Briefly

Candles emanate light in darkness, making them powerful symbols of guidance, hope, and illumination. They represent knowledge, clarity, and the spiritual flame of human life. Often used in religious and spiritual rituals, candles signify devotion, prayer, and the presence of a higher power. Their transient nature, with wax melting and wicks burning out, also captures the essence of life’s impermanence and the passage of time.

Candle in Dreams

Dreaming of a candle can allude to spiritual enlightenment, personal growth, or the quest for truth. A lit candle might indicate clarity or understanding in a particular situation, while an extinguished candle could suggest loss, disillusionment, or feelings of mortality. The state of the candle—whether burning brightly, flickering, or melting away—can provide deeper insights into the dreamer’s emotional state or life circumstances.

Candle in Myths and Folklore

Candles appear in numerous myths and tales, often as instruments of magic, timekeeping, or divine intervention. In some legends, a candle or its flame might have a lifespan that corresponds to a person’s life. Once the candle burns out, the person’s time comes to an end. Tales like “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen highlight the candle’s transient glow as a symbol of fleeting moments of warmth, hope, and vision in the face of bleak reality. In other stories, candles possess magical properties, illuminating hidden truths or guiding lost souls.

Reviewed by Olex Lys, enthusiastic in the field of symbolism research, and in the psychological interpretation of dreams.

Symbolopedia

Encyclopedia of Symbols

About the Author

Symbolopedia is an encyclopedia of symbol meanings. Although we tend to favor a scientific explanation of symbols, it's important to keep in mind that symbols operate within the realm of the subconscious, leaving room for a touch of imagination to persist. Our articles include sources for further learning about each symbol.

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