Scrying, also known by the names of hydromancy, crystal gazing and oculomancy, is the ancient art of revelation.
Traditionally, scrying has been portrayed through the popular image of the psychic gazing over her crystal ball. But scrying, like all esoteric practices, is not about “seeing the future.” The future can’t be seen, it can only be speculated based on present moment information.
The word “scrying” actually comes from the Old English word descry which means “to make out dimly” or “to reveal.” Therefore, scrying is about revealing the unseen through the use of our in-born second sight. Second sight is our capacity to see things that can’t usually be perceived through our five senses.
Scrying was first mentioned in the 10th Century in an Ancient Persian text called the “Shahnameh.” Later, as Christianity rose to power, scrying was outlawed as a work of the “devil.” And yet almost every culture has used some form of scrying: from the Native American’s observation of smoke, to the Egyptians use of oil gazing to gain wisdom. These days, scrying has largely evolved into a pagan practice. But you don’t have to be pagan to experiment with it.
Scrying helps us to get in touch with our unconscious minds: the realm of the soul. As such, it can be used as a powerful form of self-understanding and psychoanalysis. If you’re struggling to find direction, meaning or purpose in life, scrying could be a wonderful way to get in touch with your core needs, dreams and goals.
Usually, scrying is performed with the use of a reflective surface, such as a mirror, water or crystal globe.
I've tried a few types in my life - water I have found to be too weak, a mirror too intense so I've settled on obsidian.
AS you know I am really picky about where I buy crystals so when in Mexico I bought some beautiful obsidian spheres and discs to scry with and to sell to others. These are very pure and already filled with ancient knowledge.
With any scrying, make sure you clear the object you are going to use and keep it covered when not using it. Make sure you clear the room you are in and instruct that no dark entities are welcome in your light.
How to Practice Scrying
1. Energetically cleanse the area There are many ways of clearing the energy in your scrying space. Some options include: burning herbs or incense, using sound (like a singing bowl or tuning fork), clapping your hands, visualizing white light, sprinkling salt, or using (organic and authentic) essential oils. Why cleanse your space? It helps you to remove stagnant energy that may impede your scrying.
4. Light a candle/s Light your candles and place them either side of your bowl. The light of the candles must be able to reflect off the .ball. I tend to light a candle in the North, South, East and West.
5. Say aloud your intention
Don't be a scrying tourist, have a good reason as to why you are scrying. Say it aloud and also.
6. PROTECT yourself.
Protect by saying that only beings of light are permitted within your area. This is VERY important as you are opening a doorway and you need to ensure darker entities don't take advantage of this.
5. Enter a trance-like state Trance is an altered state of consciousness. Almost every culture known to man has had its own trance rituals. These may include chanting, drum beating, dancing, singing, fasting, the use of psychoactive plants and visualization. In your case, simply meditating may help you quickly enter into a trance-like state. I like to focus on my breath while listening to shamanic music.
Remember, all of this needs to be done in a darkened room preferably at night. You could also try scrying outside as the sense of expansion could contribute favorably to your experience.
6. Stare into the ball After you have achieved an altered state of consciousness, you can then gaze into the bowl. You’ll be able to tell when you’ve reached an altered state when you feel peaceful, expanded, alert, focused and connected.
In order to scry, your eyes need to be relaxed. The ball (or other object) will help to focus your eyes. You might also like to seat yourself in a comfortable position, as sometimes scrying can take a while. Be patient. Often it takes many tries to master scrying.
Next, hold your intention in mind. For example, your intention may be to uncover a hidden gift of yours, or perhaps to discover what is holding you back from achieving a dream. As you gaze into the ball, let your eyes soften. Relax your entire face, from your mouth to your ears. Breathe deeply from your stomach. At times images may come and go briefly. Don’t try to hold on to them – this will make it much harder to scry. Instead, allow all images and sensations to come and go freely. The goal is to become a passive observer rather than an active participant. Once again, this can take practice.
After a while, your mind may start to wander. Allow it to. However, ensure that your eyes stay focused within the bowl. Eventually a word, image or even entire scene may play out before you. This is normal. Once you “feel” that your scrying session is over, you may like to ruminate on the words, images or scenes that were presented to you. What were they trying to reveal? Sometimes you’ll be able to immediately understand the nature of the visions presented to you, but not always. Look out for symbolism, analogy and metaphor.
If nothing comes then that's ok. It might be that your subconscious (dreamland reveals more).
7. Close off the experience
Never just walk away from the ball. Instead thank the ball (this is a live object filled with energies) and ask for the door to close. Thank those who gave you messages. Always cover the ball/object as this can act as a live portal if you aren't careful.
