Andrzejki fortunes: what wax shapes mean

How to read the wax poured on Andrzejki

After the wax is poured through a keyhole into cold water, a set shape remains. Tradition says to read the future from it. Below are the 60 most popular shapes and their meanings, plus simple tips for getting started.

Tips

• Look at the wax from different sides and against the light, and at its shadow on the wall.
• The first association is often the best: say aloud what you saw first.
• If you see several shapes, join them into one story.
• Do not look for the one right answer. It is a game where imagination counts.

What the wax shapes mean

1. Heart – a symbol of love and warm feelings. It means happiness in a relationship, a new acquaintance or growing closer to someone dear; the clearer the shape, the stronger the feeling.
2. Ring – foretells an engagement, a wedding or an important, lasting relationship. A closed, even circle promises a stable bond, while a broken one suggests the decision still has to wait.
3. Key – a sign of new opportunities and doors opening: to work, study, travel or a new stage. It says that the solution to a hard matter is closer than you think.
4. House – speaks of stability, a place of your own and peace in the family. It may announce a move, a renovation or a feeling of security and belonging.
5. Tree – a symbol of health, strength and growth. A spreading tree promises good foundations, good family relations and plans that will bear fruit in time.
6. Star – promises dreams come true, success and prosperity. It is a sign that it is worth sticking to your goals, because fate is starting to favour you.
7. Moon – foretells changes, a new stage in life and heightened intuition. A good moment to listen to your inner voice and not make hasty decisions.
8. Sun – a symbol of joy, warmth and positive energy. It promises a good time, a better mood and a period when many things go your way.
9. Flower – promises new love, friendship and beautiful relationships. A flower with many petals also means good contacts with people and the goodwill of those around you.
10. Crown – a sign of success, recognition and promotion. It promises ambitions fulfilled and your work appreciated, but also reminds you that good results take perseverance.
11. Ship – foretells travel, adventure and a change of home. For those waiting for a change, it is a sign that something will soon start moving.
12. Plane – promises distant travel, new experiences and big plans. It may mean a trip abroad, quick growth or a bold decision that opens new possibilities.
13. Car – a symbol of movement, progress and independence. It says you are getting close to your goal and matters that stood still will pick up speed.
14. Horse – means strength, perseverance and freedom. It promises success in action, as long as you do not run out of patience and consistency.
15. Bird – a herald of good news and positive changes. It symbolises freedom, lightness and release from the troubles that weighed on you.
16. Butterfly – a sign of a beautiful transformation and a new chapter. It promises lightness in life, a change for the better and a time when you can become a better version of yourself.
17. Fish – a symbol of abundance, money and financial prosperity. It promises that the household budget will improve and your efforts will start to bring real benefits.
18. Cat – means independence, intuition, luck and wisdom. It encourages you to trust your instinct and do things your own way.
19. Dog – a symbol of a faithful friend, loyalty and real support. It promises that you can count on those close to you and that help will come from a trusted person when needed.
20. Turtle – a sign of patience, stability and calm development. It reminds you there is no point in rushing: small steps lead to lasting results.
21. Snake – promises caution and wisdom, but also new temptations. In tradition it can be a warning against betrayal or insincerity, so look carefully at whom you trust.
22. Book – a symbol of learning, growth and gaining knowledge. It promises an exam passed, important information or a time when it is worth picking up a new skill.
23. Clock – speaks of important decisions and passing time. It foretells changes in the near future and reminds you not to put off matters you care about.
24. Letter of the alphabet – shows the first letter of the name of a future important person, such as a friend, partner or someone who will influence your life. Look closely at which letter it is.
25. Number – symbolises a lucky number, a prosperous period and plans fulfilled. Remember it: it may be your talisman for the coming year.
26. Angel – a sign of care, support and the presence of a good person. It promises protection in hard moments and help from someone who wishes you well.
27. Cross – means an important choice, peace, faith and protection from evil. It promises that difficulties will pass and you will keep your balance and strength.
28. Anchor – a symbol of stability, security and a lasting relationship. It promises solid foundations to build on and a place where you will feel safe.
29. Heart with a key – great love and openness to new feelings. It promises an important relationship and readiness to let someone into your life.
30. Comet – foretells an unexpected event, quick luck or a dream fulfilled. Such a sign usually promises something that will surprise you when you least expect it.
