What a fun challenge, and I learned something new from @SilverBear 
How to dress a candle with herbs! Which also led me into making my own anointing oils. I like to think about these Challenges for a couple of days, and by the time Monday hits, I have a clear path and intention. Many things led up to the grand finale, and I realize it’s amazing to focus on what you @BryWisteria throw at us and what we can create! It’s healing for me to tackle these activities so thank you!!
This week’s journey started with removing five cypress trees from the front of the property and I felt crappy about it, but they block sunlight, and I have a lot that won’t grow in the yard because of it. My husband and I dropped the trees yesterday and today hauled them to the recycling center. I read about the meaning of the cypress tree, finding out that they are commonly used at cemeteries and are a tree associated with grieving and mourning. I planned to dress a candle for my ancestral altar. So this was the perfect connection! I etched a message of love into my candle for those on my altar.
Anointing oil ingredients:
Olive oil
fresh cypress- for mourning and overcoming the pain of loss
Three drops of cinnamon-scented oil for raising spiritual vibrations
Three drops of sandalwood-scented oil for healing, manifestation, concentration
Three drops of chamomile-scented oil for love & healing
Crushed herbs for dressing my white candle:
Nettle- for dispelling darkness and fear
Cypress- for overcoming the pain of loss
Hyssop- for lightening vibrations and spiritual opening
Blessed Thistle- for purification, strength, and protection
Lemongrass- for psychic opening
Lavender- for love, peace & healing
Dried flowers at the base of the candle:
Forget-me-nots- for true love & memories
Calendula- for raising spiritual energy
Chrysanthemum-for ancestrial altars
Globe Amaranth-healing broken hearts and an offering to the spirit world
Rosebuds-for love
Jasmine-psychic protection & dreaming
Crystals surrounding the dried flowers:
Clear quartz- for amplifying energy
Rose quartz- for calming the mind and strengthening my heart
Tigers eye- for calling on the powers of protection
I listened to beautiful instrumental music while creating my dressed candle and reflected on my relationships with those I have lost. Some of these losses are very recent, and this was a great mentally and emotionally healing activity.
Thank you for reading, and blessed be everyone! 
disclaimer:
Due to the number of herbs and dried flowers at the base of my dressed candle, I sit directly in front of this with a fire hose while it is lit and do not leave it unattended. Just sayin’ 
