How to Construct a Basic Oil Lamp
For a Basic Lamp, you will need:
The Container
 Oil
lamps may be constructed in numerous types of containers. For the novice lamp
builder, perhaps the best option is a glass kerosene lamp. These can be found
at most Discount stores for about $5-10. You may even have an old heirloom kerosene
lamp you are willing to dedicate to personal use.
Using this style of lamp is quite simple. Remove the glass shade
and unscrew the metal fittings (that hold the wick) from the lamp base. You should
find a nice wide-mouthed opening in the lamp base where you can deposit your ingredients.
Reassemble the lamp, light the wick and make you prayers.
Glass kerosene lamps offer several advantages. They are safer
because they are designed as lamps - they won't topple on their own and the wick
is held firmly in place by metal fittings.
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Lamps
made in Calabash Gourds with Cotton wicks - Haiti
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Many folks however, feel that the container utilized in a magical
lamp is as important as the ingredients put inside of it. Throughout the Caribbean
you will see different containers used that reflect the purpose of the lamp -
or based on what is acceptable to the Spirit or Power to whom the lamp is dedicated.
For instance, a spiritual undertaking that requires one to be
tough, commanding or dictatorial might utlilize a tin can or tin plate as the
container. Likewise, a lamp made to draw money might be created in a fine china
tea cup or crystal bowl. A love lamp might be housed in a hollowed out apple (a
symbol of love). A protection lamp is often created in a thick-skinnned, barbed
pineapple.
You should choose a container that will withstand being lit for
the required number of days. You can also make a wobbly lamp (such as one made
in a fruit) more stable by placing in within another container. I buy pineapples
that will fit inside of a coffee can. You can also use a basin or baking pan to
sit your lamp in and then surround the container with a shallow layer of water.
The Wick
There are three types of wicking readily available on the market.
 The
first is standard wicking material manufactured
for oil or kersones lamps. This type of wicking
is usually found in flat or round styles. Wicks
are woven in natural cotton or hemp. Flat wicking
is used in the glass kerosene or oil lamps as
pictured to the right (>>).
Round braided wicks may be floated in the lamp container as seen
in the above calabash lamps. Or you can use a piece of aluminum foil as a brace
for the wick. Simply fold the foil over and over several times. You want to take
a piece of foil long enough to span the length of your container opening. Use
an awl, ice pick or sharp knife to poke a hole in the foil - thread the round
braid wick through the opening and stretch it across your container. This should
hold the wick securely above the lamp fuel. Oil or kerosene lamp wicks are available
in most craft and discount stores.
 The
second type of wick is the floating
cork wick. Floating wicks, which are called Veilleuses in French,
have been used since Antiquity. Today, these small pieces of cork have a metallic
film attched on the reverse side. A small length of waxed candle wick is inserted
into the cork and the wick is floated on top of the oil fuel. These are great
because of ease of use however each wick is good for only one burning session.
This may not be the best type to use for lamps that need to burn several days.
 The
third type of wick is created with rolled cotton. Absorbent cotton is available
in the drug store. While you can use cotton balls to make very small wicks, the
preffered material is the rolled sheet cotton found in the first aid department.
To use cotton wicking, simply tear
off a length of the cotton and gently twist and
shape the material into a long wick form. We prefer
making our own wicking from cotton because the
process is another opportunity to embue a lamp
component with prayer. While twisting the cotton,
tell your Spirit or Alignments what you will be
burning the lamp on!
A
similar length of aluminum foil can be folded
to create a holder for the wick. Simply punch
a hole through the foil and thread the cotton
through it. The foil can then be attached to any
type of container. A more complete explanation
of this technique may be viewed in a photo tutorial.
The Fuel
There are two basic types of fuel one can use for a magical lamp.
Let's look at the what makes each worthwhile.
 The
first type of oil fuel we will discuss is called Lamp Oil. You can find this product
in craft and discount stores. I typically purchase plain, unscented oil but also
see it in a wide variety of colors and scents.
Lamp or Candle Oil is liquid parafiin wax. You can find ultra-pure
versions on the market that have no chemical additives. Unscented Lamp Oil is
intended for indoor use, and has no odor, no smoke, and no soot. When a lamp oil
does have a natural odor, it’s a faint, moderately pleasant scent that can lend
a mildly ceremonial feel to your burn.
Lamp Oil is great because it burns slowly and evenly. However,
many folks choose to use other oils based on the intent of the lamp.
Some common fuels include:
- Olive Oil : Used in lamps for Healing, Blessings, Money Drawing, Success
- Sweet Almond Oil : Used in Lamps for Love and Money Drawing
- Palm Oil: For Drawing and honoring African Spirits.
- Coconut Oil: For Uncrossing Rituals and Protection
- Mineral Oil : Used in Lamps for Overcoming Obstacles, Fiery Protection,
Compelling and Mastery
- Castor Oil: Used in Lamps for Revenge, Crossing, Commanding and Domination
- Motor Oil: Used in Lamps for Revenge, Cursing and Crossing
This is just the beginning of oil lamp options. In the next section,
I will give you some suggestions on lamps for specific goals. >>
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