#capromancy
Versatile tools in divination, candles are multi-useful and can be used for three different types on divination… given that the environment is condusive to working. Taking out any mundane disturbances such as wind, irregular wick lengths, oils and wax colorants, remembering that not everything is a sign, candles can be interprested in a number of ways.
-Capromancy, divination by smoke.
-Ceromancy, divination by wax.
-Pyromancy, divination by fire.
Starting with Capromancy…
A lot of smoke coming from a burning candle is neither a good or bad sign. It means that the element of communication and observation, Air, is present. It means that you need to use your mind and eyes to read the situation yourself. Watch the smoke and see what more may come of the working.
Thick, Black Smoke coming from your candle says that negative energies are present in the work space, bad energies are opposing the work being done, or there is some other conflict present. Cleanse yourself and the work space before trying again.
White Smoke is a good sign when working spells or divining for answers. It means good things are coming or your spellwork was successful.
Smoke coming toward you can be a good thing, depending on context. If you’re working a blessing or trying to attract something, this can mean that you’re getting positive results. However, if you’re working curses or hexes, this can mean that you’re not hitting the intended target or you won’t be able to escape responsibility for your work.
Smoke going away from you is also dependent on context for meaning. It can mean energies moving outword, symbolizing something not quite within reach. When working influential magicks, such as healing, blessings, manipulation, it can mean that the smoke is travelling and working toward your goal. Watch to make sure it’s on track.
Soot in a jar candle is a common occurence, although some can use the amount and location of soot as another way to tell if a working has been successful or not. A little amount of candle soot only around the top of the jar means that any opposition has been overcome. If it covers the entire jar above the wax and wick, the spell needs to be reworked. White soot can mean spirits are aiding in the completion on the working.
Moving on to Ceromancy…
When your candle burns and forms a crater with tall walls of wax around it, this means that the energies forming the spell have been blocked. The energies weren’t strong enough to overcome barriers. Maybe try again at a different time.
If your candle burns quickly it can mean that excited energies are working to complete the spell quickly. Use the melted wax to read the shapes and divine other messages you may be receiving.
If the wax falls down only one side it can mean something about you or the spell was off balance. Thinking about left brain and right brain, you can figure out what may be off balance by what side the wax dripped down. Left side could be an emotional or psychic imbalance, whereas the right side could be your own personal beliefs or reservations getting in the way. The results of the working will be incomplete.
If the wax forms waterfalls it can mean that while the working has been successful, there may be trouble along the path. Strife, tears, hard work.. this is more likely if the structures remain even after the candle has burned out completely.
If you find little bits of debris in your candle, it means you need to look out for unintended consequences of your spell. There will be clean up and loose ends to take care of.
If there are no wax drips, CONGRATS. Everything went as planned!
If the candle has a chaotic end such as an explosion, the jar breaks, or really anything else off the wall, the spell just isn’t going to work. Cleanse your space and yourself, and let it go until you find out why.
If the candle wax forms shapes after burning, use your intuition to decide what those may mean. There’s no truly universal list of correspondences to say for sure what they mean. These lists are more of a guideline.
Finally,Pyromancy!
If your candle just won’t light it means that the spell you’re trying to use won’t yield the results you need or even work at all. The outcome may have already been decided or it’s simply out of your hands. Use this time to either divine what may be blocking you or refocus your intention altogether. If you’re trying to divine an answer to a question, this can mean that now is not the right time to ask.
If the candle goes out the work is complete. The energies are working out in the world. Alternatively, it could mean that a stronger, opposing force has put an end to whatever manifestation you may be working toward. Either way, leave it be. if it goes out before you get an answer to a question, it can mean that now isn’t the right time to ask.
If your candle won’t go out it’s a sign that you missed a message or you’re not done. There is more to the answer that you need to hear. Revisit your work for some time and when you feel it’s been settled, try again to extinguish the flame.
If the flame on your candle is small, it means that the energy you’ve put into your spell is weak, or it’s simply not the right time. It will flicker and bend, ultimately don’t expect favorable results. If the flame drowns in the wax and goes out, that’s a telltale sign it won’t work this time. In a yes/no scenario, this is a no.
A small but steady flame seeks patience and focus. It’s a good sign your spell will work, although not as swiftly as you might have hoped for. If the flame grows, it means the energy working behind the spell is also growing. If the flame stays low and you’re asking a yes or no question, this is a no.
Atall and strong flame means powerful energies are working toward the goal. Expect a quick and positive result. Similarly, a good clean burn, although boring, means positive results as expected, though not as quickly. When seeking a yes or no answer, this is a strong yes.
Apopping candle flame and uneven burn can signify interference or communication from spirits or energies that are working against you. Try to refocus your energies or concentrate your intention and energy. If the resistance feels too great, cease the work and try again later. A dancing or popping flame when asking a question means you need to refocus and ask again. It can also mean there isn’t a simple yes or no for your answer. A violently flickering flame is a STRONG no and a warning.
Adual flame means you need to wait for your answer just a bit longer. There’s some thinkng involved. A flame leaning to the left means yes, and a flame leaning to the right means no.
Ablue or blue-white flame is rare, but can signify angelic or faery presence. Higher, divine beings have taken an interest in your work. Red or yellow flames mean a more mundane, though still strong, energy is fueling the spell.
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