Carromancy (from Greek κηρός, 'wax', and μαντεία, 'divination'), otherwise known as ceromancy, is a form of divination involving wax. One of the most common methods of carromancy is to heat wax until molten, then to pour it directly into cold water. The shapes and movements of the wax as it cools and solidifies can then allegedly be read to forecast auguries of the future. Another method more commonly practiced in the contemporary era is studying the burning of an ordinary candle. The movements and erratic actions of the flame are then said to predict the future.
Carromancy also has roots in ancient Celtic and perhaps later in Ancient Roman times. According to scraps of knowledge salvaged from around the period CE 500, it appears that the candle burned during a druid's vigil was poured into a bowl and then into a clear pool of cold water. The auguries for the future could then be read.
References
- Laura Tempest Zakroff (8 May 2017). The Witch's Cauldron: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Ritual Vessels. Llewellyn Worldwide, Limited. p. 97. ISBN 978-0-7387-5252-5.
- John Brand (1813). Observatins on Popular Antiquities: Chiefly Illustrating the Origin of Our Vulgar Customs, Ceremonies, and Superstitions. F. C. and J. Rivington. p. 621.
- Patricia Telesco (1998). Future Telling. Crossing Press. ISBN 978-0-89594-872-4.
See also
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