When is Andrzejki and where did it come from?
Andrzejki is the evening of divination celebrated on the eve of St. Andrew's Day, which is November 29.In 2026, it falls on a Sunday, so many festivities will take place on Saturday, November 28. In folk tradition, St. Andrew watched over unmarried women, and the night before his feast was considered a 'threshold' night — a time when it was easier to glimpse into the future. The oldest Polish record of Andrzejki divinations dates back to 1557, from a work by Marcin Bielski. Boys had their equivalent — Katarzynki (the night from November 24 to 25), which have nearly disappeared today. Nowadays, Andrzejki is a celebration for everyone, and questions revolve not only around love but also about work, health, and moving.
8 traditional Andrzejki divinations step by step
1. Wax pouring through a key
Melt wax (preferably from a single candle) and pour it in a thin stream through the keyhole of a large key into a bowl of cold water. Observe the solidified shape in the shadow cast on the wall — the shadow is more important than the cast itself. You will find the meanings of the shapes below.
2. Shoes to the threshold
Participants place their left shoes one behind another from the wall to the door. The one whose shoe first 'crosses' the threshold will marry first (or will be the first to experience a significant change).
3. Name slips
Write names on slips, pin them under your pillow, or place them in a bowl of water; in the morning (or after drawing), check the name — it is said to be the name of your future love. You can do it online below.
4. Peeling an apple
Peel an apple with one long strip of skin, twirl it over your head, and throw it behind you. The letter that the skin resembles on the floor is the initial of your beloved person.
5. Fate cups
Hide a ring (marriage), a leaf or myrtle (long singlehood / freedom), a rosary, or a coin (calling / money) under three cups. The one drawing indicates a cup blindly.
6. Pins on water
Drop two pins or needles into the bowl of water — if they float toward each other and touch, the couple will unite; if they drift apart, it's not yet time.
7. Dog and plates
Place small plates with pieces of bread, each associated with a person, in front of the dog. Whose piece the dog eats first will find luck in love. This is just for fun and only if the dog is willing.
8. Note under the pillow and dream
Write a question on a note, place it under your pillow, and in the morning, write down your dream before getting up. You will decipher the symbols in the Dream Dictionary of Ezostylia.
Safety tip: we melt wax in a water bath, children only pour it under adult supervision, and candles are placed on a non-flammable surface.
Wax pouring — meaning of shapes (glossary)
We read the shape from the shadow cast on the wall, slowly rotating the casting — one casting can yield multiple images. If you see two shapes, combine their meanings (e.g., key + heart: a new home thanks to the relationship).
heart — love, engagement, or renewal of feelings in the upcoming year.
ring / circle — marriage, closing an important chapter, fidelity.
key — a new apartment, opening new pathways, a mystery that will be revealed.
bird — a message from afar, a letter, a journey or a visitor.
tree — growth, health, advancement in work; a tree with roots — a stable family.
mountain — an obstacle to overcome — after which comes success.
flower — joy, compliments, a new acquaintance.
fish — money, abundance, good financial news.
cat — someone's jealousy or false friendship — be careful whom you trust.
dog — a loyal friend, support, loyalty.
crown — promotion, recognition, victory.
ship / boat — journey, relocation, change of surroundings.
star — the fulfillment of a dream, a happy chance.
home — safety, renovation, a new home or family expansion.
snake — warning: someone is acting behind your back; be cautious in agreements.
angel / figure — protection, support from an elder or mentor.
butterfly — transformation, lightness, a short but beautiful adventure.
bridge — reconciliation, compromise, connecting two matters.
arrow — quick decision, sudden love or news.
moon — intuition, secret, a matter maturing slowly.
hand — helping hand, request for support, offer.
Tarot and runes at Andrzejki — contemporary divinations
More and more often, alongside wax, cards and runes appear on the Andrzejki table. A simple scheme for the evening: each person draws one card for the year (what will develop), one rune (what strength lies within them) and asks one question under your pillow. Shoes at the threshold, cups of fate, apple peels, and pins on the water can be played online during Andrzejki online. In Ezostylia, you can do this for free: Tarot online — three-card spread, Rune Spread i Dream Dictionary for a morning dream. The host of the evening can also prepare the number of the year for each guest.
How to organize an Andrzejki evening at home (a 2-hour plan)
- Mood setting (10 min): candles, warm tea with spices, instrumental music, phones in a basket.
- Warm-up (20 min): shoes to the threshold and heels on the water — quick, together, lots of laughter.
- Wax (40 min): Each person pours in turn, while the others help to interpret the shadow; write down the shapes on paper.
- Cards and Runes (30 min): one card and one rune per person; read the meanings together.
- Paper under the pillow (5 min): one question, write down your dream in the morning.
- Conclusion: a group photo of the molds — and check back in a year to see what came true.
Divination is a fun and reflective activity.
We treat Andrzejki divinations — even those online — as a tradition, entertainment, and an excuse to talk about dreams. They do not replace decisions, or the advice of a doctor, psychologist, or financial advisor.
Most frequently asked questions about Andrzejki
When is Andrzejki 2026?
Andrzejki take place on the night of November 29th to 30th, 2026 — the eve of St. Andrew's Day. Divinations are performed on the evening of November 29th (Sunday); in Poland, Andrzejki parties are often organized on the nearest Saturday, November 28th.
How to pour wax for Andrzejki step by step?
Melt white wax or a candle in a metal cup, prepare a bowl with cold water and a large key. Hold the key over the water and pour the wax in a thin stream through the keyhole. Remove the mold after a moment, hold it up to the light, and interpret the shape from the shadow on the wall.
What do the shapes in Andrzejki wax mean?
A heart signifies love, a ring means marriage, a key represents a new home or an explanation of a mystery, a bird indicates a message, a mountain signifies an obstacle, a fish denotes money, and a ship represents a journey. A complete dictionary of the 21 shapes is available on this page.
Where did Andrzejki divinations come from?
St. Andrew was traditionally seen as the patron of maidens, and the night before his feast was considered a threshold — favorable for peering into the future. The first Polish mention of Andrzejki divinations dates back to 1557 (Marcin Bielski). The male equivalent was Katarzynki (November 24/25).
Are Andrzejki divinations only for women?
In the past, yes — girls would perform divinations on Andrzejki, while boys would do so on Katarzynki. Today, it is a shared activity for everyone, and the questions concern not just love, but also work, moving, or health.
Do Andrzejki divinations come true?
Treat them as a fun opportunity for reflection: they help articulate dreams and fears, but they do not replace decisions or professional advice. This is how we approach them at Ezostylia — with a smile and respect for tradition.
Author: Ezostylia editorial team · updated September 18, 2026 · See also: Tarot — a guide · Runes · Dream Dictionary