31. Mushroom – promises unexpected abundance and quick growth. It usually means luck in small matters, pleasant surprises and chances that appear suddenly, like mushrooms after rain.
32. Fox – a symbol of cunning and slyness. It can be a hint to beware of insincerity, but also an encouragement to use your own wits in a difficult matter.
33. Wolf – means courage, independence and strength in hard times. It promises you will manage alone, and if you need support you will find it in your own “pack”.
34. Lion – a symbol of courage, leadership and a strong position. It promises you will have a chance to show your strength and that people will start listening to you.
35. Eagle – a sign of freedom, success and big goals. It encourages high flights and the courage to reach for what seemed unattainable.
36. Owl – a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and good advice. It promises that someone experienced will suggest the right solution or that you will find it yourself through calm analysis.
37. Hedgehog – means caution, protection and the ability to defend your boundaries. It promises you will not be easily hurt, but advises you not to close yourself off from others completely.
38. Spider – a symbol of patient work and ingenuity. In many traditions it promises money that comes through persistent effort and well-woven plans.
39. Ant – means hard work, perseverance and success through effort. It promises that regularity will bring results, even if progress is slow right now.
40. Bee – a sign of work, abundance and a sweet life. It promises good cooperation, income from your own efforts and an atmosphere in which everyone has a role.
41. Hand – symbolises help, support and friendship. It may foretell an invitation to cooperate or a situation in which you reach out to someone in need.
42. Eye – promises intuition, vigilance and a fresh look at matters. It advises you to look carefully, notice details and not dismiss your own hunches.
43. Bridge – a sign of reconciliation, connection and a move to a new stage. It promises an end to quarrels, closeness with someone dear or an important step joining two parts of your life.
44. Ladder – a symbol of promotion, growth and climbing the rungs. It promises gradual success, but also reminds you that every rung needs a steady step.
45. Door – means a new beginning, new opportunities and change. It promises that something will close, but something better will open: you only need to step through boldly.
46. Mountain – a symbol of a challenge, a big goal and overcoming obstacles. It promises a harder time that will end in satisfaction if you do not give up halfway.
47. Wave – foretells changes, strong emotions and new energy. It promises a dynamic period, sometimes stormier, sometimes calm, but with a favourable end.
48. Cloud – a sign of temporary uncertainty and minor troubles. It promises that the problems are passing and it will soon clear up, so there is no need to worry.
49. Lightning – means sudden change, strong energy and an unexpected event. It promises a moment when something is quickly settled or an insight arrives.
50. Flame – a symbol of passion, energy and transformation. It promises enthusiasm for action, strong feelings and a time when the old gives way to the new.
51. Tear – means emotion, cleansing and feelings that bring relief. It promises that what hurts now will soon ease and calm will come once the feelings are let out.
52. Feather – a sign of freedom, creativity and an important letter or document. It encourages you to write, create and sign something that will open new possibilities.
53. Envelope – foretells a message, an invitation or news that is already on its way. It promises contact from someone you are waiting for or good information about a matter you hope for.
54. Chest – a symbol of treasure, hidden possibilities and savings. It promises you have more resources than you think and that it is time to secure the future.
55. Coin – means money, earnings and modest prosperity. It promises that finances will start to fall into place, though it is best taken as encouragement to manage them wisely.
56. Diamond – a sign of great value, a precious relationship and lasting happiness. It promises that you have something (or someone) priceless in your life that is worth caring for.
57. Bell – heralds important news, a celebration and a joyful holiday. It promises a family gathering, a wedding or another event you will attend with joy.
58. Bicycle – a symbol of independence, movement and reaching your goal under your own power. It promises that thanks to your initiative and perseverance you will get what you want.
59. Wall – means an obstacle, boundaries and a need for patience. It promises that you will have to go around a difficulty or wait, but it is not an obstacle you cannot overcome.
60. Nest – a sign of home, family, birth and a safe shelter. It promises the warmth of the family hearth, new life in the family or a place where you will rest.

Andrzejki fortune-telling is a traditional game. The meanings are conventional and differ by region and family, so take them lightly.

What to pour the wax with

For the traditional wax pouring through a keyhole we have wooden XXL keys (28 cm) and ready-made sets with wax and instructions.

See the Andrzejki keys and sets →

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