Then light the black candle- representing death, the underworld, and transformation. As you do so, say:

I light this candle in honor of death; the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. May the spirit of the Cypress guide me through the mysteries of the underworld.

Next light the white candle- representing immortality, the spirit, and the continuation of life. As do so say:

I light this candle in honor of immortality; the eternal flame that burns beyond death. May the spirit of the Cypress show me the way to the rebirth that follows.

Water flows, like the eternal spirit; Cypress stands, rooted in both life and death. By the bough of the Cypress, I bless this space with the water of life. May this water purify and protect just as the Cypress guards the threshold of life and afterlife.