Lychnomany and Capromancy

These are fairly quick subjects because it's rather cut and dry, but they're still very important to at least know about. If you ever get a chance, I highly suggest that you work this into your witchy repertoire.

Lychnomancy

This is lighting a candle and gazing into the flame to divine. You can use the same images, but these ones, in my experience, tend to be more mobile and play out in a story. I don't do this often because I have toddlers and this takes a large amount of concentration and you must be in a place where you won't be disturbed. Make sure there isn't a lot of air flow that could disrupt the flame or cause a misreading. With this I prefer a taper because they're a decent medium size where I can carve into it what my question or intent is and also do an herbal rub. 

Here is a simple spell to practice your flame gazing:

Set up three candles in a triangle shape. They should not touch or be too close to one another, so at least two to three inches away from each other. Turn out all other lights and light the candles using the same match. Ask one question at a time while gazing about 6 inches BEHIND the candles. 

If one flame starts to reach higher than the other two, the answer is yes. If two reach higher, then the answer is no. 

If one flame wavers, or bends, it means there is a journey ahead. If more than one wavers, then there will be a long journey. This could mean physical, psychic, emotional, or developmental depending on your question. 

If a flame spirals then someone is working against you. Two flames is a group of people. This could also indicate some pitfalls or obstacles you have to overcome. Ask more questions to be sure. 

If a flame rises and falls, it indicates danger if you're not asking a yes or no.

If a candle sparks, then it's telling you to be cautious.

If one blows out in its own, then there;s bad luck down the road.

If one shines more brightly than the others, then there is good luck ahead. 

Capromancy

Reading the smoke is pretty cut and dry.

If it blows towards you, then your prayer or spell will be accepted and worked in your favor.

If it blows away, then there are obstacles to overcome. However (!), if you're doing this for someone else, it could mean that the smoke is traveling to them. Watch for speed and distance.

If it wafts to the left, then you're too emotionally invested and could sabotage the outcome.

If it wafts right, then you should rely more on your head to pursue the situation.

You can also read smoke the same way you do flame gazing. This is best done with an open fire, though so that you can see clearly and get the best results.

Here is the Complete Candle Magick Course so far.

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Wax Reading

There are two ways you can read wax. The first is using the melted formations from candle spells and the other is using a scrying bowl. I'll be using some of my customer's images from the spell kits I sell, so the information will be limited and generalized for this post.

Melted Wax Reading

In the previous post we talked about how the candle melted as being a way to determine the main outcome of a spell. This is specifically for candle that are not in a jar, mainly because when you melt a full jar candle there's not supposed to be any wax left. However, when you use free standing candles, such as the male and female candles or the 7 knot candle, it'll burn down and leave a mess of the wax. In that mess is usually images, just like in Tasseography (which we'll start in the coming weeks). I, personally, use the same image meanings in both and have found them to be accurate. Placement of the image also has significance. All images on the left are in the past, the middle is present, and the right pertain to the future. Those at the "top", or the area furthest away from you, are emotional and the bottom is actual events in the person's life.

 In this image we see a balloon. It's not quite shaped correctly for a penis, though at first glance that might be what you're thinking. As a reader, you must study the images and work with what comes to you. Since the image is mainly to the left, this is dealing with a past issue. You'll also notice that this is a larger image and spans most of that side and it's moving from the emotional area to the physical event area. I, personally, read that to mean that they had tried to hope for things to get better and then attempted to make it happen in their life around them as well. They had really put the effort into the relationship to repair it or just to make it happy.

On this side of the image we can make out two faces, one is looking almost up, and the other is a side profile. This is usually seen when two people are lying down on a bed together or one is sitting in the other's lap, both are loving gestures. So from this being depicted in the bottom right, we can assume that the spell is going to bring them back together and have them closer than before in a physical way. So the hard work put in the past seems to be paying off for them in the future.









