Touch a light to the little wick,
Watch it burn to the candlestick.
Study with care the little blaze;
Fortunes are told in its tiny rays.
If an unseen power makes it weak and low,
For you it foretells a tale of woe.
If that same power makes a blaze bright and healthy,
You'll be happy and wise, be good and wealthy.
Author Unknown
Candle Wax Reading, also known as Ceromancy or Wax Reading, is a type of prediction in which candles burned on an altar during worship, spell-casting, or divination are interpreted for clients by the way that they burn, the shapes that wax makes as it pools and runs, and how the spent vigil glass appears during and after the candle burning.
An observant psychic reader can learn many things from the way a client's candle burns. If the flame is hot and high, the work is proceeding quickly; if it burns low and almost goes out, there is not a lot of spiritual force behind the job, and if it gives off clouds of thick, black smoke, an enemy is opposing the work.
Once the candle on the altar has finished burning, the reader may employ Candle Wax Divination to analyze patterns made with, by, and in wax. Candle wax can create various pictures and patterns of flow and design, which can be interpreted, giving information about the nature of the problem being addressed by the candle burning, the likelihood of success, and the obstacles being faced.
There are another form of wax divination, in which the seer allows drops of molten wax to fall into sand or water. The shapes formed are then interpreted in a manner somewhat akin to that employed during a tea leaf reading.
A Strong Flame; This indicates that the power and energy are going into your desires for manifestation. This is also very good sign. When a figure is used, a strong flame generally indicates that the person represented by the figure is winning or angry or is using authority over another. When two figure candles are present, the higher and stronger flame represents authority over the other.
A Weak Flame; This can show that you are facing heavy opposition and must redo the magick several times in order to overcome the power you are facing. The weak flame can also indicate, on a figure candle, that the subject is losing the battle, argument, etc. against the other. The weak flame that goes out usually means that you have missed your target altogether.
A Jumping Flame; This is an attention getter. It can indicate emotions along with explosions of energy, depending on the candle used and its intended purpose. When two figure candles are being used, a jumping flame usually means that an energetic or heated discussion or argument is taking place.
A MULTI-CANDLE DIVINATION
Set up as many identical candles in holders as you have choices facing you. If you wish an answer to a simple question, two candles: one for yes, one for no. In an area free of breezes name each candle for one of your choices individually and light them. The first to burn down and sputter out is your best bet.
THREE-CANDLE DIVINATION
Set up three candles, all of the same colour and in identical holders, if possible, in a windless space. Arrange them into a triangle and light them. If one burns more brightly than the others, you'll have a period of unexpected good luck. A quenched flame signifies a period of negativity. If the flames move in circles, someone may be working against you. Sparks shooting out are also negative signs. (I see these, as 'changes' too, not necessarily negative, so use your intuition) If all the candles burn steadily, undisturbed and peacefully, your life will be the same.
ONE-CANDLE DIVINATION
Light a candle. Keep it lit for several hours, with no drafts nearby. Ask a yes or no question. Now sit quietly and watch the candle. If the right side burns faster than the left, the answer is yes. If the reverse, the answer is no. When burning a candle to determine future influences, the right signifies good fortune. However, if the left side burns more quickly than the right, prospects are ill.
Another candle divination
You can also light a candle, focus on your question and drip the melted wax into a dish or pan of water, then interpret the symbols/shapes the wax makes as it hardens. I believe this is also from Cunningham (Earth, Air, Fire & Water I think). (This method works best for me with dark-coloured candles, or you can use the proper colour candle representing the issue at hand.)
CANDLE DRIP DIVINATION
For this you will need a number of long tapers (8 inches or longer) of the 4 basic elements, green, yellow, red and blue. One of these is necessary for every reading. You will also need a large round or square vessel filled with cold water. This can be of any material, but pottery or glass is best, for they can withstand heat. Plastic is not recommended.
Put the candles, a book or matches or lighter and the vessel of water on a table or other flat surface. (I touched on this next part in the last one) If you have a particular question you want answered, use the appropriate candle colour. If the question does not seem to be related to any of above the element colours, use white. If you have no question but simply desire a glimpse into your future, use yellow, for this is the colour of divination in general.
