Luminal Extinquishment
"In the intricate ballet of spellcraft, one must first master the act of ending before they can truly begin. To extinguish a flame is to understand its essence, its life, and its tether to the world. Only when you grasp the delicate thread that binds it to existence can you then hope to conjure it anew. To create, my adepts, you must first comprehend cessation; for in the silence that follows extinguishment, the true voice of creation awaits." — Kilroy Bisset.
As subsequent research has shown, Bisset's spell of Luminal Extinquishment (extinguishing a candle by mentally focusing on the intersection of the flame and the wick) is not only an exercise in honing one's intent and willpower but is also deeply rooted in the physics of combustion and the mathematics of wave interference.
The wick of a candle, when lit, acts as a conduit for the melted wax to travel upwards. This melted wax is then vaporized and combines with oxygen in the air to produce heat, light, and the flame that we see. The flame's base, where it meets the wick, is the crucial point for this reaction. If this region is disturbed or deprived of fuel (vaporized wax) or oxygen, the flame is extinguished.
Everything in the universe, at its core, consists of vibrating particles, and these vibrations occur at specific frequencies. Air molecules vibrate too, and these vibrations can impact the combustion process. For example, gusts of wind or even a gentle blow can extinguish a flame by creating a sudden change in air pressure or by removing the heat source.
By synchronizing one's mental frequency with that of air, Bisset believed that an adept could subtly influence these vibrations. It's similar to the principle of resonance in physics: if two systems oscillate at the same frequency, they can exchange energy efficiently. Thus, by resonating with the air's frequency, a spellcaster can create minute disturbances around the flame's base.
When two waves meet, they can either amplify each other (constructive interference) or cancel each other out (destructive interference). If a caster's mental wave (focused intent) is synchronized with the frequency of air in such a way that it causes destructive interference at the base of the flame, it can, in theory, disrupt the combustion process enough to extinguish the flame.
By focusing intensely on the point where the flame meets the wick, the caster narrows their intent on the most vulnerable part of the flame. Their willpower, then, is directed towards separating the flame from its fuel source. The act of resonating with the frequency of air provides the "medium" or "tool" through which this intent is manifested. The spell, in essence, uses the principle of wave interference to create a subtle disturbance at the flame's base, separating it from the wick and thus extinguishing it.
For Bisset's adepts, mastering this spell served as a foundation for understanding the intricate interplay of intent, resonance, and the physical world, setting the stage for more advanced spells in their magical journey.
Extinguishing the Flame: A Step-by-Step Guide to Candle Snuffing through Resonance
Step 1: Preparation
- Place the lit candle on a stable surface in front of you, ensuring that there are no drafts or disturbances in the room.
- Sit comfortably, keeping your back straight, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Cast Temporal Anchor.
Step 2: Focused Observation
- Observe the flame, paying close attention to the base where it meets the wick. This is the point of vulnerability where you'll be directing your intent.
- Familiarize yourself with the subtle movements and the dance of the flame.
Step 3: Synchronize with the Air's Frequency
- Visualize the air molecules around the candle vibrating.
- Imagine these vibrations as waves, moving and oscillating around the flame.
- Slowly, try to mentally attune yourself with these oscillations. You might envision this as your thoughts or your aura synchronizing with these waves.
Step 4: Direct Your Intent
- Focus your intent on the base of the flame.
- Visualize the flame being gently lifted away from the wick, depriving it of its fuel. If the flame itself flickers away from you, your concentration point is too high. You want to be narrowed to the space between the flame and the wick. Enlarge that.
- Harness the resonance with the air's frequency to create minute disturbances at that point, imagining the waves of your intent causing destructive interference with the flame's energy.
Step 5: Release and Extinguish
- While maintaining your focus and resonance, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. As you do, mentally pull the flame away from the wick with a gentle yet firm intent. Bisset likened it to removing a grape from its stem.
- If done correctly, the flame should extinguish, leaving only the wick and the lingering smoke.
Step 6: Grounding
- Once the flame is extinguished, take a moment to ground yourself. You can do this by taking a few deep breaths, feeling the weight of your body on the chair or floor, and slowly releasing the mental resonance you built with the air.
Note from Bisset: Mastery of this spell requires patience and practice. It serves as a testament to the caster's willpower and understanding of resonance. Should the flame not extinguish on the first try, do not be disheartened. With persistence and belief, the veil between intent and reality can be bridged.