I'll post a complete list of symbols for reference in your studies. I like using this type of reading because it gives me more insight into the outcome of the spell as well as the issues surrounding it. In one reading I had a genital pop up in the physical past and asked if the client had cheated. Tuns out they had and this changed the entire approach to the Bring Back My Lover spell. And, yes, the gender of the genitalia can be significant. Your clients or even yourself are not always going to be so open to what the actual situation is and may not disclose all the important information, usually not on purpose. Sometimes we just don't want to admit the truth. Different people will see different things, so I find it best to determine the images yourself, though some say a fresh pair of eyes may be a great help.

Scrying with Wax

You'll use the same images in this type of wax reading, but how you go about it is a bi different. You'll need a scrying bowl. Some people opt for the black marble, but that's a little expensive for my taste, so I use just a plain white stoneware, which is clay based. You can use a black one or really any color play you like. You can even fashion your own from a salt dough and carve into it divination symbols and really make it your own. I've actually been debating on making one myself. The point is, just make sure your scrying bowl is made from all natural materials and don't use it for anything other than scrying. Use purified water because tap water can contain chemicals that interfere with the wax. Be in an area where there isn't a lot of moving air, like a fan or an open window. 

For the candle you can go all out and carve in sigils or symbols, use an oil (I would recommend an herbal rub), and choose a corresponding color, or just stick with an all purpose white candle or colored candle if you have one. In the video I used one of my left over chime candles, but it was also just so you could clearly see the wax. I wouldn't suggest a large or figure candle for this. Maybe something a little bigger than a chime and be ready to hold it for a while.

The photo was deleted by accident, but I'll do another and will post that outcome so you can see it looks like when it's done. Here is the Complete Candle Magick Course so far.




© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame Images are owned by The Devil and The Dame

How to Read a Flame

This particular part of candle magick can be described as moderately difficult. I can't really put up a video of  what exactly to look for, but I'll see if I can find something to at least demonstrate what to look for.

Now, flame reading, or ceromancy is used to basically read how a flame is reacting or burning during a spell. There is another form called lychnomancy where you literally gaze into the flame or a fire and use it to scry. I have done this successfully, but again it's not something I can demonstrate, so I'll try my best to describe it in full.

Ceromancy

First and foremost, make sure where you are burning your candle is safe and does not have any form of wind or air blowing. In this case, I would even suggest turning off any fans in the room and maybe even closing vents depending on how high your air conditioner is and how strong it pushes the air out. Using a glass or encased candle won't make much of a difference in how it burns or on how to read a flame. However, if you plan on reading the wax, using a free standing candle is preferable. Always make sure you're doing the spell on the right day, at the right time (if possible), and for the right amount of time. A longer burning candle is used to for long term results or to get over more complex issues. A smaller burning candle, like votives or tea lights, are for quick and easy remedies or prayers.

Throughout this post we will mention blockages, these can be from outside sources or it can be you, yourself, sabotaging the work. Always look at the other signs to correctly read this so you can address the issue the right way. 

Reading the Flame

If the candle has problems being lit, it possible you're doing the wrong kind of spell and should look into the situation better, then choose another path or type of spell. If it goes out during the spell, then the outcome is already determined and cannot be changed, or you have received what you asked for before the spell is through.

Also, if you can't blow the candle out or extinguish it, that means the spirits or Gods are not done working the spell yet. Let it burn a little longer if  you can or ask for permission to put it out and relight it at a later time so it can continue.

If you're trying to split a couple up , you usually use either a duel wicked candle, like a married couple, or two separate figure candles. As they burn and both flames continue to burn throughout, then they won't separate. If one goes out or burns down first, then separation is likely.

Now in some cases of attracting a lover you'll use just one candle; mainly for general love work and not a specific person or trying to repair a split or current couple. If you're burning a candle and a flame comes out of the wax then the spell worked. If the two flames meet and become one again, then it'll be soon.

