Ceromancy: Divination by Candle Wax
As we have already seen, candles are an esoteric instrument par excellence, both for petitions and spells, as well as for divination. In this article, we will delve a little deeper into divination based on the fall of wax and the remains or "seals" left by the candle when it burns, and the different interpretations.
The first thing to note is that this type of divination is of popular origin. While there are vestiges of ceromancy in ancient times, pouring metals such as lead, or in this case, wax, onto water or other surfaces to see shapes and figures (molybdomancy), divination by the way the wax falls as it melts does not have the same records beyond mentions within superstition, folklore, or traditional witchcraft. Actually, this is not surprising, since, as will be explained right now, the interpretations are not as complex as they seem, but are based on pure observation and reinterpretation based on preconceived ideas and purely cultural issues.
Furthermore, this divination system is designed for use with traditional tall candles or tapers, not with glass candles or more elaborate shapes. Most interpretations are intended for positive or negative, yes or no answers. It is suggested, as always, to light the wick with a match or wooden stick, and ask the question in as calm and focused a state as possible. The person can then return to their daily routine to give the candle time to warm up and melt the wax, and check the result later.
-The speed at which it burns:
If it melts quickly, what you've requested or manifested will soon be fulfilled.
If it melts slowly, what you've requested or manifested has obstacles to overcome and will develop slowly.
-The side toward which the wax falls.
Naturally, following Western thought, if the wax falls on the right side, it will be a positive answer, and if it falls on the left side, it will be a negative answer.
If it pours on both sides, some people interpret the answer based on whichever side falls more, and others consider it an inappropriate time to perform the consultation.
-Tears. The drops that fall from the top, sticking to the side of the candle, are called tears. For a long time, the fact that the candle "wept" was considered a bad sign; however, the quantity and manner in which it did so forced us to investigate further, and today it doesn't simply mean something bad.
If a single tear falls, the speed at which it fell is taken into account. If it falls fluidly and quickly, matters will be resolved in the same way, fluidly and quickly, the solution will come soon, and matters will be resolved. Whether the question is positive or negative depends on the question; for example, if you are inquiring about the health of a person who is in a very serious condition, the "quick" solution may not be what you expected.
However, the very rapid fall of a single tear commonly symbolizes good news.
Conversely, if the tear falls slowly, events will also unfold slowly, and the desired goals will take time to manifest.
If a tear falls and changes direction, it denotes uncertainty, delay, and a lack of support from others in the projects undertaken. Things will not go smoothly; there will be detours, obstacles, and moments of abandonment. The number of deviations and the final shape of the teardrop must be interpreted as a whole to determine whether part of the goal has been achieved or not.
A large teardrop that splits or divides into several more is generally a positive sign. It announces pauses, relaxation, tranquility, and major problems that are resolved and give way to smaller ones. It is considered a good omen in love and family matters.
If they pile up to the end, usually with pauses or several at different heights, it speaks of moments of incapacity and helplessness. There will be too many stressful situations, with no apparent solution, for which one will have to wait.
If they pile up at a medium height, however, solutions will arrive much sooner than expected, the decisions made will be effective, and the problems will soon be over.
If several tears fall, forming one large teardrop, the number must be taken into account, as it will indicate the volume of events, stressful situations, and things to address or solve. If it has accumulated on the right side, you will receive help from family and friends throughout this process, but if it has fallen on the left side, you will have to face all these situations alone.
If the falling wax darkens, usually black due to the wick, or is a different color from the candle that has been lit for any reason, it is commonly interpreted as a sign of danger, a warning. A seemingly normal situation will begin to become cloudy, or has already begun to do so without us realizing it. It may indicate a third party doing something against your wishes and plans, or an external circumstance that has begun to develop and will negatively affect your pre-established plans.
- Wax seals. The wax of a candle rarely burns completely; more often, the wick does not burn to the end and drowns in the melted wax, thus always leaving a quantity of the base wax unburned. To interpret these wax remains, we follow somewhat the idea of reading the shapes of molybdomancy, whether they are geometric or animal shapes, objects, etc., or concepts and ideas that the person gives to certain figures that are formed. There is a certain unity about some of these silhouettes, as there are certain repetitive patterns in the way the candles melt. To obtain wax seals, it is common to place a clear material underneath, be it the container itself, a case, a piece of paper, etc., to read the seal left behind when the wax is removed. In this case, any type of candle would work, not just elongated ones. In fact, the most commonly used with this system are offering or tea lights.
