The objects that hold our intention, focus our energy, and link us to the unseen
When we light a candle, ring a bell, or burn incense before a reading, we’re doing more than setting the scene — we’re opening a doorway.
Ritual tools have always played a role in spiritual and divinatory practices. They ground us. They raise energy. They help us shift from the ordinary to the sacred. But they also carry deep symbolic meaning, woven from centuries of magic, prayer, and presence.
In this blog, we’re exploring how some of the most common ritual tools — candles, incense, and more — function as symbols of connection, not just in ceremony, but within your divination work.
🔥 Candles – Light, Focus & Elemental Fire
Candles represent illumination, transformation, and intention. Lighting a candle marks the beginning of sacred time — a symbolic spark that opens the way for spirit and self to meet.
In divination, candles can:
-
Represent clarity, truth, or spiritual presence
-
Be colour-coded for intention (e.g., blue for truth, green for growth)
-
Serve as a physical anchor while you journey through a spread
The flame also reminds us of the element of fire — the energy of action, willpower, and divine spark.
🌫️ Incense – Prayer, Atmosphere & the Breath of Spirit
When incense rises, it carries your intention with it. Across cultures, smoke has been used to cleanse, bless, and create a bridge between worlds.
In a reading, incense might:
-
Clear the energy before and after divination
-
Help set the mood or align with a specific element (e.g., frankincense for air/spirit, sandalwood for grounding)
-
Symbolise the presence of ancestors or guides
The element of air lives here — in the breath, the scent, the invisible movement.
🧿 Other Ritual Tools – Symbols Made Tangible
✨ Chalices – The womb of the divine, representing water, emotion, and receptivity
✨ Athames or Wands – Tools of direction, focus, and energetic intention
✨ Bells or Chimes – Sound used to clear, seal, or signal sacred space
✨ Crystals & Stones – Anchors of earth energy, chosen for their symbolism and vibration
✨ Cloths, statues, feathers, salt, bones… — Every item you choose carries a story and an energy
Each of these tools is a living symbol, helping you hold space, shape energy, or invite in specific support. They don’t have to be fancy or traditional — they just need to be meaningful to you.
Ritual Objects as Symbols in Readings
Even when they’re not physically present, ritual tools show up symbolically in readings. Think:
-
A card featuring a chalice, flame, or incense burner
-
A client mentioning a candle they lit before your session
-
A sudden desire to pick up a specific tool during your reading
These aren’t just aesthetic or coincidental — they’re messages.
Ask:
What is this tool inviting me to pay attention to?
What element or energy is asking to come through right now?
Everyday Ritual, Everyday Magic
You don’t need a full ceremonial setup to honour the symbolism of ritual tools. A single candle. A breath over your deck. A soft cloth laid down with care. These small gestures say: I am here. I am ready. This moment is sacred.
Because in divination, the ritual tools are never just props —
They are companions, catalysts, and conduits.
With deep roots and an open heart,
Sarah x