Wax Reading
(Edit: Be sure to read through this post entirely before attempting a reading. Enjoy!)
Do you love candles?
I do.
Candles can set the mood, improve a space, and freshen up in ways that a Febreze spray just can’t.
Candles are also an intrinsic component of a witch’s arsenal to gain insight to the world around them.
So how is lighting a candle divination?
I think it’s interesting that fire checks many of the boxes for the requirements of life.
It needs oxygen, it grows, consumes, moves, and can die.
Does this mean that fire is alive and can tell us things through a candle?
That certainly raises questions about the ethics of using a lighter, doesn’t it?
Well, generally speaking, fire does not meet all the requirements for something to be categorized as alive.
But that doesn’t mean that fire can’t be manipulated and used to understand the universe.
Before we move on, you need to figure out what you believe about the divine.
Do you have a pantheon or main deity?
Do you believe in a higher power beyond comprehension?
Do you believe in yourself and the power within you?
Do you believe in the lonely isolated planet hurtling through endless space?
All are valid, but you need to figure this out first.
I recommend doing your own research on the matter outside of this blog, but I also have a post about different kinds of witches here: https://thatbigwitchenergy.com/types-of-witches/
Divination time!
Let me start by just showing you what to do.
- Start the spell and light your candle
- Let the wax melt all the way down
- Read the wax at the end
That was the easy part.
The complexity manifests in exactly HOW to do these three things.
1. Start the spell
What do you want to know?
Usually wax readings work best when you want to know something about what tf is going on.
(e.g., Is there a blockage in my relationship? What is standing in my way of getting a job? Do I have a curse on me?)
Many witches choose to dress their candles before a wax reading.
This can be anywhere from rubbing on olive oil or scented oils to adding sigils to decorating with flowers.
Other witches use molded candles in the general shape of what they want to ask.
Maybe even make their own ritual candles!
Whatever enhances your craft!
This is all part of the learning process: what works for you.
Ask the candle your question and spend some time focusing on the situation at hand.
2. Let the wax melt
Don’t disrupt the melting UNLESS there is a fire hazard.
Always put your own well being and safety above any kind of divination you’re trying to perform.
If the wax is about to make a total mess, keep an eye on it and put down a plate or something that can be easily washed.
NEVER leave a flame unattended.
And generally don’t leave a spell unattended either.
You want to be present and focused for optimal results.
3. Read the wax
This is the hardest part.
But you’re almost done!
After some practice, wax reading will become intuitive, but there’s some general tricks to follow.
Let’s start with an example.
I say, “Is there a blockage in my relationship?”
I choose and light a candle while focusing on my problem.
I look at the flame.
Is it flickering?
Is it calm?
Is it bright and strong?
Is it suffocating or goes out?
The energy of the candle can suggest how well it is working for you.
If it goes out or has low vibrations you might want to stop the reading and start again later.
How to read:
Your candle has burned all the way down and the wax is everywhere.
What does it look like?
Take a moment and see what stands out to you right away.
Does it look angry and claw-like?
This probably means there’s something in the way of your desires and you need to do something about it.
Does it look like a river?
This probably means that there is a current of activity and things are happening with instability.
Are there any shapes that you can see?
If you see an ear this could mean that someone is whispering about you.
If you see humanoid figures this could mean that a lot of people are involved, whether with good intentions or bad.
If you see figures clumped together it could mean that there is someone coming in between what you want (it could be yourself).
If you see a baby it could mean there’s a renewal on the way.
If you see a heart it could mean that there are strong feelings involved.
If you see a specific animal or object be sure to peruse other blogs for reference.
We all support each other!
Be sure to write all of this down in a journal entry for future reflection.
Did the wax spread out?
This could mean that it’s bigger and more expansive than you originally thought.
Did the wax pool in one place?
This probably means that things are under control and the universe is already on it.
You will get a feeling for this eventually, and you can even do readings for others!
Remember to be very specific about your question and you will get specific answers.
Let’s talk about colors
I truly hope you read through this entire post before you begin because there’s a lot to unpack.
I should say at no point will you be in danger for using the wrong colored candle.
BUT there is a lot of information out there about how to see the best results.
That all comes down to some things that we have already covered:
- Your connection to yourself or your deity(s)
- Your intention with your spell
- Your care in candle dressing
- Your focus and attention during the reading
- Your experience and understanding of the patterns
However, I should note here at the end that there is one more thing to look out for:
Colors
Colors
Colors
Colors
Colors
Why?
Because this tells the person/deity/universe that you mean business and you have put in the effort.
Candle colors are a big part of the witch’s arsenal.
It is part and parcel to manifesting your intention with your actions.
So here’s some color meanings!
Red
Attributes:
Passion, sexuality, vitality, power, vigor, strength
Uses:
Summoning desires quickly, taking action, increase physical energy, commanding the element of fire
Orange
Attributes:
Productivity, luck, healing, joy, confidence, opportunity, creativity, welcoming
Uses:
Successful interviews, energizes a home, finding justice, celebrating a friendly gathering
Yellow
Attributes:
Harmony, intelligence, focus, positivity, humor, logic
Uses:
Meditation, studying for an exam, improving memory, concentration
Green
Attributes:
Balance, healing, money, growth, stability, nature, love
Uses:
Money spells, increase stamina, rejuvenating energies, connecting to the earth, finding harmony
Blue
Attributes:
Truth, calm, trust, protection, relaxation, communication, forgiveness
Uses:
Finding common ground during an argument, finding integrity, increase mental acuity, bath spells
Purple
Attributes:
Wisdom, dignity, spirituality, luxury
Uses:
Overcoming obstacles, using the third eye, gaining insight, lucid dreaming, gaining influence or authority
Pink
Attributes:
Friendship, self love, honor, compassion, affection
Uses:
Finding harmony with family and friends, improve mental health, cultivating romance
White
Attributes:
Cleansing, purity, change, versatility, simplicity, peace, higher self
Uses:
Can be use to substitute any other candle color, enhance divination, cleansing a space, finding peace or enlightenment
Black
Attributes:
Protection, elegance, mystery, binding, banishing, separation
Uses:
Removing negativity, aides loss, contacting ancestors, breaking bad habits
Where do I find all these colors?
First of all, white candles can substitute for any candle color that you need.
Second, birthday candles are good for small spells because they’re easy to find.
Please note that birthday candles are not that great for wax reading because they’re so small.
Support your local esoteric shop (if you have one) for big or special candles.
If not, www.amazon.com has some excellent choices and reviews.
Get cracking!
This has been a brief overview of the fundamentals for wax reading.
Remember that unless your deity is somehow known to be malicious, there’s no risk in practicing as you wish.
It takes effort, money, and time to perfect this form of divination.
So give yourself a break if things don’t seem to work.
Go on.
Get started!
What do you think?
Have you practiced wax reading before?
What were your results?
Do you have anything to add to this list?
Leave a comment with your insight!
As always, be sure to subscribe to my blog so you’re always up to date on all new content!
Blessed be,
Cat