Another way to read this is if that single flame splits itself off into it's own, meaning going away instead of coming in. This would mean another person is involved or there's a spirit near by. Now, this can depend one 1) the type of spell work you're doing and 2) which type of candle you're using. For instance, if you're trying to contact the other side, then something is present and trying to reach you. If you're using two candles for a love spell, this could indicate an affair or interest in another person. It can also indicate a separate issue arising. Use your own judgement and insight when this happens.

Sometimes when you do a spell for other people or even yourself you'll hear a crackle or pop sound. This means that a spirit is trying to communicate with you or that there's some insight about the situation you need to know. I usually pull out my tarot and do quick readings to see where the conversation leads. You can also scry at this time using the actual flame since that's what they're communicating though or any other form of spirit communication you're comfortable with. There are also cases of it being the person you're doing a spell for is talking about you in some way. This would depend on the spell you're using and also any other signs the flame or candle is giving off.

If the flame flickers and you're using a devotional or a request from the Gods type of spell candle, then your petitions to the Gods will be heard. If you're trying to contact the other side for any reason, this is also a sign that spirits are near.

If the wick starts to build up or form a ball, there is some kind of blockage. Watch to see if this build up follows the wick down and how long it takes before its burned through. If the candle burns out and it's still there, then you need to try another way to first overcome or deal with this person or issue.

Length of the flame and color is also important. A nice, tall flame indicates that there is power behind the spell. If it is low or barely burning, you'll probably need a cleansing or there's a bloackage. If it's extra tall and thin, but doesn't produce smoke or soot, then you're in the presence of a benevolent spirit. If the flame color seems a little dark, or the flame appears to be acting aggressively, then the spirit is darker, but that doesn't mean it's there for an evil purpose. In both instances they're there to assist you. If the core is a normal healthy color (red center, slight blue lining, and a yellow outside), then the Gods are working are diligently. If the red core seems bigger, then the Gods are already at the heart of the matter. A dim core means that the motivations are not necessarily truthful. If there's a large blue lining, the outcome may not be favorable.

Reading Encased Candles

When you prepare a candle and place the herbs at the top, light it, and the entire top catches on fire, then the Gods are needing all of the energy from them to make the spell work. This is likely due to some serious bloackage being caused by outside influence. Also, if the herbs and such are not sticking to the glass (if you're using a jar) then the Gods are saving them for the end. You should look to other signs to determine what's happening and if it's going to be successful.

If it burns clean from beginning to end, the outcome is favorable.

If there is black soot or the glass blackened, then there is an obstacle. If its only down about half way and clears at the bottom, then the obstacle is overcome. If it's only at the bottom, then there's some blockage. 

If it's white soot however, its a good sign that you are being cleansed or blessed especially when you work a protection or uncrossing spell. It could also indicate the presence of a spirit or Gods if the soot is only at the bottom. However, if the white soot only goes all the way down, you will need another cleansing. If it's half way down, then it was successful. 

Now if the soot is only seen on one side of the candle, then you did the wrong spell, used the wrong herbs, or the spirits or Gods were not happy with the candle.

Sometimes, you can just get a poorly made candle or the glass isn't heat safe. Make sure the wick appears to be centered. If it's not and you burn it, you'll start to see scorch marks and the glass may break. If this is the case, you'll have to use another candle. 

However(!), if you're burning a candle and it cracks without there being any evidence of the candle being made wrong and the glass is indeed heat safe, then that means there was blockage. If it doesn't break off, shatter, or chip, then the spell was protected and worked. I would still not continue using this candle. If the glass does break, then the blockage did stop your spell from working. You'll either need something stronger or to first work a spell to protect yourself and end any work being done against you or your services.

I'll talk about lychnomancy in detail this next candle magick post because it's a lot of information and I'll also include an easy spell. We'll talk about free standing candles later because most of it has to do with reading wax. Here is the Complete Candle Magick Course so far.

