The Shy Fox's Guide to Scrying
I’ve been getting a TON of questions regarding scrying lately. Whether it’s about types of scrying or how it’s done, it can be a little complicated and confusing! A lot of people don’t understand what exactly scrying entails, and I’ve been reading about it and doing it for a while, so I thought I’d make a post about it.
Have you ever sat outside and looked at the clouds, and seen imagery in the clouds? Or maybe you look at a tree and see a pattern in the leaves and branches. Perhaps you’re staring off into space and you start to daydream or you see images in the wall.
Scrying is a form of divination which utilizes one’s subconscious mind and the images that the subconscious forms. Scrying typically is done using some type of blank surface, usually a dark one, and gazing into it. The diviner then interprets what they “see”. Oftentimes the diviner will write down the images they see and interpret them based on predetermined symbolism or their personal interpretations of symbols and images. It’s all up to each person!
It really depends on the method being used. Typically, the diviner starts off with some meditation to clear their mind. Oftentimes, a question or thought is meditated on for the diviner to search for the answers to. They then use any number of techniques to “see” what their subconscious tells them about the question being presented. Oftentimes the diviner writes down what they see either as they go or afterwards, depending on personal preference.
There are quite a few different methods, the most common ones typically being water scrying, wax scrying, and mirror scrying, though I know a lot of people do it different ways! Let me give you the breakdown on some of the common types.
Mirror scrying is probably the most common form I see people use, and it’s the one that I think you’ll see most in pop culture next to crystal ball scrying. Mirror scrying is done through the use of a scrying mirror, a very dark (typically pitch black) “mirror”. Often after meditation, the diviner gazes into the mirror and relaxes, letting their mind wander. Visions often take shape, whether it be in the form of numbers, letters, shapes, symbols, etc. The diviner then interprets what they’ve seen based on either popular associations with those numbers, symbols, etc., or they interpret them based on personal belief.
This one is pretty common too, and it’s what a lot of people associate “witches” and “fortune tellers” with! It’s basically the same process as mirror scrying, but instead of a mirror, the diviner uses a crystal ball. The same process is followed as above. I think a lot of people like this for the aesthetic of it, but it’s not my personal favorite. (also crystal balls are expensive a lot of times and Iiiiii am most certainly on a budget)
Water scrying is pretty similar to mirror scrying! It’s the same process, but rather than using a mirror, the diviner takes a bowl (again, usually of a dark color) and fills it with water. The process stated in mirror scrying is repeated. Results are usually a bit different, since the water can ripple and move in ways that a solid object obviously can’t. It’s pretty similar to mirror scrying though!
I really enjoy this method, but I’ve not used it all that much. Wax scrying is typically done by meditating on the question/thought, then either lighting a candle afterwards or having a candle lit beforehand/during the meditation. The diviner then drips the wax from the candle into a bowl of water, and interprets the symbols and shapes that the wax forms when it hits the water. This form of scrying is awesome for beginners (or for those with short attention spans like myself) since the images stick around and you don’t have to try to remember all that you see in your mind’s eye! Just always remember to be cautious with your candles; don’t let them burn down if you meditate for a long time!
I’m not sure if some people would call this “scrying” but to me, it’s still a type of scrying. I believe the proper term for reading tea leaves is called tasseography/tasseomancy. This one’s a fun one! Essentially, instead of meditating, you fix yourself a cup of tea and focus on your question as you prepare your tea. Continue to focus on it as you drink it, really nursing the thought as you sip your tea. Once you’ve come down to the very end of it, you’ll see the tea leaves floating in the bottom of the cup. Quickly upturn your cup over the sink, then flip it over and look at the leaves. The patterns and shapes they form are you answers. I’ve always thought tasseomancy is awesome, but I’m not a big tea drinker, so I don’t really do it. If you love tea, tasseomancy is probably a great form of divination for you!
You don’t hear about this one much, buuuuut I saw a great tumblr post about it, and I thought it was really neat! The post explains it much much better than I can, so I highly recommend you go there if you’re interested. It’s a great post, not super long, and definitely something fun to try if you live in a rainy area!
Those are some of my favorites, but there’s more out there, I can almost guarantee that. Search around and find one you like!
But Fox! This sounds so complicated and I’m just getting started!
Believe me when I say scrying of any form takes practice, patience, and yes, it’s going to be really intimidating at first! My recommendation to you is to practice, practice, practice. Do a small scrying in the morning to see what your day will be like, and see how accurate it is at the end of the day. Offer free scryings to other people. Tumblr is a great place to do that! The community is lovely and I adore the feedback I get! Everyone’s always got something nice to say, so really, don’t be afraid to offer readings on here. Go for it!
Great, but I can’t afford any of the fancy tools! What do I do now?
The answer is simple: you don’t need fancy tools. Got a cell phone? Use the blank screen under low light for mirror scrying. Have a dark colored plastic bowl? Use that for water scrying! Old candles nobody uses anymore? Grab ‘em and use ‘em. Don’t feel like you have to use special fancy tools to be a good diviner. I use a rusty ring on a piece of yarn as a pendulum and my laptop screen as a scrying mirror. I don’t have the fancy tools, but I do divinatory stuff anyway! It’s okay not to have “professional grade” tools. Make use of what you have :)
Oh, cool! So where do I go from here?
Take what you’ve learned and practice, practice, practice! If you’re still confused, you can always message me, or any other tumblr users in the witchy community. Google is your friend too! The important things to remember here are: don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to just give it a try. You’ll never get better if you don’t try. So don’t be afraid! Everyone has to start somewhere.
Go forth and do some great work! I believe in you!
