Jessie Taylor
Candle reading, or ceromancy, is a divination art that has been used for thousands of years to gain spiritual insight. It involves observing the way a candle burns and interpreting the shapes of wax puddles to understand the direction of a ritual, the presence of otherworldly ancestors, or the energetics of a room. Before performing a candle reading, it is important to set an intention and focus on it. It is also crucial to ensure your space is clean and clear of negative energy. When performing a reading, you can use a glassless votive candle for a shorter reading or a taller, upright candle for a longer reading with more apparent wax patterns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Votive candle for a shorter reading, or a taller, upright candle for a longer reading |
| Candle placement | On a flat, heat-safe surface, such as a cast-iron pan, mirror, plate, or baking sheet |
| Preparation | Tidy and cleanse your space with meditation, burn sage, or use incense |
| Intention | Set an intention for the reading, such as a question or a general reading of your energy |
| Focus | Visualize your intention and write it down on a piece of paper |
| Scrying | Fill a bowl or dish with water and place it in front of you or on the floor if you're sitting in the lotus position |
| Reading | Light the candle and observe the flame, wax puddles, and leftover wax |
| Interpretation | Use your intuition to interpret the shapes of wax puddles and the direction of wax flow |
| Cratered candle | Indicates something is blocking your intention, such as the energy or your emotions |
| Curling wax | Signifies a strong will and the power to manifest your intentions |
| Wick crumbs | Signifies that success will come with baggage or challenges |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your space and materials
Preparing your space and materials is an important step in candle reading. Firstly, ensure you have a tidy and cleansed space to work in. This is not only a safety precaution but also ensures the energy is right for the reading. Clear any negative energy in the room by meditating on positive thoughts or burning sage to smudge and purify the space.
Next, gather the supplies you need for your candle wax reading session. You will require water, a scrying dish, a candle, matches, paper, and a pencil. For the water, you can use tap or fresh water, and it should be cool or at room temperature. For the scrying dish, use a cup, bowl, or shallow dish made from natural materials such as ceramic or glass. Avoid using plastic or aluminium containers.
Now, find a flat, heat-safe surface to place your candle. Some people use cast-iron pans, mirrors, plates, or baking sheets. It is recommended to use a fresh candle, but a used one will also work. Place your candle on the surface, ensuring it is sturdy and flat, and that you don't mind covering it with wax.
Before you begin your reading, take a few minutes to meditate and set the mood for quiet reflection. Write down your question or intention on a piece of paper. If you are using a water-filled dish, you can place it outdoors under the moonlight to soak up lunar energies, and then do your reading in the early morning sunlight. Alternatively, fill your scrying dish with water and place it on a table or on the floor if you prefer to sit in the lotus position.
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Set your intention
Setting your intention is a crucial part of a candle reading. It is important to enter any divination with a specific goal in mind. This will help you focus your energy and gain clarity on a particular issue or question.
Take some time to sit quietly with your thoughts and reflect on what you want from the reading. Close your eyes and contemplate the purpose of this ritual. Are you seeking an answer to a specific question, such as "Will I find love soon?" Or are you looking for a general reading of your energy and the surrounding energies? It is important to be clear and concise in your intention-setting.
Once you have decided on your intention, it is a good idea to write it down on a piece of paper. This helps to externalize your intention and focus its energies. You can also use this paper to write down any questions you have, which will further guide your reading. If you are performing a moon ritual, you can tie this paper to the candle with twine, invoking the energy of the moon to guide your reading.
Before lighting the candle, take a moment to relax and clear your mind. Focus on your breath and let go of any distractions or worries. Visualize the outcome you desire from the reading and hold that intention in your mind as you light the candle. Keep your intention at the forefront of your mind throughout the reading to guide your interpretation of the signs and symbols that emerge.
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Light the candle
To begin a candle reading, you must first gather your supplies. You will need water, a scrying dish, a candle, matches, paper, and a pencil. The water should be cool or room temperature, and you can use tap or fresh water. For the scrying dish, you can use a cup, bowl, or shallow dish made from natural materials such as ceramic or glass. Avoid using plastic or aluminium containers.
Once you have your supplies, find a clean, flat, heat-safe surface to place your candle on. This surface should be somewhere you don't mind getting covered in wax, as drippings may occur. Some people use cast-iron pans, mirrors, plates, or baking sheets.
