The Significance & Uses of Candles in Igbo Spirituality
Candles hold a revered place in spiritual practices across various cultures and traditions all over the world, that includes Odinani. The light they bring and hold has been a symbol of divine presence, enlightenment, and transformation for centuries.
In this blog post, we will get into the significance of candles in Odinani as a spiritual practice, we will also explore the symbolism of different candle colors, and highlight how they are used in altars, shrines, and for rituals. Additionally, we’ll touch on the practice of divination through the movement of candle flames.
The Significance of Candles
Candles are more than just sources of light; they are powerful spiritual tools. The act of lighting a candle can signify invoking the presence of the divine, initiating a sacred space for meditation, prayer, and rituals. Here are some key reasons why candles are used in Odinani as a spiritual tool:
Symbol of the Divine: The flame of a candle is seen as a representation of the divine light (Anwu Anwu) just like the sun (Anya Anwu) that illuminates and guides one’s path.
Focus for Meditation & Communication: The steady flame of a candle can help focus the mind, making it easier to enter a meditative state. It can also serve as a channel for practitioners to receive some form of communication from their spirit guides in that meditative state.
Sacred Space Creation: Lighting candles can transform an ordinary space into a sacred one, setting the mood for spiritual work and activites.
Offerings and Prayers: Candles are lit as offerings to deities, spirit guides, or ancestors, and as a physical manifestation for channeling prayers and intentions.
Energy Cleansing: Candles are believed to purify the surrounding environment, they can dispel negative energies and attract positive ones into the space they are lit in.
The Symbolism of Candle Colors in Odinala
Different colors of candles carry specific symbolic meanings and are used for various spiritual purposes. Here’s a general look at the spiritual symbolism of each candle color and their common uses:
White—Ocha, Ucha, Ichavaa, Chivaa: Represents purity, peace, protection and spiritual enlightenment. White candles are used for protection, purification, and connecting with higher spiritual realms. It can be associated with Afo and Orie market day. Depending on the context it can symbolize the divine feminine or divine masculine.
Red—Obara-Obara, Mmee-Mmee, Uhie: Symbolizes passion, strength, and vitality. Red candles are used for love spells, energy or moral boosting, strength and courage. It can be associated with Orie market day. Depending on the context it can symbolize the divine masculine or divine feminine.
Pink—Ire Ire: Associated with love, compassion, emotional healing and balance. Pink candles are used in rituals for attracting love, fostering friendship, promoting self-love and harmony.
Orange—Popo, Nchara: Represents creativity, success, and ambition. Orange candles are used to stimulate enthusiasm, attract opportunities, and enhance personal power.
Yellow—Edo Edo, Ogulu Ogulu: Symbolizes clarity, intellect, joy and peace. Yellow candles are used for mental clarity, learning, attracting happiness and appeasements.
Green—Akwukwo Ndu: Associated with growth, abundance, and healing. Green candles are used in rituals for prosperity, health, and connection to nature. It can be associated with Afor market day.
Blue—Alulu Igwe, Alulu, Nru Onwa, Nda, Anunu Anunu: Represents tranquility, communication, self control and spiritual wisdom. Blue candles are used for peace, meditation, discipline and enhancing intuition. It can be associated with Nkwo market day.
Purple—Odo Odo: Symbolizes spiritual awareness, transformation, spiritual gifts and psychic abilities. Purple candles are used in rituals for spiritual growth, connecting with higher self, and enhancing psychic powers. It can be associated to (Nne)Agwu.
Black—Oji, Nji, Idu, Kpuukpuu, Odii, Abani, Ochichii, Uchichi: Represents protection, banishing, mystical prowess and the unknown. Black candles are used for protection rituals, absorbing negative energies, and banishing harmful influences. It can be associated with Eke market day.
Brown—Aja Aja: Associated with grounding, stability, and home protection. Brown candles are used for grounding energy, enhancing stability, and protecting the home. It can also be associated with Afor.
Gold—Ola Edo, Ona Edo: Symbolizes wealth, divine connections, and enlightenment. Gold candles are used to attract prosperity, invoke divine favor, and enhance spiritual wisdom. It can also be assocated to Eke.
Silver—Olaocha: Represents intuition, dreams, and lunar energy. Silver candles are used for enhancing psychic abilities, connecting with moon energy, and exploring subconscious realms. It can be associated to Nkwo or Onwa.
Candles in Altars, Shrines, and Prayers
Candles are integral to the setup of altars and shrines, because they serve multiple spiritual functions:
Altars: Candles on altars signify the presence of the divine and are used to honor deities, spirits, or ancestors. They create a sacred ambiance conducive to spiritual work.
Shrines: In shrines, candles are lit as offerings and used to invoke blessings from the spirits or deities worshipped there.
Prayers: Lighting candles during prayers is a way to amplify intentions and focus energy. The flame acts as a medium through which prayers and wishes are conveyed to the spiritual realm.
Divination with Candle Flames
The movement and behavior of candle flames can be used for divination. Before we go any further, please note that divination is always highly contextual and intuitive. The interpretations we are highlighting here are simply very general interpretations, as they are the most popular possibilities. However, the way the event takes place in the moment might easily translate to way more than the ideas we are sharing here. Here are some common interpretations:
Steady Flame: Indicates a positive and favorable outcome. It signifies that one’s prayer or ritual is well-received. In a case where the flame is unnaturally steady, it can also indicate that the energy of a spiritual force or cosmic force is actively present and paying attention to the event taking place.
Flickering Flame: Suggests the presence of spirits or a powerful energy. It may indicate that more attention or focus is needed. It may also indicate that one’s energy in that area (especially depending on the color of the candle) is very active and charged, or that their spirit guides are present.
Dancing Flame: Implies a dynamic situation or an unstable energy. It can signify that there are strong external influences at play, or that events are liable to change at any point.
Weak or Low Flame: Indicates that there may be obstacles or resistance. It suggests that more effort or energy is required. It may also indicate that one’s energy level is low in that area (especially depending on the color of the candle).
Sudden Extinguishing or Lots of Black Smoke: Sudden extinguishing can signify the end of a cycle or that the request may not be granted. It can also indicate that the space needs to be cleansed. Black smoke may indicate that one’s spirit guides are not pleased with a situation or the state of the environment.
To Sum It Up
Candles are powerful spiritual tools that bring light, warmth, and a sense of sacredness to spiritual practices. Their colors carry deep symbolic meanings, each serving unique purposes in rituals and prayers. Whether they are used on altars, in shrines, or during meditations, candles can help create a divine connection, amplify intentions, and purify energies.
In Odinani, the flames of candles can even offer insights and guidance as a tool of engagement, further deepening our spiritual journey. Candles with their specific colors can also be used to channel a connection with specific deities or energies, they can also be used for manifestation practices if the practitioner is aware of the nuances necessary to get the best results.
Leave us a comment below if you have any questions or remarks on the uses and significance of candles in Odinani. Feel free to also share your stories with us, we want to hear from you!
