Ritual candles are some of the most powerful and versatile spiritual instruments in Brazilian spirituality. Present in Umbanda, in Candomblé, in Popular Catholicism and in Spiritism, they serve as a focus of intention, a channel of communication with the spirits and a source of spiritual light.
But not every candle is the same: color carries a specific meaning and must be chosen carefully to align the intention of the practice.
Why color matters
In all spiritual traditions, colors carry energetic vibrations. Each Orixá has its sacred colors, each prayer request has a corresponding color. Using the wrong color does not "ruin" the ritual, but using the right color enhances the intention.
Meaning of ritual candle colors
White Purity and peace
The white candle is universal. It can be used in any ritual, for any Orixá or spirit. It represents peace, purity, divine protection and connection with Oxalá (Obatala).
Use for: Purification, protection, simple prayer, when in doubt about which color to use.
Yellow Prosperity and Oxum
Sacred color of Oxum, the yellow candle attracts abundance, money, joy and love. It is also associated with intellect and mental clarity.
Use for: Financial prosperity, love, beauty, fertility, prayer requests to Oxum.
Red Strength and Iansã/Xangô
Intense energy, associated with Xangô (justice, power) and Iansã (courage, transformation). It is also used in rituals of passionate love.
Use for: Courage, strength, energy, justice, urgent requests, passionate love.
Pink Love and harmony
Softer than the red one, the pink candle speaks to the heart. It attracts romantic love, reconciliation, and harmony in relationships.
Use for: Love, reconciliation, friendship, family harmony.
Blue Peace and Iemanjá/Ogum
Color of the sea and the sky. Associated with Iemanjá (protection, emotion) and Ogum (work). It brings serenity and clarity.
Use for: Mental peace, protection, emotional healing, requests to Iemanjá, work and employment (Ogum).
Green Nature and Oxóssi
Color of the forests, associated with Oxóssi. It attracts health, healing, and abundance, especially physical healing linked to nature.
Use for: Health, healing, material prosperity, connection with nature, requests to Oxóssi.
Purple Spirituality and protection
The purple candle is used in ritual work of more intense spiritual protection, communication with elevated spirits, and mediumship opening.
Use for: Spiritual protection, mediumship, warding off negative energies, elevation ritual work.
Black Deep cleansing and Exu (Eshu)
The black candle is not "of evil" it is for cleansing. It absorbs negative energies and is used in rituals of Exu and pombagira to open paths.
Use for: Deep spiritual cleansing, breaking demands, Exu rituals. Do not confuse with black magic in the correct context, it is an instrument of light.
Golden/Gold Maximum prosperity
Potentiates the energy of Oxum. Used in prosperity rituals, business success, and material achievements.
Use for: Great prosperity, success, important achievements.
Orange Joy and creativity
Brings light and joyful energy. Used for emotional unblocking, creativity, and enthusiasm.
Use for: Joy, creativity, unblocking, social relationships.
How to use the ritual candle correctly
1. Choose the right candle
Base it on the color corresponding to your prayer request or the orixá (orisha) you want to invoke.
2. Wash your hands before
Clean your hands with water and coarse salt before handling the candle. This prevents passing dense energies to the ritual work.
3. Charge the candle with intention
Hold the candle between your hands for a few moments, with your eyes closed. Think clearly about your prayer request or intention. Visualize the desired result.
4. Light with a match (preferably)
Many traditions prefer a match over a lighter, but the most important thing is the intention, not the instrument.
5. Pray while lighting
Say your prayer or intention out loud or mentally. Be specific and grateful.
6. Let it burn completely
Never blow out a ritual candle, as this kills the intention. If you need to put it out, use wet fingers or an extinguisher. Let the candle burn until the end, safely.
7. Dispose correctly
The remains of the candle (wax) should be discarded on land, in a garden, or at a crossroads, never in common trash, if possible.
Types of ritual candles
- 7 day candles for prayer requests that need support for an entire week
- Bicolor candles combine two energies in a single ritual work (ex: black and red for Exu)
- Pauê (stick) candles for quick rituals or for a ritual work table
- Aromatic candles add the power of herbs to that of the flame
Frequently asked questions
What color candle to use when I do not know which to choose?
White. It serves for any orixá, any spirit, and any prayer request, and it is the one lit when there is doubt about the right color. Purification, protection, and simple prayer are its field.
Can I blow out the candle?
No. Tradition says that the breath undoes the intention. If you need to put it out, use wet fingers or a snuffer, and let it burn until the end whenever it is safe to do so, in a firm place, away from curtains, paper, and children.
Is a black candle black magic?
No. The black candle is for cleansing: it absorbs heavy energy and enters into ritual work of Exu and pombagira to open a path. The name of the color scares those who see from the outside, and its use within the religion is for spiritual cleansing (descarrego), not for harm.
What to do with the leftover wax?
Discard it in the earth, garden, or crossroads, according to the custom of your house, and not in the common trash whenever possible to avoid it. The glass from a 7-day candle can be washed and reused for another purpose, never for another ritual work.
How long does the candle need to burn?
It depends on the type. The stick candle serves for a quick prayer request and for the ritual work table. The 7-day candle sustains a prayer request that needs time, and it is the one lit when the matter is not resolved in an afternoon.
Where to find quality ritual candles
At Joia Mística Laroyê, you find ritual candles in all colors, sizes, and types carefully selected to guarantee quality and potency.
By buying in our shop, you have the certainty of using energetically intact materials, chosen with respect for tradition.
Visit us in Extrema, Minas Gerais or talk to us via WhatsApp and we ship to all of Brazil.
