Oxalufã candle
The old Oxalá (Obatala) of the staff, pure white, for patience, deep peace and wisdom
Oxalufã candle
7-day candle · stays lit for 7 days7 dias
The Oxalufã candle is for when life demands calm and you only have haste. Oxalufã is the old Oxalá, the one who walks hunched, leaning on the opaxorô, and who closes the xirê supported by the other orixás (orishas). Whoever lights this candle is usually facing a long wait, caring for a father or a grandmother, or needing judgment to not ruin what took years to build.
Oxalá is the father of creation, lord of the white cloth, and in Brazil appears in two known forms: Oxaguiã, the young warrior of the mortar, and Oxalufã, the elder of the staff. The color of Oxaguiã is white with a touch of blue, that of Oxalufã is pure white. Friday is the day of the two, and there are records of Sunday for the old Oxalá. Some authors treat the two as the same orixá at different ages, others as distinct orixás, and the list of Oxalá's qualities changes from house to house.
At home, the Oxalufã candle does not solve anything in a hurry. His axé is that of time: it returns silence, calms what boils inside, and teaches how to walk slowly without stopping. It is the candle for those who want true peace, and not just a quick relief for the week.
What is it for
What the Oxalufã Candle Is For
The Oxalufã candle is dedicated to the older face of Oxalá, the father who walks slowly leaning on the opaxorô. Of pure white, without blue or any other color, it receives requests for patience, for deep peace, for wisdom in choices, and for a blessing for the elders of the family.
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Patience to wait for the right time
Competition, work response, a child who takes a long time to change. The candle asks the old Oxalá for the calm of one who knows that everything has its time and that haste only hinders the path.
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Deep peace inside the house
When the house lives in discussion and no one listens to anyone anymore. The white of Oxalufã asks for good silence, gentle words, and respect among those who live together.
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Wisdom in an important choice
Moving cities, selling the house, closing a deal. Oxalufã is the oldest of the orixás, and the candle asks for the judgment of one who has seen many things before deciding.
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Blessing for the elders of the family
For parents, grandparents, and uncles who are already at the age of the staff. The candle asks for support for them and patience for those who care, on good days and on difficult days.
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To thank for a long life
An eightieth birthday, a golden wedding anniversary, a grandfather who has come a long way. Lighting the Oxalufã candle is a beautiful way to give thanks for the years and ask that they be light.
Who rules this candle
Orixás and spirits of the Oxalufã Candle
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Oxalufã
Old Oxalá, lord of the opaxorô
Oxalufã is the oldest form of Oxalá, who walks hunched with the opaxorô staff and is greeted last in the xirê. The candle is pure white, his color, and is lit on Friday, the day of Oxalá.
Knowing Oxalufã
Also settled for
- Pretos Velhos
- Guardian Angel prayer
- Caboclos of Oxalá
Prayer to light
Oxalufã candle prayer for patience and peace
“Pai Oxalufã, old man of the staff and the white cloth, I light this light with your name. You who walk slowly and always arrive, teach my feet not to run in vain. Take from me the haste that tramples, the anger that blinds, and the stubbornness of wanting everything now. Cover this house with your good silence, so that we can hear each other again. Bless the elders of my family, who already carry their own staff, and give me patience to care for them as you care for us. When I have to choose, lend me your judgment. May your peace descend slowly over my head and stay. Epa Babá!”Light the candle and pray
Step by step
How to set the Oxalufã Candle
- 1
Prepare an all white place
Cover a table or high shelf with the white cloth. Oxalufã does not like mixtures: no other colors, seasoned food, or mess nearby.
- 2
Wear white and speak softly
On the Friday of lighting, wear white if possible and avoid fights and noise from early on. Many houses also ask for light food, without dendê, on Oxalá days.
- 3
Assemble the plate slowly
Without haste, place the candle in the center of the plate, the glass of water beside it, and the white flowers in front. The slow gesture is already part of the offering to the old Oxalá.
- 4
Call Oxalá by the name Oxalufã
Light it with a match, say Epa Babá, and call Oxalufã in a low voice. Make the prayer request in a few words and stay in silence for a while before the flame.
