Arati is a devotional service to God.
When you place your chosen deity on the altar, one usually waves the
Arati lamp before it. You can wave the lamp as though writing the Om
symbol three times before each deity. Waving lights before the deity
denotes the Lord is the Real Light, the Light in the sun, moon and
fire! Following Satsang or meditation, pass the Arati lamp before the
deities, and then pass it clockwise to each devotee so each person can
pass their hands across the flame. They take their hands over the
flame, then to their heart (anahata) and up to the brow (ajna). This
gesture is one symbolizing the purification of the self, and the
burning of the ego. "Lord remove the darkness in me by bestowing your
Divine Light. May my intellect be illumined." Mustard seed oil, sesame
oil, ghee or camphor can be used to burn the wick in. A wick can be
made by taking a small piece of medical gauze, unfold it, and rolling
it into a wick shape. Then coil it into the oil and light it.