Introduction to Pyromancy, the Oracle of the Flame
The flame is an apt representation the human spirit: it burns brightly and glows with each piece of encouragement. And, similarly, it can be snuffed out in instant. We seldom forget how dependent we are on that overzealous fireball that we call the Sun or that we merely exist because of that piece of cosmic mayhem that was the Big Bang. And now, fire presents itself with yet another purpose: divination.
Pyromancy, in conjunction with ceromancy and capnomancy, can provide incredibly accurate divination readings; however, it can be practiced on its own as well. It’s also an excellent aid in spirit work as the flame’s movements can help beginners interpret responses and information, much like a pendulum or runes.
Pyromancy is one of those crafts that doesn’t require a heavy investment; in fact, all you need is a candle!
Now, if you’d like, you can utilize incredibly elaborate pillar candles, hand-dipped candles and the like, but simple short dollar-store candles will work just as well for this. I don’t recommend using glass-encased candles unless the glass is clear: you need to be able to analyze the flame with unobscured vision.
Idea: For those of you that are druids, forest/nature witches, or outdoor enthusiasts, you can also interpret controlled fires, such as campfires, on your next excursion. Please do follow applicable laws and be safe.
If the fire splits off into two or more flames, this indicates the presence of others (e.g. spirits, deities or humans) getting involved. If the twin flames rejoin to create a single flame, then there is a reunion with another individual or entity in your future. Continue interpreting the candle’s flame, or supplement with ceromancy or capnomancy, to determine the intentions of the individual.
If the candle does not light, this indicates that the question you wish to ask cannot be answered at this time. Perhaps try again at a later date or ask the question again using different tools, such as:
A candle of a different colour (violet candle versus gold candle)
A candle with a wood wick instead of a fibre wick
A candle that was handmade or hand-poured versus one that was commercial-made
A candle infused with herbs versus a plain candle
A different lighting tool, such as a special lighter or matches
If the candle flame is large or high, it means that there is a lot of power or success heading in your direction. You will encounter little to no resistance in your conquest.
If the candle flame is low, it means that there is discontent or struggle in your future. You will encounter much resistance. Consider casting protection spells or crafting charms to help offset the influence of these forces.
If the flame makes a crackling or popping sound, it indicates that there is a communication issue at present. Perhaps you yourself or someone in your life is speaking ill about another individual or gossiping about them. Perhaps you or a compatriot are failing to communicate issues in a healthy manner and it’s causing unnecessary frustrations and problems. Reflect on the purpose of the candle and your original question to determine which is the case.
Alternatively, if your question regarded another entity or spirit, this could be their way of attempting to communicate with you and establish a connection. Exercise caution, be respectful and listen - you may learn something important.
If the flame flickers, first be certain that a draft is not causing the unusual behaviour. Then, proceed to analyze it with the following:
If the flame pops whilst flickering, then the person will wish to communicate with you and establish a relationship of some kind. If this is a question regarding deities, spirits or which path you will take and the candle flickers, it means that one of those will become very clear to you in the near future. Perhaps a deity or spirit will reach out; perhaps your true path will present itself to you in an unusual and unexpected way. Keep an eye out for such developments.
If the flame bounces or forms a tall spiral, then the individual involved in your question will be affected greatly by your choices and actions moving forward. If you are attempting to send a message, it is getting through. Additionally, if the flame becomes quite tall, consult overly-fast burning and fire hazard interpretations for a more accurate reading.
If the flame flares up and dies down repeatedly, then the individual in question is subconsciously aware of your plans or actions. They may be responding or providing their opinion on the matter, or perhaps fighting back with their own magical efforts.
If you are burning two or more candles marked for specific individuals and the flame leans or bends away from the other, the person is attracted to the individual and wishes to pursue some form of relationship with them. The candle with the taller flame indicates the dominant individual.
Along those same lines, if one candle’s flame actively bends away from the other candle’s flame or diminishes in its presence, then that individual is emotionally repulsed by the other.
If you attempt to blow out the candle and it does not go out, it means that positive outside forces are at work and they do not want you to extinguish the flame. Allow the spirits, deities or individual(s) to complete their work or request for permission to douse the flame (if necessary).
If the entire top of the candle catches fire, it indicates that great turmoil and complications are coming your way. To determine whether or not you will be successful when facing these obstacles, examine the rest of the candle - the wax and soot (ceromancy) and smoke (capnomancy).
If the candle itself is burning up at an alarming or overly-fast rate, it indicates that you will experience success; however, it will be short-lived. This interpretation is taken from ceromancy and is one of the more common things that those practicing pyromancy experience. For additional interpretation:
If you have many candles lit, each for a particular individual, and one person’s candle is burning faster than the others, then that individual will be most affected by the situation in question. However, the influence and outcome will not produce a permanent change.