Now, you must prepare yourself and your space for the reading. Meditate for a few minutes to set the mood for quiet reflection and clear any negative energy in the room by meditating on positive thoughts. If you wish, burn sage to smudge and purify the space.
With your space prepared, you can now light your candle. As you do so, relax your mind and remember to keep your intention in mind. Your intention is the goal for your wax reading, which you should decide on beforehand. It could be a general reading of your energy, or you could be seeking an answer to a specific question. You can write your intention down on a piece of paper to externalize it and focus its energies.
With your candle lit, you can now begin your reading. Observe the candle flame and the wax as it burns. The way your candle burns can indicate how successful your spell has been, how much energy is going into it, and how likely it is that you will receive what you ask for.
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Observe the flame
Observing the flame is an important part of candle reading. The flame's behaviour, colour, height, movement, and smoke can all be interpreted to provide insights into one's life. Here are some things to consider when observing the flame:
Colour
The colour of the flame is one of the most important aspects to observe. Traditionally, a candle flame is associated with a warm, golden glow. However, the flame can often appear in various hues, with yellow, orange, blue, and white being the most prevalent colours. Each colour holds a distinct meaning. For example, a yellow flame represents clarity of mind and positive thinking, while a blue flame indicates the presence of spiritual energy.
Movement and Behaviour
Pay attention to how the flame moves and behaves. A steady flame indicates focus, stability, and strong energy, suggesting that your spell is taking hold. On the other hand, a flickering or dancing flame may suggest a spirit's presence or shifting energy. If the flame jumps or flickers erratically, it could be a sign of hesitation or unpredictable energy, indicating that you should proceed with caution.
Height and Intensity
The height and intensity of the flame can provide insights into the energy behind your spell. A tall, bright flame indicates a lot of energy, suggesting that barriers to your success are falling away. Conversely, a small, low flame could indicate a lack of energy or a need for patience and focus. If the flame increases in size during your working, it means that the energy behind the spell is growing.
Smoke
Smoke produced by the candle can also carry symbolic meaning. Abundant smoke indicates the presence of the element of Air, representing communication and observation. Pay attention to the shape, colour, timing, and movement of the smoke. White smoke is considered a blessing, while black smoke may signify negative energy or conflict.
Personal Intuition
While these are some general guidelines for interpreting candle flames, it's important to combine observation with your personal intuition. The signs and omens you interpret from candle reading are deeply personal and individual. Trust your instincts and allow your methods of interpretation to evolve over time.
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Interpret the wax puddles
Interpreting wax puddles is a primary method of candle reading. The shapes and their meanings are largely up to the interpreter, but there are some common interpretations. For example, a heart shape may indicate that love is on the way, while a coffin shape may indicate success in burning a candle against a nemesis. A resting bird may indicate a fortunate journey ahead, while a flying bird indicates good things to come.
In the Mexican magical tradition, long serpent-like strings indicate evil intent being neutralized, and a repeat of the spell is probably required. Flat wavy papery remains with two claw-like projections are read as scorpions, indicating malicious gossip and backbiting that is being neutralized. Twisted pillars of wax, bizarre shapes, or monsters indicate turbulence, and further healing is required.
The direction of the wax flow can also be significant. For example, if the wax flows in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, it may indicate the direction of energy or the movement of time. If the wax cascades down the candle in a waterfall-like pattern, it can indicate change or a reversal of circumstances.
It is important to note that candle reading is a highly subjective practice, and one may form their own interpretations of the messages in the wax. Intuition and personal significance play a crucial role in interpreting wax puddles.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a candle, water, a scrying dish, matches, paper, and a pencil. It is also important to ensure you have a clean and tidy space to work in.
Before you begin, take a few minutes to meditate and clear your mind. You may also wish to write down your intentions or questions on a piece of paper.
The way a candle burns can indicate different things. For example, a candle that burns all the way down without any remaining wax indicates good fortune, whereas leftover wax suggests unfinished business. The direction of wax flow is also significant: clockwise indicates positive energies, and counterclockwise suggests blocked energies.
A split flame could indicate that something is blocking your intention. It may be that the energy is not right for the reading, or your emotions are not steady enough for a clear interpretation. Try again later when you feel more relaxed and clear-headed.
