*Candles, Colours & Herbs*
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During a candle burning ritual, herbs are often used in the form of incense and also placed on the alter. The oils and essences of the herbs are also used to empower or prepare the candles before the ritual begins. Of course the colour of the candles and the herbs used would directly correspond with the desired outcome of the ritual. Pure essence oils are widely available, but if you can't obtain them, pure olive oil may be substituted.
To "dress" a candle, you anoint it with the oil, rubbing in into the candle from the center towards the end, always rubbing in the same direction, then repeating on the opposite end. While dressing the candle, you should be concentrating on the subject, problem or question at hand.
There are four types of candles used in rituals.
ALTAR CANDLES: These are 2 very tall white candles which are always on the alter. They are placed at the 2 far corners and are always lit before any of the others.
OFFERTORY CANDLES: These are the candles in various symbolic colours, dependant upon the work to be done.
ASTRAL CANDLES: These represent the petitioner(s) and are chosen depending on the person's birth date. A candle of the primary colour may be used. If not available you may substitute white.
DAY CANDLES: These may be used in any of the rituals dependent upon the day of the performance. Placed on the right of the altar.
Table of Astral Colours
| Zodiac Sign |
Birth Date |
Primary |
Secondary |
| Aquarius |
Jan 20 - Feb 18 |
Blue |
Green |
| Pisces |
Feb 19 - Mar 20 |
White |
Green |
| Aries |
Mar 21 - Apr 19 |
White |
Pink |
| Taurus |
Apr 20 - May 20 |
Red |
Yellow |
| Gemin |
May 21 - June 21 |
Red |
Blue |
| Cancer |
June 22 - July 22 |
Green |
Brown |
| Leo |
July 23 - Aug 22 |
Red |
Green |
| Virgo |
Aug 23 - Sept 22 |
Gold |
Black |
| Libra |
Sept 23 - Oct 22 |
Black |
Blue |
| Scorpio |
Oct 23 - Nov 21 |
Brown |
Black |
| Sagittarius |
Nov 22 - Dec 21 |
Gold |
Red |
| Capricorn |
Dec 22 - Jan 19 |
Red |
Brown |
Days of the Week
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Sunday - Yellow
Monday - White
Tuesday - Red
Wednesday - Purple
Thursday - Blue
Friday - Green
Saturday - Black
Symbolism of Colours
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WHITE: Purity, Truth, Sincerity
RED: Strength, Health, Vigor, Sexual Love
LIGHT BLUE: Tranquility, Understanding, Patience, Health
DARK BLUE: Impulsiveness, Depression, Changeability
GREEN: Finance, Fertility, Luck
GOLD/YELLOW: Attraction, Persuasion, Charm, Confidence
BROWN: Hesitation, Uncertainty, Neutrality
PINK: Honor, Love, Morality
BLACK: Evil, Loss, Discord, Confusion
PURPLE: Tension, Ambition, Business Progress, Power
SILVER/GRAY: Cancellation, Neutrality, Stalemate
ORANGE: Encouragement, Adaptability, Stimulation, Attraction
GREENISH YELLOW: Sickness, Cowardice, Anger, Jealousy, Discord
Having your own special place, undisturbed for rituals is important. Peace and quiet, where concentration can be obtained is ideal. You will need something to act as an altar, anything will do. A table, chest, top of a dresser works well. It should be covered with a white cloth if possible. You will need a number of candle holders, any type will do. Using smaller ones makes setting up the alter a bit easier. A censor for incense is needed, although it need not be fancy. Even a shallow dish filled with sand will work. Cone incense, stick or mixes that are sprinkled on glowing charcoal are a few types. Incense is important to a ritual. I am in the habit of a cleansing before a ritual. A simple bath of salted water will do. Make yourself comfortable, no need for fasting or elaborate clothing here. The candles can be of any type. The color is the important factor. Candles should be lit in the order the ritual asks, usually starting with the white altar candles. They should always be extinguished in the opposite order they were lit, and never blown out. A candle snuffer is a must. Rituals are more than just words. They have meaning and should be repeated with meaning intended and not just spoken. Think clearly about the words and the meaning. Using your own words is best, the words of your heart and writing them beforehand is helpful.
