The Ancient Art Of Scrying

When the evil queen in Walt Disney’s animated classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937),  says, “Magic mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” she is not merely admiring the beauty of her own reflection. Instead, she is practicing an ancient divination technique known as scrying. In this case ‘mirror scrying,’ also known as catoptromancy.

Scrying is the metaphysical practice of gazing into a reflective surface, such as a crystal ball, mirror or water, in order to perceive spiritual insights, spirit messages or clairvoyant visions of the future.

In most societies, since time began, people used different tools in attempts to scry for answers about the present and future. It seems to be human nature to want to know what is in store for us in the future. Often scrying was done in the confines of royalty or religion – reserved only for the privileged few deemed worthy to do it.

Scrying was often a practice learned and applied within a family, as children often watched their elders scry. People did not write down how to do such things in the early days. The secrets of scrying was handed down from one family member to another. However, this metaphysical practice can be learned by almost all people with some dedication, concentration and patience.

Many objects can be used to scry. Apart from the traditional crystal ball or mirror, one can also make use of a candle, water, ink, smoke, tea leaves, or even a glass of dark wine. In ancient Egypt there were sacred lotus pools used by priests for scrying. Shallow scrying bowls, carved from dark stone, have been found in many parts of the world. When filled with water, ink or dark red wine they too became ‘mirrors’ for scrying. The crystal sphere that many modern practitioners use is a more recent innovation. The earliest examples, used primarily for divination date, from about 1500 AD.

The purpose of scrying is to gain information. Some people believe this information is given clairvoyantly or psychically. Others believe the scrying technique simply clears the mind so information from the Universe or the Source can flow more freely ~ Marianna Boncek

In order to scry one must go into a light trance, so the mind can expand into a higher level of consciousness. Gazing into a clear reflective surface is like staring at a ‘blank mental slate’ to distract your awareness from the world around you and become mentally and physically still and focused.

Visions do not appear and cannot actually be see seen on or inside the scrying surface. Instead, scrying results in inner visions you perceive with your mind’s eye. Very often it takes several attempts before you achieve the results you desire.

One method that is very inexpensive and easy is candle scrying. Gazing at the flame, set your eyes slightly out of focus. Relax and wait for impressions to come to your mind. Practice, practice, practice.

The first time I was hired to do a crystal ball séance was quite an experience for me. I used my beautiful crystal ball, which took about six years to find, as I was looking for the one that called to me. It actually has an inclusion that looks like an eye a portal into the unknown. Well, to be honest, I had not had this crystal ball very long when I did this first “gig.” I had not had much experience scrying for a group before, but I am a psychic medium and I was sure information would come despite my limited scrying skills at the time.

The setting was a perfect foggy night in a spooky, old stone castle on the coast of Maine. It really was a dark and dreary night. Everyone was dressed in costume for the event. The guests were primed with card readings, before I was to start at midnight. We then all sat around an old wooden, antique table. There were about 15 of us present.

In my opinion, scrying provides an opportunity to go deeper and access a different realm of understanding. To me, it’s not just about interpreting symbols or divining for the future, although it’s arguably a large part of it, but it’s about the power of unlocking wisdom and intuition – whether it comes soulfully or from the spirit realm ~ Lizzie Burgess

To start we all held hands and I said a few words to set the intention for spirit to communicate through the crystal ball and then went into light trance. I had placed my crystal ball on a piece of black velvet cloth. Impressions began to form in my mind, to produce a reading for all participants. Spirit never disappoints.

The event was a great success. I was supposed to only work from twelve to one o’clock, but our session only ended at three in the morning. After that event, my crystal ball and I have been hired many times to do scrying séances.

If you choose to try scrying, try to relax. Set your intention, be patient and have fun. The spirit world loves laughter. Just let it happen. Sometimes, when we try too hard, it produces the least results. Simply breath, relax and open your mind.