Get a new birthday candle, the wicks are already soaked with wax and the wick is a simple twist not a braid . Untwist the wick and fluff and lay horizontally so it catches the sparks then spark it with a flint rod you'll see a orange glow when a spark catches and a wisp of paraffin scent fumes then a second latter it lights when you get that down try lighting it holding the candle and rod in one hand and a saw striker like a lighter. That the easiest way I know and once you get it down you'll have no problem figuring out braided wickes and multiple lights . Hope that helps