Safety Center
Every reading begins with a safe flame.
01Never leave a flame unattended
Extinguish candles before you sleep or leave the room. Multi-day vigil candles should sit in a sink, a fireplace, or a deep fireproof tray, and must still be checked often.
02Heat-proof surfaces
Use a stable, non-flammable holder or plate. Keep at least 30 cm from curtains, books, paper and shelves above.
03Ventilation without drafts
Air the room, but keep candles out of direct drafts, which cause smoking, uneven burning and false readings.
04Pets and children
Place flames well out of reach. Tails, sleeves and curious hands are the most common causes of candle fires.
05Jar and glass candles
Stop burning when about 1 cm of wax remains, because the glass can overheat and crack. Never pour water into hot glass.
06Anointing and herbs
Apply oils lightly and keep dried herbs and glitter sparse. Loose plant material on a candle can flare. Some oils (cinnamon, clove) irritate skin; dilute and patch-test them.
07If a candle flares
Do not blow on it or throw water on hot wax. Cover it with a fire-safe lid or snuffer to starve it of oxygen. For anything larger, use a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket, and call emergency services.
08Extinguishing
A snuffer or wick-dipper avoids splattering wax. Some traditions prefer snuffing over blowing (blowing is said to scatter the intention); others pinch the flame. Choose what feels right and safe.
09Ceromancy safety
Melt wax in a double boiler, never over direct flame. Pour slowly into a large bowl of cold water, away from your face.
10Diya and oil lamps
Set lamps on a tray to catch spills, keep cotton wicks short, and never refill a burning lamp.