Incense stick of phra rahu

To pay respect to Phra Rahu, 12 black incense sticks are traditionally used, along with five types of black offerings.

Phra Rahu is a significant deity in Thai Buddhist beliefs, often associated with fate, fortune, and astrological influences, particularly eclipses. Worshippers believe that making offerings to Phra Rahu can help improve karma, remove obstacles, and protect against bad luck and black magic. The initial ritual for Phra Rahu should be performed on a Wednesday evening, starting from 7 PM onwards, and must include both the black incense sticks and black food offerings. Subsequent offerings can be made during the daytime, and if obtaining food offerings is difficult, only the incense may be used. It is also recommended to use a Phra Rahu image, statue, or amulet as a focal point during prayers and chanting.

The specific number of incense sticks used in Thai spiritual practices often carries symbolic meaning. While 12 incense sticks are designated for Phra Rahu, other numbers are used for different purposes; for example, 9 sticks for worshipping gods and San Phra Phum, and 108 sticks for rituals related to fortune-telling and worshipping the highest spiritual entities.

Common black offerings for Phra Rahu include items like black sticky rice, black jelly grass drink, black semolina or sago pudding. Other examples of black offerings can include black liquor, black coffee, black beans, black glutinous rice, and black roses.