You might know your birthstone or flower, but do you know your best-suited birth month candle scent?
As a home fragrance expert and obsessive, I'm always switching out my scenting picks. I'm also a firm believer in birth month characteristics (my birthstone is turquoise, and my flowers are holly and narcissus, by the way), which got me thinking how my birth month could be used to pick the best home fragrance to suit me.
To find out more, I spoke to a professional astrologer and home fragrance expert to find out his thoughts and recommendations – here's what he had to say about utilizing your birth month scent.
Discover Your Birth Month Candle Scent
As Diego Tomljanovic, home fragrance expert and master astrologer at Cosmos Within, which specializes in personalized birthdate candles, says, 'Nature moves in cycles, and our bodies and emotions respond to the changing seasons. Light, temperature, routine, and pace all shift throughout the year, and we adjust to those changes often without noticing it.
'Each month carries its own tone, and the fragrances we are drawn to tend to change along with it. From an astrological perspective, certain scent families naturally align with different times of the year, supporting what that period already emphasizes, whether that is grounding, clarity, comfort, or momentum.'
Read on to find out the best candle for your birth month.
January: Woods, Resins, and Fresh herbs
With the start of a new year and the need to make your home feel like your own after hosting for the holidays, January tends to feel quiet, focused, and somewhat austere, says Diego, which is why he recommends tapping into the key notes of cedarwood, pine, vetiver, frankincense, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
'With Capricorn setting the tone, heavier but clean woods work best,' he advises. 'Think cedar, pine, vetiver, or frankincense. These scents help with grounding and mental clarity after the overstimulation of the holidays.'
For this, I recommend Diptyque Feu de Bois, one of my personal favorites, or, for a more affordable alternative, the 100 per cent soy CoCo Benjamin Rosemary Eucalyptus candle, available at Amazon.
February: Soft Florals, Clean Musks, Light Fresh Notes
'February softens things,' says Diego. 'Aquarius and Pisces bring introspection and emotional sensitivity, so lighter, airier fragrances feel more supportive. Subtle florals like lavender or violet, soft musks, and clean, almost atmospheric notes work well without overwhelming the senses.'
You can't go wrong with the Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Scented Candle available at Amazon for this, to make your home smell like fresh laundry year-round, or the Peony & Blush Suede Scented Candle available at Jo Malone.
March: Aquatic Florals, Fresh Spice
March is a transitional month, signalling the shift from winter to spring. For that reason, says Diego, there's a 'dreamlike quality,' for which he recommends, 'Water notes, neroli, jasmine, or sea salt paired with a touch of spice and citrus help bridge rest and action.'
The LA JOLIE MUSE Yuzu & Neroli Blossom Candle, available at Amazon, combines those fresh citrus notes with a floral, fruity scent. Alternatively, you can also use a spring simmer pot.
April: Citrus, Green, Herbal
Come April, the month is 'more straightforward and energetic,' says Diego, as the Aries season favors freshness and movement as the weather continues to warm.
'Bright citrus, green herbs, and crisp botanical notes like basil, mint, or fresh grass help spark motivation and momentum,' and make your home smell nice, he suggests. For something a little more unique, opt for the Loewe Cucumber medium scented candle, available at Net-a-Porter, or the Loewe Tomato Leaves scented candle, also available at Net-a-Porter.
May: Florals, Creamy Woods, Soft Sweetness
'By May, the body wants comfort and pleasure,' explains Diego. 'Taurus season is deeply sensual, so richer florals and creamy, comforting notes feel perfect for this season. Rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vanilla, or anything slightly sweet and indulgent tends to resonate,' and are also among the most romantic scents for a home.
The Roses candle, from Diptyque, is one of my all-time favorites, and the MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Rose candle, available at Amazon, is an affordable alternative made with plant-derived soy wax.
June: Light Florals, Soft Fruits, Gentle Gourmands
June, which Diego explains is mostly 'Gemini time,' feels lighter and more playful, but with an emotional undercurrent as Cancer season approaches.
'Scents that are soft and approachable, like orange blossom, chamomile, gentle fruits, or light gourmands like almond or coconut, create warmth without heaviness,' he recommends, working well to make a home smell nice for summer.
