Seven Colors Candle
Seven layers of color to greet the seven lines of Umbanda and request for various paths
Seven Colors Candle
7-day candle · stays lit for 7 days7 dias
The seven colors candle is the candle for those who want to speak with the entire Umbanda in a single flame. It has seven bands of colored wax, one on top of the other, straight and well separated, and it burns layer by layer over seven days. Many people light it at the beginning of the year, at the opening of a new house, or when the prayer request involves work, family, protection, and peace at the same time.
In Umbanda, the idea of the seven lines organizes the forces that work in the terreiro: Oxalá (Obatala), the waters of Iemanjá (Yemoja) and Oxum (Oshun), Xangô (Shango), Ogum (Ogun), Oxóssi (Oshosi), the children and the souls, in one of the most used lists. However, there is no single list, and the color of each layer changes from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, no one needs to memorize the order: the meaning is in the set. The rainbow belongs to Oxumarê, and the light that divides into seven colors belongs to Oxalá.
At home, this candle is for greeting and a broad prayer request. It is not the seven colors Romani spirit (cigano) candle, which has mixed colors and the Romani couple label, nor does it replace the specific candle of each orixá (orisha) when the prayer request is specific. It is a candle for opening, thanking, and putting the house under the protection of all lines.
What is it for
What is the Seven-Colored Candle for
The seven-colored candle stacks seven straight layers of wax, one for each line of Umbanda. It stays under the rainbow of Oxumarê and the white light of Oxalá, and is lit to greet all forces at once, to give thanks and request for various paths.
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Greeting all lines at once
To thank the orixás and spirit guides without leaving anyone out. It is lit very often on New Year's Eve, on the anniversary of the terreiro, and on Umbanda festival dates.
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Requesting for various paths together
When life asks for help in everything at the same time: work, home, love, and protection. The seven-colored candle carries the entire prayer request, without needing to choose just one color.
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Starting a new cycle
New house, new job, new year, moving to a new city. Light it on the first day to ask that all forces bless the new beginning, each in its own field.
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Blessing the entire house
Lit in the middle of the house, in a safe place, the seven-layered candle asks for protection for all rooms and for all the people who live there.
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Giving thanks for a great grace
When a prayer request was answered and you are not sure which line to thank. The seven-colored candle returns the thank you to all, and none are left forgotten.
Who rules this candle
Orixás and spirits of the Seven-Colored Candle
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Oxumarê
The rainbow that connects heaven and earth
Oxumarê is the rainbow and continuous movement, and all colors are his. The seven-striped candle recalls the colored serpent that connects the rain to the earth. Tuesday and the Arroboboi greeting belong to him.
Know Oxumarê -
Oxalá
Pai Maior, the light that contains all colors
In Umbanda, Oxalá rules the Line of Faith and coordinates the other six. It is the white light that, when divided, becomes seven colors. Therefore, the seven-layered candle is also a greeting to him, the father of all lines.
Know Oxalá
Also settled for
- The Seven Lines of Umbanda
- Caboclos
- Pretos Velhos
- Children
- Line of Waters
- Line of Justice
Prayer to light
Prayer of the seven-colored candle to the seven lines
“Pai Oxalá, light that opens into all colors, and Oxumarê, rainbow that connects heaven and earth, I light this seven-layered candle and greet each line that works for my life. To the waters, I ask for calm in the heart. To justice, I ask for balance in decisions. To iron, I ask for an open path. To the forest, I ask for abundance and knowledge. To the children, I ask for joy. To the souls, I ask for patience and humility. And to you, Pai, I ask for faith to cross all of this. May each day of this candle be a different blessing over my house. Arroboboi! Epa Babá!”Light the candle and pray
Step by step
How to set the Seven-Colored Candle
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Choose a beginning
First day of the year, of the month, of a new house, or of a job. The seven-colored candle combines with an opening. If you want to greet Oxumarê in particular, prefer Tuesday.
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Set it in a safe and central place
A 7-day candle needs a wide base, in a high and firm place, away from curtains and drafts. A central point of the house represents the blessing for all rooms.
