Lychnomancy

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Lychnomancy

A branch of pyromancy (divination by fire), concerned with interpreting the flames of three candles arranged in a triangle. Success was indicated by one flame burning brighter than the other two; a wavering flame indicated travel; a spiral flame signified plots by enemies; and uneven flame, danger; sparks signified caution; and a sudden extinction of flame indicated bad luck. Obviously such a system of divination was largely affected by currents of air in the room or by the breathing of the diviner.

(See also lampadomancy )