The Loewe Perfumes Orange Blossom large scented candle, available at Net-a-Porter, is a gorgeous luxury pick.
July: Comforting Notes, Creamy Accords, Soft Woods
According to Diego, July is all about emotion and familiarity.
'Cancer season responds well to comforting, almost nostalgic scents,' he explains. 'Vanilla, milk notes, soft woods, rice, oats, or gentle florals can feel grounding and soothing, especially during warmer days,' such as the WoodWick Nature's Wick Lavender & Oat Milk Scented Candle available at Amazon.
August: Bold Florals, Amber, Warm Spice
'August wants presence and expression,' advises Diego. 'Leo season can handle bolder fragrances. Warm florals, amber, sun-warmed spices, jasmine, tuberose, cardamom, or cinnamon support confidence and creativity without needing to be subtle.'
The Diptyque Ambre candle is one of my all-time favorites, as is the Skandinavisk Fjord Scented Candle available at Amazon.
September: Herbal, Green, Tea, Light Woods
With September and a general 'back to school' feeling comes a return to order.
'Virgo season benefits from clean, herbal, and earthy scents that feel clarifying,' says Diego. 'Sage, green tea, fig leaf, thyme, and light woods help reset routines and focus the mind.'
The herbaceous Cannabis candle, available at Malin+Goetz, is one of the most unique I've ever smelled, while the M&SENSE Sage Wood Scented Candle, available at Amazon, is ideal if you strive to pick non-toxic candles.
October: Balanced Florals, Smooth Woods, Soft Sweetness
If your birth month is October, seek balance.
'Libra season prefers harmony over intensity,' says Diego. 'Soft florals, gentle sweetness, and smooth woods like rose, peony, sandalwood, or tonka create a sense of calm and emotional equilibrium.' The Sand + Fog Vanilla Sandalwood Scented Candle, available at Amazon, is perfect for this.
When celebrating in October, you also may want to make use of the best fall candles.
November: Deep Resins, Spice, Smoky Woods
'November naturally turns inward,' says Diego. 'Scorpio season supports depth and transformation, making it a good time for darker, more complex scents. Patchouli, incense, myrrh, clove, leather, or smoky woods align well with this introspective energy.'
Though expensive, the TRUDON Ernesto scented candle, available at Net-a-Porter, is a tried-and-tested favorite at Homes & Gardens, as is the diffuser version, included in our best diffuser guide.
December: Festive Woods, Spice, Resin, Citrus
Finally, says Diego, 'December carries both celebration and reflection. Sagittarius brings warmth and openness, while Capricorn begins to anchor things again.
'Festive spices, citrus peel, pine, frankincense, and cedar feel seasonal while still grounding, helping close the year with intention.'
My collection of essentials to make your home smell like Christmas is filled with scents that are ideal for this birth month, which also happens to be mine. For example, the Holiday Winterfest available at Yankee Candle is a brilliant budget recommendation.
Shop a Collection of My Favorite Candles
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This candle is a bestseller for a reason, with a burn time of around 50 hours and a strong, room-filling scent that's never overpowering.
This soothing scent is made with natural essential oils and poured in the USA. It cleverly features self-trimming wicks.
This stunning, limited-edition candle is from Trudon’s 'Enchanted Night' collection. It boasts notes of vanilla and patchouli, and is encased in a beautifully illustrated vessel by Brecht Evens.
This gorgeous pick from Hotel Lobby is ideal if, like mine, your birth month is December. It's created in collaboration with the historic Hotel Jerome for a luxurious candle with a burn time of 65 hours.
Yankee Candles are enduringly popular, and this particular scent has notes of star jasmine, white rose, and orange blossoms, made with a premium plant wax blend and a natural-fiber wick.
I'm a huge fan of WoodWick candles, and love the unique and distinctive crackle the wooden wicks offer. This one is custom-blended with notes of bergamot, amber, mahogany, vetiver, and musk.
Meet the Expert
Another excellent way to scent your home is by using one of the best essential oil diffusers.