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame Image is free stock.

Herbal Dressing, Sigils, and Symbols

This week we will be discussing what goes on the outside (or in) your candle. These items paired with color meanings will only solidify your intent.

First we have herbal dressing. This is rather a quick one since it's pretty easy. You check up on the correspondences of herbs, plants, and resins, then find the ones that pair best with your intent. I find that both store bought and the "all naturally grown" work the same. I haven't had one do better or worse in any of my spells. So, yes, you can run into your local grocery store and pick up what they have on the shelf. Organic is also a personal choice. I've been on a budget and bought from the dollar tree before. Now, you work it into the candle two different ways, or both if you want to. You can either slightly melt the wax and pour some of it out (best done with jars), add your herbs, and then add the wax back. Just don't over fill it and don't use too many herbs either as it can start a fire. The second way is to rub an oil on to the candle and then roll the candle in the herbal mixture. Of course with this, the herbs are best stuck on if they're ground and the candle works best if it's not in a jar. Burn with care! Never leave the room with it going, and don't burn an herbal candle for longer than an hour or two. Safety is always first.

Sigils:
You can you use either pre-designed sigils like Runes, or make your own.  There are HUNDREDS of sigils that are passed down through different pagan religions, so don't feel ashamed by using them. I often use Old Germanic and Alchemy sigils. The only time I really make my own is if I can't find one that sticks out or I'm doing something very personal.

If you would like to know how to make your own sigils, follow this quick tutorial. (I'll make a video and link so it's easier to understand for others.)

Let's say your intent is to get a down payment for a house. To get this down payment you need some overtime and you need to budget your money better. This is a rather complex and very specific situation and you're unlikely to find your ancestors talking about down payments and over time. So write out your intent.

I will receive over time and budget my money to save for a house down payment.

                Go through and remove any and all repetitive letters.

I w l  rec  v  o    t m  and bu g    y          s    f     h          p      .
           
                 Now bring them together and stare.

iwlrecvotmandbugysfhp

                    There's a lot here so let's remove the vowels.

wlrcvtmndbgsfhp

                     Still quite a bit, but you can make this work! Obviously a lot of these letters can be combined to form the other letters, v is in w, a b is a p and a d, l also go into the b and d, n, into m, etc so remove those easily combined.

wrmdgsf

        I removed h,because if you extend the handle of the m, it's an h with an extra hump. All of a sudden, we have a very workable few. You could even go as far to remove the w, since upside down its an m.

From here, arrange them in a pattern that speaks to you. Watch the video for clarity on this part and the like letters.

Now, on to symbols. I separated this from the sigils, because symbols are different. To me I think of symbols as a heart, star, dollar signs, happy faces, anything that's more of a picture meant to represent something obvious. Using the same example above, you can even just simplify the entire process by drawing a piggy bank with a dollar symbol in it and both of those inside a house. Much less personal, but easy and effective.

All of these can be used together in a very powerful combination that allow you to focus and direct your intent better than just thinking about it while a candle burns. By using all of these it's almost like a permanent and unwavering intent, even if your mind wonders, like mine always does. I hope this helps you on your journey through candle magick. Always post any questions and concerns you may have.

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  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame - Rune Chart image from Norse Mythology for Smart People - Video and other images are my property.

Candle Magick - Anointing Oils

Anointing oils come in two forms: infusions and essentials.

