Carol Stirling

The word 'scry' comes from the word 'descry,' meaning to see or perceive. Mirror gazing, or scrying, is one of the oldest known forms of divination, dating back to antiquity.

The famed prognosticator, Nostradamus, used a form of scrying to make his famous predictions, employing a dish filled with ink as his method. Yezidi mystics use a concave, polished bowl.

Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, contacted angels using a 'seer stone.' The infamous magician, John Dee, and his partner, Edward Kelley, used an obsidian crystal in their experiments, and we get the popular conception of a 'crystal ball' from the popularisation of their methods.

I believe this information to be true, but I also believe it was the travelling gypsies who gathered the fishermen’s floats from the beach which, at this time, where made from glass and the glass blower would blow them and seal them to enable them to float. Very often, the floats would snap from the fishermen’s nets and end up on the beach. It was claimed that if you found a whole one you were a very lucky person to find one that did not smash on the rocks. The floats then became known as the witches’ ball, because of the magical powers of luck which followed. People would hang the glass balls in front of their windows to chase off unwanted evil spirits. Witches and travelling gypsies still use the fishermen’s floats and continued to scry into them as if they where crystal balls. This is how I believe the crystal ball became popular. The fishermen’s glass floats are no longer made of glass as they have found better materials to use.

There are almost endless surfaces suitable for scrying use. Mirrors and crystals are the most popular, but any item that provides a deep, reflective surface will do - water in a shallow dish, ink, a dark crystal, even a darkened television set!

One traditional belief about scrying is that it allows access to the Astral world, and makes communication with its inhabitants possible. Others believe that scrying produces a trance-like state in which the scryer has easy access to his or her subconscious. Neither of these truly explains the experience of the 'Astral,' although there is a belief in some circles that the apparitions, angels, and other beings encountered are manifestations of the super conscious, ie messengers from one's own higher self.

Constructing a scrying mirror

As I mentioned earlier, there are several acceptable scrying tools. It is not important to follow any of the usual (and often quite silly) requirements. You do not need a 'pure' crystal or a 'charged' mirror. There are rationales supporting various methods, the purpose of which is usually to get the potential seer to put a certain degree of effort into the proceeding, but none of these is an absolute. All you need is an object which provides a dark, reflective surface, patience and a comfortable place to sit. The most inexpensive to create is the black mirror and there are several simple methods which can be used to create one.

Getting started

 The easy way is to purchase a large, inexpensive picture frame with a glass insert (of course, you can choose any frame which catches your fancy), and a can of flat black spray paint. Believe it or not, both items can be had from a DIY shop for a total of about five pounds. Next, remove the glass from the frame and clean it with window cleaner. Make sure you wipe off any lint or dust particles. Spray a light coat of paint over the glass and let it dry completely. Repeat with several more coats of paint until no light shows through when the glass is held up to the light. When it is completely dry, simply replace the glass in the frame, with the painted surface on the inside. Another method is to ask a glasscutter to make you a circle of glass (be sure to have the edges sanded). Paint it as described above, and then glue a piece of felt over the paint (be sure to use white glue or another non-solvent glue to prevent marring the painted surface).

Learning to scry

Scrying is not a hobby for the impatient. It takes a lot of practice, so don't become discouraged if you don't achieve immediate results. The first task is to create your space. You'll need a block of time without interruption, a room which can be darkened, and a place where you can sit comfortably for long periods. You'll need a comfortable chair, preferably with a back on it, or a wall to sit against. Position your mirror (or whatever object you've chosen) at a comfortable angle and place it so that it does not reflect objects in the room. You need to have very little light - a small candle, night-light, etc is adequate. A flickering candle creates a strobing effect, which you might find to be either useful or distracting, so experiment a little to discover your preferences. If you are using candles or incense, I strongly recommend that you use a timer or alarm clock in case you fall asleep.

Next, create a consecrated space, using whatever method you prefer, ie smudging, a banishing ritual, casting a circle, etc. This helps to create a sense of protection and to focus awareness on the task at hand.

I would discourage the use of music, incense, etc, until you are comfortable with this technique. Both can be useful, but for now, they are more likely to create a distraction.

Relaxation is essential - the more relaxed you are, the more likely you are to have success. Take a warm bath or a hot tub before beginning, or use a progressive relaxation technique, breathing, or whatever method you're most comfortable with to achieve a state of relaxed awareness. This takes practice as well so you might want to work on this for a few days before you go any further. With that accomplished, sit comfortably, breathe deeply and slowly, and let your eyes go slightly out of focus while gazing at the mirror. Concentrate on your breathing, not on the mirror. Keep your gaze relaxed though it’s okay to blink. Concentrate only on your breathing. If thoughts or fantasies intrude, don't worry. Just dismiss them and go back to your breathing.

Eventually, you may begin to see what appear to be sparks of light or a 'foggy' effect. Don't concentrate on these phenomena. Just remain relaxed and allow them to develop. At some point, the images will become stronger. You may see pictures, shadows, or lights and colours. Continue for as long as you are comfortable. When you begin to feel restless it will probably a good time to stop.

Record keeping

Don't worry if what you see makes no sense at first. After a session write down your impressions and make a note of your general state of mind. It is also a good idea to keep a record of any dreams which may occur after a session. In fact, it is a good idea to record all of your dreams as this will strengthen the lines of communication.

Copyright © Carol Stirling. All Rights Reserved.