- 3
Arrange the water and the flowers
A glass of water by the side and, if available, seven flowers of different colors in a vase nearby. They remind you of the rainbow and decorate the corner during the entire week.
- 4
Light the candle and greet the lines
Light with a match and say that the candle is for the seven lines of Umbanda. Pray the prayer of this page, citing each line, and make the prayer request with your own words.
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Follow layer by layer
Each day, when a color finishes, make a short prayer to that line. Do not blow out the candle. At the end, the water goes to the earth and the flowers, when they wither, also.
Precautions before lighting
- The seven-colored candle stays lit for several days. Use a firm glass holder, away from curtains, paper, children, and animals, and do not leave it lit with the house empty.
- The order of colors varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and the line lists change from school to school. Do not stick to the order: the meaning is in the set.
- To set a specific line with foundation, or for an orixá obrigação, the one who guides you is the zelador of your terreiro. The seven-colored candle is a general greeting.
- This is not the seven-colored Romani candle. If the request is for the Romani people, use their specific candle, with the label and orientation of the Linha do Oriente.
Ceromancy
What the flame of the Seven-Colored Candle shows
Traditional terreiro reading. Before interpreting, check if there is no wind, crooked wick, or poor quality candle.
- Good sign
Firm flame in all layers
Many houses read it as a blessing for all lines. The candle crosses the seven colors without dispute, and the message is to follow the new cycle with confidence.
- Observe
One layer burns faster
It might just be wax of a different formula in that color. Some read it as the line most present at the moment. Observe without jumping to conclusions.
- Attention
Flame that weakens in only one color
Some houses read it as an area of life asking for more care. Pray again for that line and, if you wish, light its specific candle later.
- Attention
Black smoke and darkened glass
It is usually read as heavy load being burned throughout the week. Clean the house, change the water, and seek a terreiro if the sign repeats.
- Observe
Candle that goes out between one day and the next
Common in layered candles, when the wax of one color drowns the wick. Remove the excess carefully and relight with a match.
Ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação)
Herbs that pair with the Seven Colors Candle
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Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Herb of joy that combines with all lines. A rosemary smoke cleansing (defumação) on the first day opens the house for the seven colors candle.
See the herb -
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Gentle cleansing and blessing of the home. A ritual bath of manjericão before lighting prepares whoever will ask for several paths at once.
See the herb -
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Protection for the entire week. A sprig of arruda near the door accompanies the candle while it burns layer by layer.
See the herb
Virtual Candle
Light the Seven Colors 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 Seven Colors Candle
What is the seven-colored candle for?
It serves to greet the Seven Lines of Umbanda all at once, to ask for several paths at the same time, to bless the house and to start a new cycle. It is also lit to thank for a great grace, when you do not know which line to direct the thanks to.
What does each color of the seven-colored candle mean?
There is no single table. The order of the layers changes from manufacturer to manufacturer, and the lists of the seven lines vary from school to school. The most common is to link the colors to the lines of Oxalá, of the waters, of Xangô, of Ogum, of Oxóssi, of the children, and of the souls.
What is the difference between the seven-colored candle and the Romani spirit seven-colored candle?
The seven-colored candle has straight and separate layers and is directed to the seven lines of Umbanda. The Romani spirit seven-colored candle has the colors melted and mixed, with the Romani couple label, and is from the Oriente Line. They are different candles, for different requests.
What is the day to light the seven-colored candle?
It can be any day, because it greets all the lines. Those who want to honor Oxumarê prefer Tuesday. Many people light it on the first day of the year, of the month, or when moving house, as it is a candle of beginnings.
Can I blow out the seven-colored candle and light it later?
If you need to leave the house, yes. Cover the flame with a lid, without blowing, and light it again with a match upon your return. Since it was made to burn for seven days, it is best to let it continue until the end, always with someone at home.
Can I light the seven-colored candle if I am not from Umbanda?
You can, with respect. It is a greeting to the forces that Umbanda worships, and anyone can ask for protection and give thanks. If you attend a terreiro, it is worth asking the zelador if the house has any specific custom with it.
