What It Can Point To
- Strong movement around the work, if the candle is otherwise burning safely.
- Too much fuel, oil, herbs, or loose material near the wick.
- Air movement from a window, fan, vent, or walking past the candle.
- A warning to stop if the flame is jumping, smoking heavily, or reaching the glass.
Details That Change the Meaning
Tall and steadyStrong burn, but still watch it.
Tall and whippingAir or instability. Move it away from drafts.
Tall with black smokeSafety first. Snuff it and reassess materials.
Flame reaching containerStop the burn. Do not argue with fire.
Before You Decide
Read the ordinary cause first. Then read the pattern. If you skip the ordinary cause, you will scare yourself and call it intuition. I do not work that way.
Never leave a candle unattended. Do not burn dressed candles near curtains, pets, children, paper, hair, or bedding.
Better Questions
- Is there a draft?
- Did I add oil or herbs?
- Is the container getting too hot?