Regarding the shapes that the wax can leave, the meanings are generally quite similar to those seen in other systems such as tasseomancy. Here are some general points:
- Animals: usually with specific symbolism, but this also depends on the person's relationship with them (for example, pets, fears, totems, etc.).
- Birds: Renewal, freedom, good news (except for birds of ill omen)
- Crow: betrayal, failure, death
- Vulture: someone with bad intentions lurking around, death
- Owl: illness, convalescence, but also meditation, loneliness
- Fish and marine animals: meeting people, opportunities
- Fish (typical form): spirituality
- Dolphin: companionship, friendship, pregnancies
- Turtle: security, money
- Octopus: rewards at work
- Land animals: security, stability
- Horse: movement, travel
- Bull: strength, success
- Deer: spirituality
- Wolf: the core of friendships or family is relevant at this time
- Cat: independence is needed, need for freedom
- Dog: help from someone faithful
- Snake: renewal
- Other animals of bad omen or that frighten the person: dangers, warnings
- Insects: nosy people, gossip, various small problems, work (except for (which we explain below)
- Spider or cobweb: When the wax disperses in small threads in all directions, it is considered a positive sign; everything is well secured and controlled.
- Butterfly: Transformation, positive changes, growth
- Moth: Spiritual transformation, changes, obstacles
- Bee: Much work to be done, need for help
- Buildings: These define the development of a person's purpose and their state of mind. For example, if you see a large house, there are good expectations, but if you see a small one, the possibilities are limited. Likewise, if you feel that it is new or old, etc.
- House (standard form): Stability, family.
- Castle: The person is withdrawing into themselves, attacks.
- Palaces: Success, meetings, celebrations
- Tower: Loneliness and isolation.
-Trees and plants: These indicate the development of a person, the personal growth of their goals, as well as their surroundings.
- Trees: Growth, fruits of labor; if they are dry or withered, changes.
- Flowers: In general, achieving goals, good times, health.
- Sunflower: Abundance
- Objects: This depends on what the specific object symbolizes for that person, as each person has memories or situations that they associate with it. Among other general meanings, we can find:
- Tools: Work, effort
- Weapons: Arguments
- Vehicles: Movement, travel
- Chests, boxes: Something hidden
- Keys: Gossip
- Letters: Message, positive if upright, and negative if upside down. The letter will relate to something the person was asking about.
- Simple shapes:
- Dots: Movement, travel
- Square: Positive meaning, balance, success
- Rectangle: Luck, changes, improved finances and health
- Circle: Starting over, obstacles, problems, lack of support, unfinished business
- Ring: It differs from a circle because the wax doesn't touch the center. It announces a good outcome, success, and good relationships.
- Sun: It can be confused with a spider's web, but here the rays are shorter or thicker. It is a sign of victory and good luck.
- Half-moon: The wax does not touch the center, symbolizing a lack of energy, improvements with setbacks, a need to reorganize, and changes.
- Semicircle or fan: It differs from the half-moon because there is no gap between the candle and the wax. It announces surprises, something unexpected.
- Wavy shapes: Distraction, lack of concentration, procrastination, need for outside help.
- Needles: Loose, thin, and pointed lines. They announce danger.
In another system of wax divination, it is recommended to place a piece of paper on the table or floor, light the candle, hold it horizontally, close your eyes, and let the melted wax fall onto the paper, forming a pattern. Either method is valid, although analyzing the wax remains is compatible with having previously read the wax fall, while the second method already affects the inclination and would not be valid for interpreting where the melted wax falls "naturally."
Of course, pouring the wax over water would be another valid system, and one that has been used in multiple cultures since ancient times. The difference is that while on paper or wax remains a silhouette, that is, a flat shape, is examined, in water the wax penetrates slightly before solidifying, forming three-dimensional figures. The interpretation of these figures will depend on both the diviner and the client, as some prefer to analyze them as they see them from outside the water, and others take out the cooled figures to move them until they find an angle at which they identify a clearer shape.
Pietro V. Carracedo Ahumada - pietrocarracedo@gmail.com
Bibliography:
- Grimassi, R. - Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications, Minnesota, 2003
-Mohn, M. Lo que dicen las velas al arder. Ed. Karma 7, 2001
Related articles:
> Candles and Their Esoteric Use
> Tasseomancy: Divination through tea grounds