Scented or unscented?

[dolphinpatronus]

I love candle magic. I've always felt drawn to fire. And usually go with a color that corresponds to the magic I'd like to do. However sometimes I can't readily get them unscented. Then the scent doesn't match my intention. In your opinion what is more important color or scent?
(I'd make my own but I just don't have that kind of time)

[SnowCat]

I never really thought about the scent matching the intention. I always went by color. In my case, I'm a visual learner, so the visual aspect is where more of my focus goes. If the scent isn't a distraction, I wouldn't worry. A lot of it depends on what you're comfortable with.

Snow

[Siona]

I think it's definitely a personal thing. I'm sort of sensitive to scent, not in a bad way or anything, but like... I have a perfume collection, and scents really evoke a lot in me, if that makes sense? So for me if the scent doesn't seem to line up with the intention of the spell it can really throw me off! Vanilla cupcakes and a dark moon ritual for Hekate don't really go hand in hand, in my mind. However, color is also important to me, so I do try to match up when I can.

So really, it's up to you, and what works best for you!

[Nightwatcher]

I LOVE scented candles. I both pay attention to the color but also the smell. I kind of think of it as an incense substitute a bit.

[dolphinpatronus]

Siona I know exactly what you're saying. I have several red candles which is a color I'd use for a love spell but they smell like apple & cinnamon which makes me think of my gramma. I love my gramma but not in a way that I'd be doing a love spell for.
I might start using birthday cake candles. They're unscented come in a variety of colors & if all else fails they always come in white.

[Siona]

You might also look for chime candles, which are like miniature taper candles, so they last a little longer than birthday candles if you find those don't burn long enough. I usually see them more often around this time of year sold with Christmas stuff.

[Myrrdin Greyoak]

I don't know if I'm spelling this right, so please bear with me, but Channakuh candles work too. They're like small tapers and often come in different colors

[dolphinpatronus]

Myrrdin you did spell it correctly & you & Siona a very possibly on the same page. I may just have to stock up. I've ordered them online before. (In fact I have a box full of purple ones) I guess I just need to start keep handfuls of various colors on hand.

[Katiara]

I can sometimes find unscented tapers at the dollar stores. For me it is color so long as the scent is not distracting, as I usually have a strong incense already burning (which does change depending on what I am doing). It comes down to what you are comfortable with and where your focus and direction go. Obviously thinking about grandma when conjuring up what the perfect guy should be like, could be disastrous (or really awesome if grandma makes good cookies lol...sorry).

[dolphinpatronus]

I can sometimes find unscented tapers at the dollar stores. For me it is color so long as the scent is not distracting, as I usually have a strong incense already burning (which does change depending on what I am doing). It comes down to what you are comfortable with and where your focus and direction go. Obviously thinking about grandma when conjuring up what the perfect guy should be like, could be disastrous (or really awesome if grandma makes good cookies lol...sorry).

Yeah I have the baking down but if he would clean like gramma I might be cool with that lol

[NP]

I almost always use scented, but that's because I'm in a small apartment and can't use Incense without worrying the fire alarm will go off. (It has a ridiculous hair trigger to it.)

[YanaKhan]

Well, I have come across many sources that state different things about scents and herbs. Like for example the rose scent is usually associated with love spells, but also with peace and tranquility. The same with most of the scents and colors. Red candles can be used for strength spells too. So it's really up to what you feel. And besides there are different scents that feel different to different people if that makes any sense. Like for me lavender is a herb of love and friendship, while most commonly it's used in dream pillows and spells. I just associate it with my childhood when most people in my grandma's village had lavender fields and after they harvested, placed it on the streets to dry (there weren't this many cars back then, not in the villages anyway) and the whole village smelled like lavender. So yes, the scent is important, but important as to what association you have about it. It actually very much depends on the path you are following too. In some eastern traditions black pepper is used in love spells, while in most western traditions, black pepper is associated with banishment.
Same with colors.

[dolphinpatronus]

I think I'm going to look harder for unscented I don't want the scent to cloud my thoughts. I can always get separate oils to match the scent I need. I've used the chime candles before but had ordered them online I'll have to see if one of the shops near me sells them.

[azriel]

When performing a ritual, I focus more on color, but in meditation, my eyes are closed so I focus more on scent.

Azriel
^-^~

[dolphinpatronus]

When performing a ritual, I focus more on color, but in meditation, my eyes are closed so I focus more on scent.

Azriel
^-^~

I like that. I may have to do that myself.