Infusions are oils that you make yourself or buy from a seller (such as myself). You use a carrier oil, usually olive or grape, and measure out what amount of oil you plan on making; ie, 8 ounces or 10 ml. 
Infusions are shelf stable for up to a year when stored correctly, so if it's something you use a lot of, you can make a large batch, or you can make many little batches throughout the year. Place this oil into a mason jar or other well sealed glass. Glass doesn't allow air to flow through easily like plastic, so they last longer. 
Make sure the glass is large enough to hold  the herbs and the oil, so it'll need to be larger than what you plan on making. The amount of herbs you use it usually 1/4-1/2 the amount of oil. So if you're making rose oil, you can use 1 ounce of rose petals and 4 ounces of oil because roses are more fragrant naturally. Though, you can make it as fragrant as you like. If you're using dried herbs, spices, or plants, you'll need to use 2 ounces of dried for every 4 ounces of oil. This is because they have lost a good bit of their fragrance. 
Once you have mixed the oil and herbs, place it on your altar and ask the Gods to bless it in the way you normally consecrate your items.
Let it sit on your altar for 7 days. Some herbs can be consecrated in the sun and/or moon depending on its purpose. You can always pull out the oils at a later date and charge/cleanse them on your altar, in the moon, or sun throughout the year.
After the 7 days, take a piece of cheese cloth and strain out the herbs. You can place it over the current jar, and then pour the new infused oil into another jar. If you do not remove the herbs, the infusion will rot over time.
When using an infusion, you can add herbs to the portion you plan on rubbing onto a candle, sachet, or other magickal working.
The upside to infusions is that they are made with a specific purpose, by your hands or another's who understands and works magick, and they're cheap. They're also very vast and virtually unlimited in what kinds you can make. The downside is the time that's put into them.

Essential oils are a concentrated oil extracted from the plant itself. You can make your own using a distillery or purchase them made from a store. They will need to be cleansed and blessed before usage because they were made by other people and have passed through several hands. The upside to the essential oils is that the work is already done. The downside is that you're limited to what you can use and they're usually quite expensive for a large quantity. You can also use these oils to make incense. Make sure the essential oils are safe to burn. Most carrier oils will be fine in the small quantities

you're using.

You'll hear how some people will only use one and not the other, but I think it's more from lack of know how than it is from just a preference. If you wish to know how to make oils, I will be including a video later on with both oil and water infusions. You can also always search youtube for wonderful tips.

What you use them for

You can use anointing oils for many things. They're perfect for candle magick because you can rub it on the candle and then roll the candle in the herbs you're using for the spell. It'll stick and won't cause the candle to burn oddly. You can also use them to anoint other magickal items like herb sachets, voodoo dolls, your crystals for cleansings, and even use make them for your patron God/dess.  Another use for oils are ritual baths and potions. I would strongly suggest you make sure the essential oils are safe to use because some, like lemon, can irritate the skin. Infused oils won't, however, they can cause coloration of fabrics if you use it day to day for things like protection, beauty, etc. Each oil has it ups and downs, so make sure to properly study which is best for your current situation. Having both around is very useful.

When you use them for candles, you rub it on your fingers and start from the center of the candle. You first rub up to the wick on all sides, and then down to the bottom; the entire time praying or thinking of the intent of the oil. The same technique can be used when cleansing or consecrating your other magickal tools. For your patron oil, I would suggest a small 10-30 ml bottle. You can add a crystal piece, herbs, dye, etc to this oil. Change it out every new moon and rededicate it. Or if they have a specific day of the week, use that at the beginning of each month if you like. Use this oil anytime you are asking them for help or insight, or whenever you just want to feel closer to your God/dess. You can also use this oil to dedicate any tools or items to your God/dess. With ritual baths, simply add a few drops. A little will go a long way and too much can cause an accident. The oils will make both you and your tub slippery, so BE CAREFUL. Wipe down the tub with a dry towel after the bath. If you're planning on wearing it, you can add a couple of dabs to your chakra points or where you can smell it. I like to add lavender to my forehead before dreaming for dream magicks, and rose to my cheeks, behind my ears, or my wrists for glamour. (Just a couple of examples.) You can use the infusions on your lips and face since they aren't irritant and they're food safe.

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© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

A Simple Candle Spell How To

In this video I explain how to use bay leaves and petition papers. It's something any and everyone can do and is cheap enough to do on a show string budget.

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© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame