Alek, I'll give you some pointers on witchcraft, and for more information about timing and all that jazz check the joyofsatan website, specifically the satanic witchcraft section. Now then,
Affirmations, runes, planetary alignment, using colors with the energy are all aspects of what you call a "working", in short, you basically set your mind towards a desired goal using the above methods and continually manipulate energy to get the desired effect, you seem new so I'll go over all of it, again, use the website for in depth info.
Affirmations are phrases, long or short, that you say with conviction to program the energy in a working to a its specific purpose, ergo your desire/goal. (I.e when doing aura of protection you make affirmations while breathing in energy, "I am breathing in powerful energy that is protecting me in every way, always")
Runes are basically similar to mantras where you vibrate a word (i.e suryae for the solar plexus and AOP) . They raise the energy needed to preform a successful working, now, this is where you'll here many people here say you need to focus on empowering yourself first because if you're not very advanced you won't have an easy time achieving success in witchcraft.
The planetary allignment is also crucial because if you're not careful the planets energies could be working against you,(i.e Venus retrograde will fuck you over in a love working).
Finally, each color has a different meaning and aspects to it, all colors except grey are fine to work with on yourself if you view them in a positive manner, this has to do with your mindset and affirmations, and lastly, don't be insecure about workings, if you do, it'll hinder the energy you're trying to program.