from local stores, the Internet, or mail order catalogs. If
you purchase stones locally, rock shops are usually
cheaper than most New Age stores. (See the Resources
section on this page for more information.)
The reason for using oils, herbs, and stones as part of
your spellwork is not only to add the psychic energies of
these materials to your work, but also to help you
concentrate more deeply on the spell.
Preparing Your Candles
As you prepare the candles, place each item on your
altar in a certain position, and do each step of the
candle-burning spell in a specific order. Your mind
should be totally concentrated on what you are doing.
As you rub the candles with the appropriate oil,
concentrate on the purpose you have in mind. Roll the
oiled candle in the appropriate crushed herbs, still
thinking of your goal. The herbs do not have to coat the
candle thickly to be effective. As you place each stone
on the altar, continue to think of the purpose of your
spell. See every object on the altar as another stone in
the foundation of your success. The incense evokes
subconscious memories that connect you with ancient
magickal practices.
Use an appropriate oil on each candle. This may mean
that you use three or four different oils in any candle-
burning ritual. It also helps to burn a compatible incense
that represents the general idea of the ritual itself.
To simply set out candles without deep thought on
why you are doing it takes away from the energy the
spell will create. If you cannot be focused on your work,
you will not obtain satisfactory results.