manzia
Pyromancy
Pyromancy, from the Greek pyr "fire" and manteia "divination", is the practice of drawing omens from the observation of fire: colour of the flame, intensity, sounds, behaviour of materials thrown into it. It is one of the oldest forms of divination, present in every culture that has used ritual fire.
Traditions
Germanic and Celtic tribes practised fire divinations on ritual occasions. The ancient Greeks and Romans observed sacrificial fires. The domestic witches of rural nineteenth-century Europe watched the hearth fire as a household practice. It is related to daphnomancy (laurel leaves in fire), capnomancy (smoke) and ceromancy (wax).
What to observe
High clear flame: vitality, good omen. Low or smoky flame: weariness, obstacle. Flame splitting into several tips: multiple choices, conflict. Sparks flying out: news on the way. Sounds: loud crackling signals strength, silence indicates calm or hesitation. Italian rural traditions practised "fire reading" on the eve of New Year or of St Lawrence.
FAQ
Is it safe?
With a hearth or a controlled fire, yes. Never practise with fires in closed or unsafe places.
Is it a religious practice?
Historically yes, linked to pagan cults and family rituals. Today it is a private symbolic practice.
Can I try it with a candle?
Yes, ceromancy with candles is the "miniature" version of pyromancy, perfectly feasible at home with care.