Smell is our first sense. Its interpretation bypasses the neocortex and goes straight to limbic brain where it directly affects our emotions and our autonomic body functions. Sandalwood, for example, slows our breathing, inducing a meditative state. The same is true of the anointing oils. Inhaling the fragrance of essential oils while smoothing them onto the candle will assist you as you see, sense, or feel your goals and focus them into the candle to be actualized by its burning.
Salt is for cleansing.
Just as saltwater clears infection from the body, it is said to purify any environment. Try bathing in it to prepare for ritual. Sprinkle a few grains around your sacred space to clear it of any unpleasant presences. Some ancient rituals call for pouring dry salt into a receptacle of water to symbolize the dissolving of evil. There are certain ethical standards that are important in the construction of any ritual.