Divination: Scrying

One great form of Divination to start out with is Scrying. First, get some sort of reflective object, such as a mirror or a crystal ball. You can even place a piece of black matte paper in an old picture frame, with clean glass, and use this as your reflective scrying surface (you can find a cool new witchy picture frame, or use one thats been passed down for generations, too!) This will actually allow you to catch a glimpse of things to come as you are set on your current path. Keep in mind that things are constantly changing, reading your situation often is a good way to get a general idea of where you're headed, rather than a specific forecast of events to come, though that can happen too. Keeping a journal of your scrying sessions can help you form a ritual and remember things you see in detail to review later!

Getting started:

Turn off the lights and get your favorite incense going. The only light that should be in the room is a dim light, such as a candle set behind you. Cover the table you are going to use with a black cloth or piece of fabric. Now place the object you chose to use for Scrying on top of the table.

Start by warming up and getting into your meditative space, setting the tone for what you will be doing. When you are ready, open your eyes and look into the surface of your scrying instrument. Your focus should shift past the surface to a point somewhere approximately five or six inches beyond the surface. This may or may not work for you, but it is the best way to shift your focus for scrying. Have you ever looked at those pictures that are completely composed of colored dots or splotches and had to look past the surface to see the three-dimensional image in the picture? It is the same principle used here for scrying.

Try to keep your mind blank, open to whatever may be shown to you, unless you are scrying for the answer to a specific question. Your eyes will want to blink. That is all right, let them blink and regain your shift in focus. When you are first beginning, try to keep your scrying time to no more than ten or twenty minutes. If you are not successful, put it away and try again another time.

Images may come to you in any number of forms. Some may be full images, even moving pictures as though you are watching a movie. At first, you may only get a cloud or mist. This may eventually part to allow images to come through, or it may just move in one direction or another in answer to yes or no questions. The more you practice the more in tune you will become with this form of divination, since the connection and ability exist within yourself, only you can sharpen this tool.

If you do see images, they may be simple symbols left open for interpretation. These symbols usually mean something to you, and are not necessarily the symbols you may find written in a book. For instance, a dog may generally symbolize loyalty or protection, but if you were traumatized at some point in your life by a dog attack, it could mean something entirely different to you.

This is where keeping a divination journal comes in. You may see symbols or symbolism of things that aren't yet important. Keeping note of these symbols will help you look back and better understand them later. This, in turn, will help you understand the language and symbolism going forward.

Other scrying methods include:

• Flame gazing (gazing into a candle flame or a fire)

• Smoke gazing (gazing into smoke from an incense or a fire)

• Water gazing (gazing into water, often dark water)

• Sky gazing (gazing at the blue sky, clouds, night sky, or stars)

Scrying is interpreting what you see in the images and colors as they take form. Some who use crystals focus on points of light on the surface. Others enter a state of altered consciousness and allow images to float into their inner awareness. Some scryers may actually see images appear on the surface of the speculum, while others see them in their mind’s eye. Some images are couched in symbols, and the scryer must learn how to interpret them. This is similar to symbols in dreams - your personal connection to the images are much more important that what a book tells you about their meaning. Because images are brought up from your personal unconscious, it’s your spirit choosing certain things that you have a prior relationship to, to communicate keys to guide you in your growth. It couldn’t possibly use something that you don’t have a personal connection to (or know what a book says about its meaning). This is why it is important to dive deep and ask questions about your or relationship and associations with each image or symbol.

Items you can use for Scrying:

• Wax – This is done by dripping wax onto a water surface. The scryer then interprets the images or words formed from the dried wax.

• Cloud – Also called cloud gazing, this form of scrying involves observing clouds and the shapes they form. This is used to gather special information or knowledge.

• Mirror – This is perhaps the most popular form of scrying. Also called catoptromancy, this involves relaxing your vision and staring into a mirror. After a while, images and scenes will begin to emerge.

• Water – Staring into water, images can be perceived after a time. Objects such as pebbles can also be dropped into the water to create ripples. These ripples are then interpreted.

• Oil – This form of scrying can involve pouring oil into a dish, rubbing it on the body, or coating a cup/plate. The scryer then observes the light reflected off the oil for information.

• Fire – Possibly the most ancient form of scrying, this type of scrying involves gazing into fiery flames for visions. This can be done through the use of a simple candle or oil lamp. Bonus points if it’s a bonfire!

• Smoke – As smoke rises from fire, its ethereal shapes present spiritual messages.

• Crystal – This is the stereotypical form of scrying, but nonetheless very effective. It involves the use of a crystal object (usually a ball or globe) to gather special meaning.

