Because your magic doesn’t need to come with a fire hazard.
Listen, most people think you’re going to hell because you’re practicing witchcraft. There’s no need to prove them right by setting your house on fire.
The witchy communities on TikTok (WitchTok), Instagram, and YouTube can be great sources of camaraderie and education. And equally, a source of horror. Today, my horror comes from the lack of common-sense fire safety. I know we’re mystics, drunk off inner power and meditation, but we’re also still in the real world and subjected to the laws of physics.
CANDLES
Glass containers look beautiful but can be dangerous. Uneven heating (like when a wick isn’t centered) concentrates the heat, making it more likely that the glass will crack or burst. If you use glass, make sure it’s heat-resistant.
Overdressing candles with oils and herbs? It doesn’t make the spell stronger; it just means you’ve loaded up flammable ingredients and lit it. Also, some oils have a lower flash point and can ignite faster than the candle wax itself. If you’re dressing a candle, do so lightly — especially if it’s in a glass container.
And always keep watch. Some closed practices may require candles to burn without interruption, but even they use certain precautions, like leaving the candle in the bathtub or inside a giant cast iron cauldron.
I snuff out a candle if I need to leave, promising to resume the work when I return (though I never blow it out — more superstition than rule). For spells needing uninterrupted flames, I stick with small chime candles that burn quickly.
A final note on “extras”: adding crystals, rocks, or even string around your candle might sound witchy, but it’s risky. Crystals can contain cracks or air pockets that expand when heated, possibly exploding. And tying twine or string? You’re just adding more wick material — be prepared for a sudden blaze when the wax hits it.
ITEMS
Burning anything? Make sure it’s not explosive or toxic when lit. (Witches have lungs, did you know?) Place it in a fireproof container on a heat-resistant surface — perfect for that cast-iron pot you thrifted. For those working with simmer pots, watch out. Letting them dry out on the stove could leave behind dry ingredients that ignite.
YOUR SPACE
First things first: make sure your fire alarm is working. If it’s chirping at you right now, stop reading and replace the battery. (I see you.)
Burning things outside can be great for ventilation, but if you live in an area prone to drought or wildfires, check for burning bans first.
I better not see a headline claiming that witches started a wildfire. My second-hand embarrassment will be powerful enough to curse you.
Always have a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby to put out any fire safely. And do not use water — especially if you’ve dressed your candle with oils, as it can cause the wax to splatter, spreading the flames.
Lastly, overhead space is crucial. I’m looking at you, van life witches. Make sure you have at least four feet of clearance above your candle. The heat can ignite anything combustible above it, which is not the extra “spark” your spell needs.
Keep the fire energy in the bedroom and in your creative pursuits — not on your walls.
Stay safe, witches!
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