Light the candle and hold it upright over the water for a moment, thinking about your question or simply calming your mind. When the candle is fully flaming and has begun melting the wax, tilt it and hold steadily about an inch over the water's surface. The wax will begin dripping onto the water. If the tiny drips (which harden into small droplets of wax, smooth on the top but round on the bottom) do not merge and create a pattern, you aren't concentrating on the question. Sweep all else from your mind. The wax drops will form a pattern on the surface of the water. If you are having trouble achieving this, begin moving the candle slowly, allowing the drops to touch one another and so to form a line on the water. If this is done for a few minutes a definite shape will appear on the water. When this happens quench the candles flame with your fingers or a candle snuffer and set aside. Look at the shape. What does it look like? Pick it up carefully so as not to break it and turn it over. Does it look the same or different? Study its thickness to see if it says anything to you symbolically.
Here are some shapes and patterns commonly found in the drip method and their traditional meanings. As you can see, this form of divination is rather limited.
SPIRALS
The most common, because of the way the wax rotates on the surface of the water, spirals represent reincarnation, the universe, the world or perhaps a particular life. It could mean you need to evolve beyond it, or that it is something from a previous life. Perhaps, depending on the nature of the question, the problem or its solution is in the home. This is an excellent example of how interpretation must be a personal thing, no one else can tell you exactly how these symbols relate to you. Usually the first meaning that comes into your mind is the correct one.
CIRCLES
Circles represent eternity and fertility, and both of these attributes can be interpreted according to the question asked. Fertility would perhaps represent a new activity, financial security, or even a new baby on the way. It may also signify the successful completion of a project. Eternity may mean just that - it will be a long time before something is completed or comes to pass. Circles also represent religion and spirituality, and thus can bee seen in this context during interpretation.
BROKEN LINES
If the wax drops form into lines but they aren't connected, it represents a scattering of forces, or lack of focus in your life, business or other pursuits. It can also signify forces working against you, but don't take this too literally - such 'forces' may well be within your own being. This isn't a positive pattern to find, for it is a sign that changes must be made to bring order into your life.
DOTS
Dots, unconnected wax drops, sometimes are the only thing you can get. As stated above, this sometimes signifies lack of attention to the divination, but it can also mean that the problem is too complex for an answer at this time. If you try wax divination several times with only dots coming up each time, you're either asking the wrong questions, or if you haven't asked one, you shouldn't be seeking a glimpse into your future at this time- at least not through wax and water. It's probably best to let the candles and water rest, and to attempt a different method.
For those who wish to pursue carromancy, which is divination from forms produced by dropping melted wax in water, it is simple enough for anyone to try. Use any colour candle, though the darker hues will show up best. It takes only a bit of imagination on the part of the magician to "see" the images which emerge from a bit of hot wax allowed to drop into a bowl of cold water.
Meanings from A-Z. If you have more to add, please feel free!
AEROPLANE - A trip of a disappointment
ANCHOR - Your loved one is true
BABY - Troubles are coming
BALL or BALLOON - Your problem will not last very long
BEANS - Money difficulties
BED - A vacation would be good for you
BELLS - A wedding
BIRD - News will reach you soon
BRIDGE - Take a chance
BROOM - Make a change
CANDLE - Spiritual growth
CAT - A friend is untrue
CHAIN - Go ahead with your plans
CIRCLE - Reconciliation
CLOUD - Something or someone threatens you
CROSS - Do not fear for you are protected
CROWN - Sickness
CUP - Bitter quarrel with a friend
DOG - Your self-esteem is too low
EAR - Be alert for an opportunity to advance in your work
EGG - New developments soon
FAN - A surprise is in store for you
FEATHER - The problem will be solved
FISH - Someone will betray you
GHOST - Someone from the past is looking for you
GRASS - Good fortune is approaching
HAT - A change of location is indicated
HEART - A friendship will turn into love
HOUSE - Better times are coming
KEY - A setback in plans should be expected
KITE - Your wish will come to naught
LADDER - Take steps to change your attitude toward an old friend
LEAF or LEAVES - Things will be changing soon
LION - An unpleasant situation is developing
MOON - Indicates more money
MOUNTAIN - Good friends are willing to help you
PANTS - You will be tempted
PEN - Expect a letter from a relative
PIN - Your lover may be attracted to another
PIPE - Peace and comfort
RING - Marriage may be possible in the near future
SCISSORS - Separation
SHOE - Be suspicious of a new acquaintance
SNAKE - Be on guard against an enemy
SPIDER WEB - Pleasant happenings
STAR - Happiness
SUN - Good fortune
TABLE - An abundance of blessings
TREE - A good time for new undertakings
UMBRELLA - Trouble is coming
WALKING STICK - Get out of the house and visit friends
WHEEL - One who has been away will return soon
WITCH - Danger will pass you by
WORM - Business troubles ahead if you are not careful
Candle Wax Divination
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