Ritual Candles - Dressing Them, and More

As you read about rituals, candles, ritual tools andnot Kestra's idea of Wicca.
altar supplies, you've likely come across hundreds ofThe ritual candle's flame is the "head" of the candle,
opinions (all correct, of course) about what to doand signifies you. The bottom of the ritual candle is
with candles. You've likely seen lots of informationthe "base" and signifies the world outside of you. This
telling you to "dress" your candles prior to ritual.makes it easier to think about, at least from personal
So what does "dressing your ritual candle" entail? Doexperience.
you make a cute little hat and dress for your ritualIf you want to bring something to you, whether it
candle? Can you find some cute little shoes and abe good health, happiness, positive thinking, or
blouse? While you COULD do that, it would then be awhatever it may be, dress the candle from the
bit difficult to burn the ritual candle, so perhaps thisoutside (base) to the top (head). Kestra likes to
article should cut to the chase and tell you how tomake a spiral by taking a drop of oil on your finger
dress your ritual candle.(make sure it's not overly strong essential oil that will
Please note: If you buy Enchanted Works Ritualburn your finger) and working from the bottom of
Candles from Crystal Journeys, or other heavilythe ritual candle to the top in a spiral. Kestra goes
pre-scented candles, they are ready for ritual,clockwise for drawing spells, and does them in the
appropriately scented, and all you have to do is lightwaxing part of the moon phase. You might wish to
them. They are "ready to go." You CAN dress themaffirm your intention as you do this, and ask that it
if you would like, but they are so highly scented, thatmanifest.
you may possibly get two highly incompatable scentsConversely, if you want to draw something away
that might make you see strange things. Whilefrom yourself, such as negativity, someone else's
hallucinations might be part of some people's rituals,energies from a tool, sickness, unhappiness, etc. all
they are not always desirable. So please be carefulyou need to do is reverse the process. Start at the
out there, ok?head of the ritual candle, and sprial down to the
There are as many opinions on how to properlycandle's base, counter clockwise, during the waning
dress a ritual candle as there are on what color orpart of the moon phase.
style candle you should use for each working. InOf course, if you find something that works better
other words, as many opinions as there are ritualfor you, by all means use it. There is no "one right
candles. These techniques are suggestions that youway." If it feels right to you, why not use it. The
should take or leave depending on your own personalworst that can happen is that you offend the
ideas. Don't let anyone tell you there's only "one truepowers that be and get smitten with a lightning bolt
way" to dress a ritual candle. "One true way" ism is:-).