Joyce F., Cleveland, OH

Dear Joyce,
Candlelight is one of the most powerful and magical mood enhancements. Candles made with essential oils can create a certain mood or ambiance. For instance, sandalwood helps to relieve tension and stress. Or if you want to create a romantic evening, burn candles made with ylang-ylang, which is known as an aphrodisiac.

You can also use color to activate energy toward specific desires. Traditional or feng shui color associations can help you with this process. For example, white candles are traditionally associated with purity, illumination, and spiritual awakening. Purple and violet candles combined with lavender essential oils are good for meditation rooms and home altars. Rose or red candles combined with rose geranium or ylang-ylang essential oils are excellent for bedrooms, stimulating passion and romance. Yellow candles with rosemary or citrus essential oils are great for a study or den, uplifting intellectual and philosophical thinking. Green candles are known for attracting financial abundance as well as balance, harmony, and healing. I recommend that you pay attention to your own intuition and feelings about candles, their colors, and their scents. Interestingly, according to various spiritual teachings, our soul is made up of brilliant light. A candle’s flame is symbolic of this light within us. It is not a coincidence that we call a profound spiritual experience enlightenment. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy!


Dear Shawne: My home has a lot of the wood element: wood floors, wood furniture and cabinets, wood-beamed ceilings, and some wood-paneled walls. The colors in my home are mostly blues and greens and I have a lot of indoor plants. What other element(s) can I introduce to create more balance?

Beth H., St. Louis, MO

Dear Beth,
I would start introducing features of the water and fire elements. Water nurtures wood, and features to incorporate might be indoor and outdoor fountains and pools; fish bowls and aquariums; and reflective, bright surfaces such as crystals, glass, and mirrors (which symbolize water). Then also include dark colors and free-form, natural shapes. Include the fire element because wood feeds fire. This includes shades of red and more lighting with lamps, natural light, lots of candles, and a great fireplace. Also, pets, wildlife, and art that depicts animals and people are good fire elements to incorporate into your decor. This should help you get started. Good luck!