I know it looks like a typo and what’s really happening, is that we’ve actually been crying as a community, but alas no; “scrying” is a legitimate and archaic form of divination.
Let’s check out the definition of it via Google:
Foretell the future using a crystal ball or other reflective object or surface. “A mirror used for scrying”.
Okay, so Google did pretty well this time and have hit the nail smack on the head with this definition.
Scrying is the act of gazing at a reflective surface and using any symbols that may appear as a way of garnering advice, or foretelling the outcome of certain forthcoming situations, circumstances, and choices.
This is the one you’ll see all the fortune tellers with a multitude of rings and long nails use in the movies. It’s the method with the most flair and dramatic air about it, and is used a lot in the media by characters who are tied to mysticism.
In reality, gazing into a clouded glass or crystal (like Obsidian) ball to obtain information about forthcoming events, or unknown aspects of the present has been done for thousands of years (probably).
Mirrors are the most practical form of scrying, particularly in the modern age when lots of us carry compacts or small mirrors in our bags or pockets on a daily basis.
Mirror scrying is usually done on a mirror that has a black backing to it as that makes for a better reflective surface and thus, a better experience when looking for symbols and signs within the mirror. You should keep your query in mind as you stare and see what is revealed to you.
You can buy ready-made scrying mirrors, but it’s also incredibly easy to make your own [click [X] or [X] or [X] for more info on that!].
Fire scrying is exactly what it says on the tin - staring into a flame to see what symbols and visions may present themselves to you.
When you scry with fire, you should take note of the movement of the flames and keep an eye out for repeated shapes and patterns, because whilst some people may see clear images, others may see shapes, or flashes or shadows.
Much like fire scrying, this is what it says it is: using water to scry.
Some people use large bodies of water like lakes and oceans and incorporate the moon into their practise of this method, whilst some people prefer to use a small bowl of water and just employ the sitting-and-staring thing. Sometimes, people will use bowls that are made of crystal, or bowls that have a gloss on them to heighten the reflectivity. Some people will allow themselves to go into a trance-like state before scrying this way.
Okay, so naturally the first step you’re going to want to take is deciding on which medium you’re going to use to scry! You don’t have to pick one now and stick with it forever - nothing stops you from experimenting with each method if that’s what you want to do.
Let’s go through it in steps.
Step 1: Find somewhere quiet, where you are unlikely to be disturbed.
If you want to, and if you think that it will help you, set up your surroundings so that you can fall into a relaxed and almost trance like state. For some, this may mean dimming the lights and putting on some sobering music. For others, it may be throwing open the curtains, letting the sunlight in and listening to birdsong - each to their own.
If you are familiar with meditating and meditation, think of it as a process just like that; you’ll want to reach a point of calmness before you scry. It’ll make the process a lot easier on you, as a skittish or burdened mind is a mind lacking clarity.
Stage 2: Why are you scrying? What is your intent?
You’ll have seen intent mentioned in a lot of spiritual/witchcraft posts because it’s a core concept in our work. It plays into scrying as well, because if you have a set reason for doing this, you’re more likely to find the answers you seek.
You know how we say that when you’re crafting a sigil you should write out a sentence that clearly states the intent behind the sigil? Well, doing something like that here might be a good idea, if only to make this whole thing easier on you. Think of it this way: it’s easier to accomplish something if you know what the fuck you’re trying to do, right?
Now it’s time to stare. Yes, you heard me right. Sit back (or lean forward if you need to - it was just a figure of speech) and gaze into your chosen medium.
You should be aware, that it is likely you will fall deeper into a trance-like state when you do this and you may end up spending more time scrying than you had intended to. That particular situation has happened to most of us - you start scrying whilst the sun is out and finish in the middle of the night.
After some time, images may begin to show themselves. You may see shapes, shadows; silhouettes. You may see vivid flashes or blurry vague images; some people report seeing things in an almost dream-like manner; hazy and vague, and ambiguous.
In some cases people have reported that whilst they scry, dates, times and locations come to mind that are relevant to the query they have bore in mind during their divination session.
Remember to try and not force yourself to see things if they are not there. Let it happen organically. If you’re in a relaxed and trance-like state, you won’t be able to force yourself to see things in the water, mirror, water or flame.
Once you’ve finished scrying, if you have the energy left to do so, you may want to write down how everything went! Write the medium you used, what you saw, what you were asking about/wanting insight into, and what the symbols may mean.
This will help you interpret and clarify things, and it will also be a useful tool in learning and growing within this form of divination.
At first you may be afraid of seeing things, or afraid of what you may see.
That’s okay. It’s normal to be apprehensive when you’re looking for insight into the unknown. If you want to know something, I still sometimes get a little nervous when I’m doing any kind of divination because when you’re asking for answers or guidance on something that’s not entirely clear, you can never be sure that you’re going to like the answers you get.
One way to combat this, is to prepare yourself before you dive in. Take some time to reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Doing this may settle your nerves because you’re not going in blind.
Grounding: grounding is the act of centering yourself by feeling connected to the physical world in some form or another. By recognising this, you are less likely to feel drained and may in fact feel like your might in steeled somewhat (that’s what it does for me! If I take time to feel my surroundings and recognise that I am tied to the solidity of this world, I feel stronger and more resilient.)
*Links: Grounding Visualisations ✧ Grounding/Meditation Chant ✧ Grounding ✧ Grounding Techniques
Remind yourself that when you see images or symbols, this is a good thing and you’re not going mad.
I know that may sound silly, but for first time scry-ers actually seeing something is scary because often a small part of you thinks this is hokum and you won’t actually see anything tangible.
It may help if you sit down, take a few deep breaths and say to yourself over and over as a sort of affirmation, something along the lines of: “I will images, shapes, visions of what I need to see in the flame/water/fire/mirror/crystal, and I will not be afraid.”
If you need to, prepare a sigil or incantation, or some small form of magick to make yourself feel more comfortable.
There’s no shame in needing or wanting to do so. I have used a sigil before divination before to calm my nerves. It’s a valid thing to do and want to do.
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