If one candle burns out hours or days before the others, the interpretation is up to your discretion. Some individuals would conclude that the outcome in question will be positive but temporary whilst others would conclude that the question needs to be asked again because the candle was faulty.
Regarding the previous outcome: it is entirely up to you to decide if you wish to light a new candle for this question. There are no rules regarding this and it’s best to allow your intuition to guide you through the craft. If that means that you use a pendulum above the new candle flame to ask the question, then go for it. Feel the need to use another method of divination, such as cartomancy or aeromancy to supplement the ask? Do it. Everyone has their own unique method(s) of handling unusual responses in divination, so do what feels right to you.
If the flame is tall and calm and produces no soot, a benevolent entity (e.g. spirit, deity) is present. They are here to offer assistance for the problem or issue at hand.
Similarly, if the flame is tall but aggressively flickering in large strokes, a ‘darker’ entity (e.g. spirit, deity) is present. Do not be alarmed for it, too, wishes to assist you in your quest.
If the candle tips over or the flames flare up into a potential fire hazard, then you are going to be faced with a very negative or dire situation. Perhaps someone close to you will pass away or be involved in a very serious accident. Perhaps you will face a battle or struggle immensely with upcoming life events. Perhaps there is danger in your immediate future. Please note that this outcome is based on what you are currently doing in your life. If you are aware of the action(s) creating this negative influence, and you have the ability to change or stop it, please do so.
If the flame goes out while burning, it can be indicative of one of the following:
If the candle has been burning unusually slowly and has gone out, then it means that the outcome you wish for will manifest; however, it will take time to come to fruition.
The Fates have already determined the events before you. This can also occur as a “final note” after you have read and interpreted other behaviours of the flame.
If your question was about prosperity, financial gain or reflection on a situation then it will be met with a negative outcome.
If your question was regarding a negative action towards another that you had intended to do, then you will be opposed by an entity that is protective of them or perhaps the individual in question. Additionally, they could also be reflecting the question or intended spell back onto the caster.
If the flame has gone out while burning and you are relighting it, do so by channeling your intent or saying a small prayer. You may amplify the influence by utilizing herbs, crystals or other tools.
If the flame goes out a second time, this is a sign that you may need to use a stronger tool. Consider amplifying the question with more applicable candles, corresponding tools (e.g. crystals, herbs) or another divination method. Relight the candle and ask again with stronger and more focused intent.
If the flame goes out a third time, then attempt to mend the wick (potential issue) and ask for the blessing of one of your deities or spirit companions. Supplement the candle with additional tools and ask the question again.
If the flame continues to go out, then you need to stop. Take some time to reflect on your question and intent and revisit this at a later date.
If there are burn marks on the glass or wax, it means that you have a nemesis within your group of friends. Perhaps they are someone who poses as your compatriot but acts differently when you are not present, someone that is inclined to tarnish your reputation or someone that intends to make others turn on you and subsequently leave you. The individual could also be casting dark magic upon you in the form of curses, hexes or jinxes. Be alert and weed them out.
A healthy flame can indicate many different things depending on the colour and vibrancy of the centre.
A blazing red centre indicates that you are nearing the centre of the problem or issue to be addressed.
A dim red centre indicates that you will find yourself in a situation where you will have to confront someone about how their behaviour(s) or choices are influencing your livelihood. It is likely that they are unaware of how they are behaving and the situations resulting from it, so do not be aggressive. Instead, approach them with kindness, patience and understanding. Focus on how their actions make you feel and own those feelings - do not blame them. Ignorance is not a crime but an opportunity for someone to learn and grow.
If the wick of the candle starts building a bulb at its tip, then there is an individual actively working against you and keeping you from succeeding in your endeavours.
A lot of blue in the flame indicates that you have individuals or entities working in your favour. The are protecting you from something - perhaps an unfortunate or unhappy outcome.
To extinguish the flame: Use your thumb and index finger to put out the wick, or use a tool such as a candle snuffer. Magical or spiritual candles are never blown out.
Please exercise caution when incorporating candles and fire into any practice and do not leave open flames unattended - especially near flammable objects or if you have pets. Also, as a safety precaution, keep a glass or jug of water (or fire extinguisher, if you have one, nearby in case of emergency.
Use common sense, please and do not practice pyromancy (or any type of craft with fire) in areas of drought. Follow local laws regarding campfires and controlled open flames.
Gifs belong to their respective owners and have been linked to their original posters on Tumblr.
Information has been collected by myself over 20 years of practice. The vast majority of it is from my time as a practitioner in Croatia and has been influenced by Croatia, Serbian, Bosnian and Polish folk magic practices and individuals that I have worked with. The interpretations I have listed above are ones that work consistently for me.
Other interpretations are just as valid and acceptable. Ultimately, pyromancy is simply a practice - you can mold it to your unique Craft and craft interpretations based on what works for you. Results may vary.
I will update the ‘capnomancy’ mentions with links once I have released that lesson.
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