Ceroscopy is form of scrying using wax. The wax was melted into a brass vessel till it became a liquid of uniform consistence. The liquid wax was then poured very slowly into another vessel filled with cold water. The pouring was done in a way that the wax congealed in tiny discs upon the surface of the water. The divinator then interpreted the figures of wax.
Scrying by reading wax images also goes to candle scrying where you read the dripping of a candle that has developed over the side of the candle on the candle stick holder.
From personal experience, I have noted that drippings are influenced by the color of the candle and the energies of the person scrying. I have seen interesting patterns formed, everything from angels to faces and more. They can be regarded messages either from spirit or from the subconscious mind of the scryer.
Fire and Candle Gazing. This type of Scrying is actually fun and does not need the sanctity of your Temple. You can use these methods wherever there is a fire or candle about. I find it enjoyable to Scry when a friend lights a candle; they oftentimes don't realize that I am scrying at all, good fun that. For fire gazing, it is the embers near the end of a fire that you want to focus on. The colors of the embers oftentimes swirl with meaning if you are open to them. Clear and focus your Mind on nothing in particular, just keep it open to the symbols as they pass through the coals. Empty all thoughts and gaze upon the flames and be open to psychic messages that transpire. If you so desire, choose an appropriate color to go along with the subject of the reading as found in tables of Magickal corospondence. The procedure is the same as with all reflecting objects, clear your Mind of all thoughts, listen and see with your innerself. Awaken the receptive power and open this world to the next. Visions will come when you are receptive to them. Let them speak. I also suggest that you get a reputable book on Dreaming. The symbols described therein can be used as a basic guide for the symbols that you see within the flame or embers. This naturally leads us to...
SMOKE SCRYING
Smoke scrying is a technique that can be quite useful and can be added to your Samhain celebrations. Before I discuss this technique, I feel it necessary to describe a scrying mirror or black mirror. This object is a mirror that has had the glass removed and painted black and replaced back into the holder. Often a silver backing is added to the mirror and a round or oval mirror is used; however, I have found that an inexpensive compact mirror with the glass painted black can work just as well. Black mirrors can be traced back over the centuries and were often made of obsidian. You do not want to look directly into the mirror for your scrying, lay it on a table and look from an angle. Spirits can show scenes, images, speak and even touch the scryer with this method. Now, back to smoke scrying. Lower the lights in the room, or better yet light two pillar candles on either side of you. Taking your favorite candle, light and then snuff out allow it to smoke for a few moments. Position the black mirror so that the smoke dances over the surface easily while the mirror lies on a table. Once the candle has smoked for a few moments, close your eyes to relax. When you feel centered, grounded and relaxed look into the black mirror lying on your table from various angles. Watch and interpret the images you see, hear, smell and feel.
As I said, you can use this technique on Samhain to help summon the ancient spirits or ancestors. I use red candles for this purpose. Once I?m feeling centered I hold my arms into the air and say something like, ?O Great Spirit, Great Maiden, Mother, Wise One, you who created all. Bring to us the old ones, the ancient spirits, and the ancestors to celebrate with us, to teach us, to allow us to understand where we came from so we can understand where we are yet to lead the future?.
Do fire scrying (staring into the fire or a candle fire) when the moon is either in Aries, Sagittarius or Leo
How to take care of candles:
How to take care of candles
Not many people know how to properly burn a candle, and I have seen many, many people thow away mostly unburned pillar candles due to ignorance... but no more!
I compiled this from the labels on candles around my house.
Tea Lights:
* In aluminum cups - recommended for ''closed-type'' holders (eg. Tealight house potpourri burners).
* In transparent cups - recommended for glass holders.
Votive Candles:
* Always keep wicks trimmed to 1/4''.
* The metal clip is designed to extinguish the flame when the wick has burned out.
* Always remove the metal clip from a previous votive before placing a new votive in the holder.
* While burning votives, be sure the wick is centered.
* Wicks too close to the side of a votive holder may cause breakage.
Dinner Candles:
* Always keep wick trimmed to 1/4''
* Do not place near drafts, fans or air conditioners.
* If dripping occurs, wait for wax to harden and remove excess.
* Burning time: approximately 45 minutes per inch.
Pillar Candles:
* Keep wick centered and trimmed to 1/4''
* First lighting: burn for 5 - 10 minutes.
* For the next 4 - 5 lightings gradually increase burning times until the belltop is gone.
* Once the candle has a flat surface, burn a minimum of 1 hour per inch for each inch of the candle's diameter.
* Pillars should always have a flat surface, not a deep well.
* Gently ''hug'' the soft wax around the well to maintain a flat surface.
3 Wick Candles:
* NEVER trim the wicks.
* Burn a minimum of 6 hours at each lighting.
* Keep wicks pointed towards centre.
Gently hug the soft wax around the well to maintain? a flat surface.
