So, you have decided to work with jumbo, figural, offertory or pullout candles over glass jar candles. This can be a very good move, because these types of candles allow you to put more energy into their preparation. The added ritual steps can lead to higher levels of success in your work. Plus, you can add a lot of herbal material to these candles. Putting too much oil, powder or herb on a glass encased candle can lead to problem keeping the candle lit.

Some types of work lend themselves better to candles that can burn over the long term. When working with spiritual energies like Saints, Orisha or Lwa you may be better off with a magical lamp or jar candles. Because you are performing a devotion and need to keep the Spirit's attention on your task, a jar candle works best. By lighting a candle and not extinguishing the flame, you are building up energy on the candle over a number of days - or until your prayers are answered.

A figural type of candle is well suited to work that manipulates a person - especially when you have their personal concerns. Also for those of you who cannot leave a vigil or devotional light burning in your home nonstop, you should consider options other than jar candles.

Jumbo, Figural or Offertory Candles - Which Do I Use?

JUMBO CANDLES

There are three types of Jumbo candles: 1.) One color 2.) Two-color Double Action Candles and 3.) Three-color Triple Action candles.

• One Color ~ These candles be used for any work. Just follow the basic color symbolism rules and you are good to go.
• Double Action ~ This candle is two colors - half black and half another color. The concept behind them is to drive away evil and draw back positive things. For instance, a half-black and half-green candle drives away people who are jinxing your money luck and draws your money back.
• Triple Action ~ Used to draw three things to your. For instance a Red, White and Green Jumbo candles draws Love, Blessings and Luck.

One color candles are dealt with in the same fashion as an offertory or pullout candle. However each section of a two-color or three-color jumbo needs to be treated like a separate candle. That means dressing, naming and blessing each section for its intention.

OFFERTORY CANDLES

Offertory candles work well for what else but -offerings. Often these candles are given to Spirits as a thank you for a job they have performed.

However, offertory candles are also used for spiritual works - one is burnt each day for a number of days. They are often used in spiritual bath rituals - as a means to focus one's prayers while in the tub.

Many folks burn one of these candles each evening while reading the Bible or meditating to attract the Spirit and increase spiritual understanding of the Word.

FIGURAL CANDLES

There are many types of figural candles. They are best used when working on an individual and you have their personal concerns. I always recommend figural candles for works that are intended to manipulate the thoughts or actions of another.

Figure candles are a combination of poppet and doll-effigy work with candle burning. Because they add a strong visual component to the ritual, they can be very effective. There are many types of figural candles in a variety of colors.

• Adam (Male Image) and Eve (Female Image) - These are male and female nude body form candles. They represent the first man and woman and so all men and women. They can be worked together or separately - both to good effect. They come in six colors: Black, Brown, Green, Pink, Red and White.
• Bride and Groom (Marriage) - These candles represent a committed couple - married or together long term. They come in red and black and can be used to encourage marriage (red) or break one apart (black).
• Cross (Crucifix) - This candle is embossed with the Master Key and so represents unlocking Biblical secrets. These candles are used primarily with Psalm reading and come in four colors: Black (against enemies, revenge), Green (money), Red (love or protection), White (blessings, healing and uncrossing).
• Genitalia (Man's Penis and Woman's Vagina) - These candles are designed to control the sexual nature of another. Red is for increasing excitement and levels of attraction. Black is for stifling or putting down another's nature.
• Knob - There are seven knobs on these candles which are used in the classic seven day wishing spell. Each day the practitioner burns one knob while praying or meditating - then pinches out the flame. Three of the colors available are used for drawing : green/money; red/love; white/health and blessings; the black candle is used to curse or cross.
• Lovers - This candle comes in red wax and is used for encouraging sex and passion between the two people it is burned for.
• Praying Hands - This candle is used primarily for healing and comes in white wax. Lately, I have seen many folks use this for helping a loved one overcome drug or alcohol addictions.
• Mummy - This candle represents the old Curse of the Mummy and is used to hex, cross or put bad luck on another.
• Pyramid - In Latin America, belief in the power of the ancient pyramids is very strong. This candle denotes ancestral ties to native people and is used to receive a financial blessing.
• Skull - The skull is used to control the thoughts of another. Use this candle when you need to enter another's dreams or make them restless until they comply with your wishes. It comes in black, green, red and white.
• Witch - The witch is a strong representation of ancestral practitioners in Mexican magic. It draws on the power of bruja or witches who have come before and passed to the other side. This candle is available in black (crossing or revenge spells) and red (love magic).

PULLOUT CANDLES

Pullout candles are a personal favorite of mine. In fact, a whole book was written on using them - called The Enchanted Candle. They are of a good size so you can really carve them up for work. If you are using sigils, seals or sacred symbols in your work, pullout wax slugs are perfect. Some types of work require you carve someone's name 41 times or 101 times and you need a decent size piece of wax for this.

The main reason I like pullout candles is that you can dress them heavily with oils, powders and herbs and then insert them into a glass jar for burning. I am never satisfied with the small amount of herbal material I can get on a glass encased, jar candle.

I Have Selected a Candle, Now How Do I Use it?

Whichever type of candle you selected, there are some additional procedures you should consider. I have written four companion articles:

1. Marking the Candle
2. Dressing the Candle
3. Measuring the Candle
4. Naming the Candle

To get an overview of the candle magic process or to start from the beginning, please read my Secrets of Candle Magic article.

Good Luck in your candle burning. Have faith and passion about what you are doing and you will get the results you desire!