- 5
Finish without blowing
With the same calmness as at the beginning, let the candle burn until the end. To put it out, use a saucer to smother it, never blow. Afterwards, the water goes to a plant, the flowers to the garden, and the clean glass can be recycled.
Precautions before lighting
- The 7-day candle burns for several days: firm plate, away from cloth, curtains, children, and animals. At home with an elderly person, in a place where no one bumps into it.
- Oxalufã is peace. Do not light his candle to ask for harm to anyone or to bind the will of another person.
- Those who care for the elderly also need support: share the task with the family and seek your city's assistance network. The candle accompanies, it does not replace.
- Whether Oxalufã and Oxaguiã are one orixá or two, and which is your head orixá, is a matter of terreiro foundation. The home candle is devotion.
Ceromancy
What the flame of the Oxalufã Candle shows
Traditional terreiro reading. Before interpreting, check if there is no wind, crooked wick, or poor quality candle.
- Good sign
Low flame, firm and very quiet
Many homes read this as the peace of the old Oxalá descending upon the house. Stay in silence for a while and give thanks.
- Good sign
Clear flame that lasts a long time
In popular reading, an Oxalufã candle that burns slowly and evenly shows a prayer request accepted in its own time, without rushing.
- Attention
Agitated flame without wind
It usually accompanies someone who lit it in distress. Breathe, say the prayer again more slowly, and return to the candle the next day.
- Attention
Dark smoke on the glass
Trim the wick and move the candle away from drafts. If it continues, there may be weight in the house: a boldo ritual bath helps, and a terreiro can provide guidance.
- Observe
White wax dripping onto the plate
In general, it is just heat or a softer candle. Some read it as a blessing overflowing. Clean the plate at the end, without rushing.
Ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação)
Herbs that pair with the Oxalufã Candle
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Tapete de Oxalá (Indian borage) / Boldo-Baiano
Alternanthera brasiliana
Boldo, called the Oxalá carpet. A boldo ritual bath on the head before lighting calms and prepares one to ask for patience.
See the herb -
Alfavaca
Ocimum gratissimum
Oxalá leaf used in a peace ritual bath. A branch next to the plate perfumes the place and accompanies the candle on Friday.
See the herb -
White Rose
Rosa alba
The white flower of the Oxalá cloth. White roses in front of the candle, or petals in the ritual bath water, complete the offering to the old one.
See the herb
Virtual Candle
Light the Oxalufã candle now
Choose the type, write your request, and pay by PIX. The flame stays on the altar and you follow along through the link.
Place on the altarFrequently asked questions
Questions about the Oxalufã candle
Is Oxalufã a different orixá from Oxalá?
In most houses, Oxalufã is the old form of Oxalá, and Oxaguiã is the young form. Some authors, such as Gaia and Scorsolini-Comin, treat the two as distinct orixás within the Oxalá group. The list of qualities changes between nations and houses.
What is the difference between the Oxalufã candle and the Oxaguiã candle?
The Oxalufã candle is pure white and speaks with the old man of the staff, for patience, peace, and wisdom. The Oxaguiã candle carries white with light blue and calls the young warrior of the mortar, for strength and fighting with serenity.
And the difference for the Oxalá candle?
The Oxalá candle calls the father of creation in a general way. The Oxalufã candle calls his older face, and therefore it is the most suitable for requests of patience, of time, and of blessing for the elders of the family.
What is the best day to light the Oxalufã candle?
Friday, the day of Oxalá, very early. There are records of Sunday for the old Oxalá, and the Sundays of the Waters of Oxalá are days of celebration in many houses. Follow the custom of your terreiro.
Can I light the Oxalufã candle at home?
You can. Oxalá is the father of everyone, and the home candle is open devotion. Just a clean place, covered in white, and a little silence. The head foundation and obrigação remain with the leader of your terreiro.
Can I blow out the Oxalufã candle and light it later?
You can, but without blowing. Use a saucer or a spoon to smother the flame and relight it when you arrive, saying Epa Babá. It is best for the candle to burn completely, but the safety of the house always comes first.
