Fire has always been and elemental source that fascinates our minds.
There’s just something mysteriously alluring with the movement and flickering of flames that captures our attention. Yet it is linked to danger for obvious reasons.
Something so magical that should only be observed from a safe distance or you risk putting your safety at risk.
Go take part in a campfire and you’d soon be in awe of the beauty and natural destructive power of fire.
It’s no exaggeration to say that fire, or flames, is a mood-changer.
Go to a restaurant or bar with lighted candles and you will experience the ambience for yourself. Businesses understand this so much that some use artificial or fake fire decorations to create that same feeling of mystic to draw in patrons.
Fire has the ability to turns objects into ash and dust.
One spiritual belief is that this “transports” the object into another dimension. Which is why the burning of offerings is a common practice in various rituals and religions.
In a way, fire is seen as the gateway to another world.
The connection of fire with the spiritual realm was recognized by the ancient Greeks. And they stumbled upon a method of candle reading divination called lychnomancy.
While we generally label this as candle reading, the feature that is closely scrutinized is actually the flame.
And even though lychnomancy is able to take a variety of open-ended questions, it is more effective for divining closed questions.
This is because interpretation of open-ended answers will require the asker (or candlescryer) to be knowledgeable with Greek symbolism. It’s a method designed by them after all.
Whereas if you are seeking a Yes/No response, the answers you get will be more clear cut.
Methodology of practice
Firstly, do take fire hazard precautions. You really shouldn’t be trying any of this if you don’t give fire the respect it demands.
Use a room with either low lighting or dark with the light switched off.
Prepare 4 candles, mark out a triangle perfectly equal on all 3 sides on a table, place 1 candle at each of the corners, and the final one at the center space. The centerpiece can be a larger candle or one in a different color if you want.
Be mindful that when they are too close, wind can cause the flames of a candle to start burning another candle beside it. So do keep a good distance of maybe a forearm length for the sides of the triangle.
The reason why you want to lay them on a table instead of on the floor is that the correct observation point is to have the center flame at eye level about six feet away. In modern practice, many have ignored following this criteria.
The flame of the central candle is where you will be focusing your sight at.
After lighting the candles, get into your position where the center candle’s flame would be at your eye level.
Relax your muscles starting from your forehead, and all the way down to your toes.
When you are ready and in state, ask your question and gaze through the flame as if you are looking at something that is behind it.
If you have asked a closed question,
- A sudden burst of brightness would be interpreted as a positive answer
- A sudden dimming would be perceived as a negative reply
- A flickering flame would mean a journey of ups and downs, but success is still possible
- A flame that gets snuffed out signifies a very bad omen
- A flame that leans towards one side means that disruptive change is inevitable
- A flame that tries to reach higher represents serious adversity
If you have requested for an open answer, you will have to gaze into the flame for a little longer. All the while still being in state.
At this point, it’s worth mentioning that the longer the period you gaze into the flame, the more likely that you are going to “lose” yourself.
And you could started seeing things and movement in the periphery of your vision.
Don’t be distracted. One sudden eye movement to the left or right can mean a wasted trip.
It take a lot of practice to be immerse in that state, yet be able to focus and observe the flame. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t seem to get it right. You eventually will with practice.
By staring at the candle flame, what you are looking for is the appearance of shapes, symbols, characters, etc. They could be in outline or even a picture that pops into your head.
What you see in the observation contains the essence of the answer to your question.
In modern practice of candle reading, Greek symbolism is not used exclusively. The symbolism of the asker’s culture is often used instead.