• Eye – This is unusual! Also called soul gazing, this form of scrying involves looking deep within a person’s eyes and observing the reflections

Scrying into a Flame

Scrying into a flame, also known as fire gazing, is an ancient method of divination that involves looking into a flame to gain insight, clarity, or messages from beyond. It's a mystical practice that allows you to tap into your intuition and subconscious mind. Here’s a guide on how to practice scrying into a flame.

Setting Up Your Space

1. Select a Safe Environment

   • Choose a quiet, dimly lit room where you won't be disturbed. Ensure there are no flammable materials nearby to prevent accidents.

2. Choose a Flame Source

   • Use a candle or a small, controlled fire such as in a fireplace or fire pit. A candle is often preferred for its simplicity and ease of control.

3. Create a Sacred Space

   • Arrange your space to feel comfortable and sacred. You might want to include items like crystals, incense, or symbols that hold personal significance.

Preparing for the Scrying Session

1. Ground and Center Yourself

   • Take a few deep breaths or perform a short meditation to calm your mind and center your energy. This will help you focus and open your mind to receive insights.

2. Set an Intention

   • Clearly state your intention for the session. What are you seeking to understand or uncover? This will help guide your focus during the scrying process.

3. Light the Flame

   • Safely light the candle or fire, and sit comfortably in front of it. Position yourself so that you can gaze into the flame without straining your eyes or feeling uncomfortable.

The Scrying Process

1. Gaze into the Flame

   • Softly focus your eyes on the flame. Allow your gaze to relax and become unfocused as you look into the flickering light.

2. Enter a Meditative State

   • Let your mind drift into a meditative state. Don't force images or thoughts; instead, allow them to come naturally. Be patient and open to whatever emerges.

3. Observe and Interpret

   • Pay attention to any images, symbols, or feelings that arise. These may appear in the flame itself or in your mind's eye. Consider what these signs might mean in relation to your intention.

Concluding the Session

1. Reflect on the Experience

   • After the session, take some time to reflect on what you observed. Write down any significant symbols or messages in a journal for further contemplation.

2. Thank the Flame

   • Express gratitude for the insights gained. Extinguish the flame safely, acknowledging the element of fire for its role in your divination.

3. Ground Yourself

   • Ground yourself by taking a few deep breaths or touching the earth. This helps you return fully to the present moment, ensuring you feel balanced and centered.

By following these steps, you can effectively practice scrying into a flame and uncover the wisdom it may reveal. Remember, like any skill, scrying may require practice and patience, so be gentle with yourself as you develop your abilities.

The obsidian scrying mirror

These mirrors are made from polished volcanic glass which makes them a perfect surface for this form of scrying. Just like a crystal ball, this is an ancient form of divination involving gazing into the surface to see images or visions that reveal something about a specific question asked during the performance of this ritual. It isn’t about seeing the future per se (though historically it has been used as such), but more about revealing parts of our unconscious, or the collective unconscious (which we are also a part of). It is a little like dream interpretation, where images and symbols hold personal meanings which can be read to gain deeper understanding. Obsidian is a stone of physic protection, grounding, cleansing of negativity and spirit communication. So it is an excellent stone to use for both its practical mirrored surface, and it energetic properties while performing this practice.

How to Practice Divination by Scrying with an Obsidian Mirror

Scrying, the ancient art of divination, involves gazing into a reflective surface to gain insight or receive messages from the subconscious or spiritual realm. An obsidian mirror, known for its deep, dark surface, is a powerful tool for scrying due to its grounding and protective properties. Here’s a guide to help you practice divination using an obsidian mirror.

Preparing for Scrying

1. Choose the Right Setting

Create a serene and comfortable environment that fosters focus and introspection. Consider the following:

• Quiet Space: Ensure you are in a quiet place free from distractions and interruptions.

• Dim Lighting: Soft lighting, like candlelight, can enhance the reflective qualities of the obsidian and help you focus.

2. Set Your Intention

Before beginning the scrying session, clearly state your intention or the question you seek answers to. This can help direct your energy and focus during the process.

3. Cleanse and Charge the Mirror

• Cleansing: Use incense smoke, such as sage or palo santo, to cleanse the mirror of any unwanted energies.

• Charging: Place the mirror under the moonlight, especially during a full moon, to charge it with lunar energy.

The Scrying Process

1. Relax and Center Yourself

Take a few moments to relax your body and mind. You might consider:

• Deep Breathing: Engage in deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body.

• Meditation: Spend a few minutes meditating to help you focus and enter a receptive state.

2. Gaze into the Mirror

• Focus: Hold the obsidian mirror at a comfortable angle and softly gaze into its surface. Let your eyes relax and avoid staring intensely.

