How to take off the tap of the bath tub faucet?

I have a dripping bath tub faucet. I saw your August-06 answer to Brenda's question on how to fix a leaking bathroom faucet. However, I don't know how to take off the tap of the faucet. Do I turn it to the left or pull it off? It's an old type of faucet--it's shaped kind like a candy cane. Also, should I turn off the water main before I take off the tap?