Candles, Prayers & Requests
Using Colored Candles and Psalms to make Magic!
Uses of Colored Candles with the Psalms
Over time, different color candles have become associated with the magical use of Psalms. The addition of using colored candles with the Psalms is apparently an example of “reinforcement.” Two separate blessings/charms/prayers are used together to “reinforce” and enhance the effectiveness of the outcome. In this case, the candle color system is a later practice added onto an earlier traditional hoodoo practice involving the Psalms.
The following table has a collection of examples of specific colors of candles associated with the recitation of the Psalms for certain purposes.
Examples of Uses of Colored Candles with the Psalms
| Color | Psalm | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| blue | Psalm 3 | Healing Severe Headache or Backache |
| green | Psalm 4 | Bringing Good Luck |
| green | Psalm 4 | Needing Financial or Real Capital for One’s Business |
| purple | Psalm 5 | Favorable Outcome for Dealing with the Government and Bureaucratic Authorities |
| brown | Psalm 5 | Successful Court Case Outcome |
| blue | Psalm 6 | Healing Eyes |
| purple | Psalm 7 | Breaking a Hex |
| blue | Psalm 9 | Remedy for a Sick Child |
| purple | Psalm 9 | Against the Power and Malignity of Enemies |
| purple | Psalm 11 and 12 | Protection from Oppression and Persecution |
| pink | Psalm 14 | Gain Trust and Favor |
| purple | Psalm 14 | Protection from Corrupt Fools |
| purple | Psalm 17 | Protection During Travel |
| purple | Psalm 22 | Protection from Storms and the Elements |
| purple | Pslam 22 | Repeling Terrestrial Danger |
| white | Psalm 23 | Blessings and Beneficent Work |
| blue | Psalm 23 | Divination and Dreams |
| green | Psalm 26 | Employment |
| purple | Psalm 29 | Empowering Through the Word |
| purple | Psalm 29 | Overcoming Troublesome Spirits |
| purple | Psalm 30 | Safety from Evil |
| red | Psalm 40 | Make Good Wishes Come True |
| blue | Psalm 42 | Recieving Instruction in Dreams |
| red or pink | Psalm 45 | Bring Love and Passion |
| red or pink | Psalm 45 | Restore Love, Romance, and Peace Between a Husband and Wife |
| white | Psalm 51 | Cleansing and Purifying |
| purple | Psalm 52 | Freeing One’s Self from Slander |
| green | Psalm 61 | Blessing When Moving to a New Home |
| green | Psalm 64 | Healthful Sea Voyage |
| green | Psalm 65 | Blessings and Luck in New Endeavors |
| green | Psalm 72 | Gain Prosperity and Happiness With Others |
| pink | Psalm 85 | Restoring Peace Between Two Friends |
| purple | Psalm 90 | overcoming wild animals |
| purple | Psalm 90 | protection in one’s dwelling |
| purple or brown | Psalm 90 | overcoming evil influences |
| purple | Psalm 94 | Triumph in Legal Court Cases |
| purple or red | Psalm 100 | Overcome All Enemies |
| purple | Psalm 101 | Learning to Break Bad Habits and Behave Wisely |
| red or blue | Psalm 102 | Against a Grievous Affliction |
| red | Psalm 103 | Healing and Renewal |
| purple | Psalm 111 | Charming and Lovable |
| purple | Psalm 112 | Increase in Might and Power |
| blue | Psalm 112:13 | Develop Self Tranquillity and Harmony |
| green | Psalm 114 | Drawing Success in Business |
| green | Psalm 114 | Attracting Luck While Gambling |
| purple | Psalm 116 | Protection from Violent or Sudden Death |
| purple | Palm 116:16-17 | Safety from Imprisonment |
| blue or green | Psalm 119 | Help in Speaking with Someone About a Financial Dispute |
| purple | Psalm 121 | Safe Travel After Dark |
| purple | Psalm 126 | Protection for Newborns |
| purple | Psalm 127 | Protect Children |
| purple | Psalm 129 | Empowerment Against Oppression |
| blue | Psalm 142 | Relieving Pain in the Legs, Thighs, and Hips |
| blue | Psalm 146 | Curing a Wound or Wounds Requiring Surgery |
| white | Psalm 150 | Praise and Thanksgiving |
| red | Psalm 150 | Turning Sadness into Glee |
Some hoodoo practice also involves “spiritwork.” Certain spirits, angels, saints, etc. traditionally have certain colors associated with them. These traditional associations may be completely different than the 21st century hoodoo color association.
For example, St. Expedite is associated with the color red and red candles are frequently burned to petition and honor this saint. This use of red probably relates more to the color of the saint’s cloak or the fact that red is frequently associated with fast action.
It is important to remember not all hoodoo practitioners use the 21st century list of colors, and those who do may only use it in relation to the color of candles. Some do not concern themselves with matching the color of the candle to mojo bags, beads, altar cloths, clothing, etc.
Sources
Candle Burning Using the Psalms,
Dragonstar and Gypsy Witch, Tropical Spells Hoodoos and Voodoos + The Rare Black Pullet Manuscript, 2010.
Kenaz Filan, The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook, 2011.
Henri Gamache, Master Book of Candle-Burning, How to Burn Candles for Every Purpose, 1942.
Zora Neal Hurston, Mules and Men, 1935.
Carolyn Morrow Long, Spiritual Merchants: Religion Magic & Commerce, 2001.
William Alexander Oribello, Candle Burning Magic with the Psalms, 1988, 2011.