• Open Your Mind: Allow your mind to be open and receptive. Don’t force images or visions; instead, let them come naturally.

3. Observe and Interpret

• Images and Symbols: Pay attention to any images, symbols, or impressions that appear. These may be literal or abstract.

• Emotions and Feelings: Note any emotions or sensations you experience, as they can offer additional insights.

Post-Scrying Reflection

1. Record Your Experience

After the session, write down your observations, thoughts, and feelings in a journal. Recording your experiences can help you track patterns and gain deeper understanding over time.

2. Reflect on the Messages

Take some time to reflect on the messages or insights you received. Consider how they might relate to your current situation or question.

3. Close the Session

Thank the mirror and any spiritual guides you may have called upon for their assistance. Store the mirror in a safe place until your next session.

By following these steps, you can effectively practice scrying with an obsidian mirror, allowing you to explore deeper aspects of your consciousness and receive guidance from beyond.

Scrying with Water

Another popular method of scrying involves using a bowl of water as the medium.

Setting Up Your Scrying Space

1. Choose the Right Bowl

   • Select a dark, preferably black, bowl to enhance the reflective quality of the water. A matte finish can also reduce glare and distractions.

   
   

2. Select a Quiet Location

   • Find a peaceful environment where you won't be disturbed. Dim lighting is ideal to create a serene and conducive atmosphere for focus.

   
   

3. Prepare the Water

   • Fill the bowl with fresh, clear water. Consider using purified or distilled water to avoid impurities that might affect the reflection.

Preparing for Scrying

• Relax and Center Yourself

  Begin with some deep breathing exercises or meditation to clear your mind and center your energies. This will help you become more receptive to the insights that may emerge.

  
  

• Set Your Intentions

  Clearly define what you hope to learn or understand through scrying. Whether seeking answers to specific questions or general guidance, having a clear intention helps focus your session.

Conducting the Scrying Session

1. Focus on the Water Surface

   • Sit comfortably in front of your bowl of water and gently gaze into its surface. Allow your eyes to relax, unfocusing slightly to let images or impressions arise naturally.

   
   

2. Observe Without Judgment

   • Be open to any shapes, colors, or images that form. They may be fleeting or abstract. Note any emotions or thoughts that accompany these visions.

   
   

3. Stay Patient and Open-Minded

   • Scrying requires patience and practice. If nothing appears, don't be discouraged. Sometimes insights are subtle and require time to interpret.

Interpreting Your Visions

1. Record Your Experience

   • After your session, jot down any images, impressions, or feelings in a journal. This will help you track patterns or recurring themes over time.

   
   

2. Reflect on the Meanings

   • Consider what the visions might symbolize in your life. Use your intuition and knowledge of personal symbols to interpret the messages.

   
   

3. Seek Additional Insights

   • If needed, consult with other forms of divination or a trusted guide to gain further clarity on your visions.

Tips for Successful Water Scrying

• Practice Regularly: Like any skill, regular practice enhances your ability to scry effectively.

• Experiment with Different Times: Some find certain times of day, like dusk or dawn, more conducive to scrying.

• Be Mindful of Your State of Mind: Your emotional and mental state can influence your scrying experience. Aim to be grounded, calm and centered.

  
  
  
  

History

Scrying has been used for thousands of years by different cultures around the world. Ancient Egypt used scrying in their Initiations. This included water scrying, dream scrying, oil scrying, and mirror scrying. One legend states that the goddess Hathor carried a shield that could reflect back all things in their true light. From this shield she allegedly fashioned the first magic mirror to “see”.

In ancient Persia, the Shahnama, a semi-historical epic work written in the late 10th century, gives a description of what was called the Cup of Jamshid, used in pre-Islamic Persia, which was used by wizards and practitioners of the esoteric sciences for observing all the seven layers of the universe.

Ancient Greeks and Celts practiced scrying using beryl, crystal, black glass, polished quartz, water, and other transparent or light catching bodies.

Nostradamus is believed to have employed a small bowl of water as a scrying tool into which he gazed and received images of future events.

In Arab countries, scryers have used their own polished thumbnails. Dr. Morton Prince, a medical psychologist of the 19th century, used electric lightbulbs in scrying experiments with his patients.

Wiccans use rounded mirrors, the convex side of which is painted black, or small cauldrons that are painted black on the inside and filled with water.

Safety First

This is generally a very safe practice, but here a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always cover your crystal ball with a cloth or bag when not in use. If its not covered and the sunlight hits it right (or wrong) it can completely burn your house down.

• Candles are great to have around when scrying, the light they emit is dim and inviting. Always keep fire safety in mind, never place your candles too close to ANY other objects or materials, and ALWAYS use a fire safe candle holder!