Smoke scrying is a beautiful, interpretative, and very witchy way to get answers from the universe. There are many ways to get answers to questions through smoke, from seeing faces or symbols to letters or whole words. But how do you do it? I found that the easiest way to begin smoke scrying is with incense!
To do this, you will need:
-A well-ventilated, dim area to work. You don’t need utter darkness, but if it isn’t dark enough you may find you need to work against a dark backdrop to properly see the smoke.
-A candle.
-Incense stick is preferred for this method, but any incense will do.
-A safe container to deposit ash as needed.
To scry:
1) Initiate the session with whatever opening ritual you prefer for this kind of work (I personally prefer a simple prayer and envisioning my space being filled with enlightening energy). Light a candle and invite the universe/spirits/your diety/etc. to join you to provide insight and answers. Keep in mind your intent for the kind of questions you will be asking to prepare them.
2) Hold the incense stick in your dominant hand and light it, willing it to provide clear communication between you and the universe/spirits/diety/etc. After lighting the incense, hold it near enough to the candle for the smoke to be gently illuminated (this improves your ability to see the smoke itself). You may find that placing a dark backdrop behind it further helps see the smoke clearly.
3) Take a moment to get to know how your smoke is communicating with you today. Hold the incense still at first and ask it to show you “yes,” “no,” and “maybe.” Yes/no/maybe answers are often given as a smooth and clear stream of smoke, a wavering and turbulent fan of smoke, a series of curls, a single wave, the formation of a smoke ring, etc. So get to know your smoke at each session, as different conditions may change the presenting appearance of each answer from session to session.
4) Begin with yes/no/maybe questions to narrow down your query. You will often find many answers through this simple exercise.
5) For more complex questions, you will need to move your incense slowly and carefully. For questions pertaining to the past, I recommend drawing a counter-clockwise circle– like a plate on a table in front of you, parallel to the ground– with the tip of the incense. For questions regarding the present or future, I recommend clockwise. In both cases, move in a slow, steady, even motion and watch for patterns and answers in the smoke.
6) Ask the more complex questions, but keep in mind that the more direct and straightforward your query, the easier it will be to get a solid answer. Keep your circular movement going as you ask, and watch for the answer on your next pass from left to right (reading direction; for past/counterclockwise questions this will occur at the edge of the circle nearest to you, along 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 on the “clock” of your circle; while on present/future/clockwise questions this will occur at the edge furthest from you, along 9, 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3 on the “clock” of your circle). It may take multiple passes to get your answer, especially with more complex concepts, so allow the answers to come until your seem to be getting nothing/gibberish in response, then move on to the next question. You may choose to repeat a question to be sure you catch the answer.
7) Interpret your answers carefully. You may see faces, symbols, an initial, or whole names spelled in response to “who” questions. Often, symbols or a simple word come in response to “how” or “why” queries. A number or symbols pertaining to a date or time of day, a moon phase, etc. are given for “when.” Symbols have generally been my reply for “what” and “where” queries. Symbols require insight to interpret, so look at multiple resources when gauging the meaning of a symbol response, and trust your gut interpretation first.
8) As your session completed, thank the universe/spirit/diety/etc. for its aid, and allow the remainder of your incense to burn off as an offering of your gratitude.
9) Complete your preferred closing ritual for this kind of session.
10) Although it is not required, I encourage you to take notes immediately after each session in your Book of Shadows or a journal to keep track of your practice. This will help you see patterns in your scrying, gain insight to your particular interpretations, notice particular directions that the universe/spirits/diety/etc. Seem to regularly push/encourage you, and so on.
As with all methods of scrying, keep in mind that the answers from this method may be off slightly, entirely wrong, misinterpreted, change over time, etc. Regardless of this, it can be an invaluable method for gaining insight into your life.
