "Yes or No" divination. Ask if you need to try again, and follow the answer you receive.

6. Can I carve more than one name in a candle? Will this weaken the spell? Should I have a candle for each person?

If your intention is the same for every person, you can carve more than one name on a candle. If your intention is not the same, doing so will weaken your spell.

It is generally better to have a candle for each spell target. Having separate candles makes it easier to focus your energy and intention. You can also observe each candle for flickering, smoke, soot, and other signs that will tell you how your spell is going for each target.

7. How do I dispose of a candle?

This depends on the intention of your work. As a rule, if you want to attract something to you, you bury the candle remains near your front door. If you want to send something away from you, you dispose of them far from your home.

There are several other ways to potentially get rid of the end of a candle. Consider your spell's intent, and choose the one that best reflects it.

8. When should I use image candles versus regular candles?

Image candles aid spellwork through sympathetic magic because they visually represent the target or intention of the spell.

You can use image candles in any situation where you might use a regular candle. The shape of an image candle helps you connect more strongly to your spell by giving you a tangible symbol to work with.

9. What happens if I do not get my desired outcome? Do I light another candle?

There are a lot of reasons why a working may not have the desired outcome. Sometimes, you need to be patient as different types of rituals can take longer to manifest their results.

In some cases, repeating the spell may help. In others, not so much. If you cannot find any obvious reasons why your working fell flat, try performing a divination. Ask for more information. Your spirits may give you the "go-ahead" to light another candle or tell you to hold off.

10. I have a court case on Monday. When do I light the candle?

If you are hoping to use candle magic to sway a jury, receive justice, or turn things in your favor, you should light the candle seven days before your case so it is completed in time.

Candle magic is effective and deceptively simple. A lot more energy and focus go into correctly performing a candle burning than you might expect. By following these guidelines, you can help increase your odds of successfully achieving your desires.