Scrying is a method of divination using flames, crystal balls and bowls, crystals, water, mirrors and other reflective surfaces. The primary psychic talents of receptive ESP used are clairvoyance, the ability to obtain information by visual perception and to see ghosts, precognition and retrocognition. Precognition is the ability to see into the future; retrocognition, the past.
Scrying: History
When most people think about scrying, they picture a Gypsy woman, garbed in traditional costume, seated in a tent. Candles provide the only light. In front of her is a crystal ball. The art of scrying has been used for thousands of years by different cultures.
- Ancient Egyptians: Scrying was used in their Initiations; tools included water, oil, and mirrors. According to legend, goddess Hathor carried a shield reflecting all things in their true light. She created the first magick mirror used for scrying from this shield. Egyptians also used blood, ink and other dark liquids.
- Ancient Persians: The Cup of Jamshid was used by wizards and practitioners of the esoteric arts to observe the seven layers of the universe. It was said to be filled with an elixir of immortality.
- Ancient Celts and Greeks: Their tools were beryl, crystal, black glass, polished quartz, water, and other transparent or light catching bodies.
- Romans: Shiny objects and crystals were utilized.
- Nostradamus: Alleged to have used a small bowl of water as a scrying tool into which he gazed and received images of future events.
- Alchemists: John Dee and Edward Kelley used a small crystal ball or a piece of polished obsidian. The crystal balls are displayed at London’s British Museum.
- Pagans, shamans, medicine men and women, wizards, witches and sorcerers: Usually, scryers were called diviners who were typically members of special classes of priests and priestesses, trained in divinatory skills, in past and present societies.
How to Scry
The tools used for scrying are a matter of personal choice. Use what feels right. It’s best to scry at night, because this method of divination is closely related to the Moon. Ensure there will be no disturbances. Soothing instrumental music is a pleasant enhancement, especially New Age melodies. If outdoors or indoors, put out all lights and use a candle placed out of view of the object. Relax and get comfortable. The tool should be held or placed in front of oneself.
Look into the tool, past the surface and into the center. Gaze at the tool, blinking as needed. Limit the sessions to a certain time period. If it’s impossible to remain focused during the session, stop. Don’t get discouraged. For people who aren’t used to meditating, initial sessions should be no longer than fifteen minutes.
Many times, at the beginning of sessions, clouds of color appear. It’s helpful to know color symbolism. This information can be found in Pennsy Dutch Magikcal Art. Later, symbols might appear. It’s also possible that there will be clear images. Be aware of all sensations such as an intuitive thought suddenly appearing or, perhaps, by clairaudience (hearing), clairaroma (smelling), clairsentience (feeling something by touch or a bodily sensation) or clairgustus (taste).
It’s helpful to start a scrying journal. Write down all perceptions after the session. Make sure to date them. Sleep on the thoughts and interpret them the next day. Some visions are clear, but others need time to reach the conscious from the subconscious.
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Sources:
The Complete Book of Fortune, Author and Editor names not given, (Bracken Books, 1994)
Crystal Balls & Crystal Bowls, Ted Andrews, (Llewellyn Publications, 1995)
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