Scrying is a powerful psychic tool which can bring hidden knowledge, clairvoyant abilities, and act as a portal to other planes of existence. Scrying develops your clairvoyant abilities and is especially helpful in strengthening the third eye. For centuries, many cultures around the world have used scrying techniques for divining the past, present and future, in this sense scrying constitutes a form of divination.

Scrying means getting into a relaxed, meditative state and focusing on the shapes and symbols we see, and trying to interpret what meaning they may have for us. Scrying is also a great tool to use for personal growth and guidance. Not just for the future, but for the present time, as well as the past. With practice, you can easily learn to use these powers to make decisions and to see what lies ahead. You can also discover past lives and see your angels and spirit guides. You can find solutions to problems you are struggling with, learn more about your past lives, and of course, see glimpses of the future too. Scrying and divination are not just for witches and spiritual workers either, anyone can do it.

Scrying tools allow you to achieve the state of mind required for entering a trance, acting as a focal point for visualization, which can become a doorway into the astral plane. The tools often used to “see” are water, polished precious stones, crystal balls, or mirrors.

To begin with, the reader should understand that scrying is as much a learned skill as is reading, riding a bike or driving a car. Practice is necessary to teach the nervous system how to do it, even where the person has some innate talent.  As with other learned skills, there is a learning curve. At first there will be a long period when you don’t seem to be making any significant progress. Then things will suddenly fit together and your practice will improve markedly in a short period of time, before leveling off again at something close to your highest level of skill.

SCRYING HISTORY

Scrying has been used for thousands of years by different cultures, scrying comes from the Old English word descry meaning “to make out dimly” or “to reveal.” There have been, and are, many purposes for the activity; to see into the future, to find lost objects or persons, and to track criminals, among others. Ancient Egypt used scrying in their Initiations, this included water scrying, ink scrying, blood scrying, dream scrying, oil scrying, and mirror scrying. One legend states that the goddess Hathor carried a shield that could reflect back all things in their true light. From this shield she allegedly fashioned the first magic mirror to “see.”

Scrying practitioners, sometimes called “readers” or “seers” have been used for a variety of purposes, including to predict distant or future events, to give character analyses, to tell fortunes, or to help a client make choices about current situations and problems.

Nostradamus is believed to have used a small bowl of water as a scrying tool, into which he gazed and received images of future events. This powerful tool is now being used for therapeutic purposes.  Dr. Raymond Moody has utilized scrying techniques to allow people to access an altered state of consciousness so they can connect with the spirit world and departed loved ones.  The Shahnama, a semi-historical epic work written in the late 10th century, gives a description of what was called the Cup of Jamshid, used in pre-Islamic Persia, which was used by wizards and practitioners of the esoteric sciences for observing all seven layers of the universe.

TYPES OF SCRYING

Usually, scrying is performed with the use of a reflective surface, such as a mirror, water or crystal globe. However, there are many other forms. Here are nine common types:

Wax – This is done by dripping wax onto a water surface. The scryer then interprets the images or words formed from the dried wax.

Cloud – Also called cloud gazing, this form of scrying involves observing clouds and the shapes they form. This is used to gather special information or knowledge.

Mirror – This is perhaps the most popular form of scrying. Also called catoptromancy, this involves relaxing your vision and staring into a mirror. After a while, images and scenes will begin to emerge.

Water – Staring into water, images can be perceived after a time. Objects such as pebbles can also be dropped into the water, the scryer divines messages from the sound the stone makes in the water and the images formed in the rippling water.

Metal Scrying – This method of scrying uses melted metal and water. Using tin or lead, the metal was melted to a liquid state and then dripped into cold water where the metal would harden into varying shapes. A scryer would then interpret the spiritual messages from the molded metal shapes.

Oil – This form of scrying can involve pouring oil into a dish, rubbing it on the body, or coating a cup/plate. The scryer then observes the light reflected off the oil for information.

Fire – The most ancient form of scrying, this type of scrying involves gazing into fiery flames for visions. Images are perceived in the flame, or shadowy images are perceived close to the flames that provide messages to the seer. This can be done using the light of an oil lamp or the flame from a candle or fire.

Smoke – Smoke gazing is a method of scrying using smoke from a flame or typically a fire. As the smoke rises, images are perceived in the smoke that details spiritual messages for the seer.

Crystal – Crystal gazing is a method of scrying where a scryer looks into a crystal; typically a ball and reads the images that appear in the reflection. It should be noted that lead crystal balls are not the best tools for this method. Rather natural crystals with all their cracks and imperfections are preferred.

Eye – Also called soul gazing, this form of scrying involves looking deep within a person’s eyes and observing the reflections.

PROCESSING PSYCHIC INFORMATION

Psychic information is processed by the right side of the brain, which is where your imagination comes from, this is the hemisphere through which scrying abilities are developed. ­ By working with this hemisphere we can predict the future with great accuracy, and recall the past with details we did not consciously experience.

Understanding comes through reflection. The right hemisphere can effectively process these images and also deal with information about future events without needing facts and figures.

The left side of the brain is more technical and deals with facts and figures, and organizing present and past experiences. This is the part of the brain which recalls relevant facts from out past. By looking at our past experiences, relationships and behaviors this hemisphere enables us to make effective choices in the present and the future.

When we add our imaginative powers to the right brain, to the analytical process of the left brain, we can bring to the surface what is not expected or reasonably predictable – and use these prophecies to make effective choices in the present.

SCRYING – SETTING THE SCENE

Preparing for any psychic or spiritual practice requires you to adopt a peaceful and calm frame of mind. Give yourself time to relax and allow the day to drift away before attempting to scry. Take some slow, deep breaths and release all tension from your body. Put all your troubles and concerns away and drift to a peaceful place, this will allow you to more easily access hidden information.

The First thing to consider is atmosphere. It is considered best to practice scrying in a very dimly lit room with incense burning in the background. The mix of light and shadow with the aroma of incense help to activate the imagination and allow visions to arise. Some people like to set the scene by cleansing the room with a smudge stick or incense first or playing spiritual music. Traditional incense used are Frankincense, Sandalwood, Myrrh, rose, pine, jasmine, magnolia, musk or Sage. Alternatively burn floral fragrance oils in an aroma lamp.

To start with we recommend that you turn out the lights, draw the curtains and light just one or two candles. Put the candles behind you, so you don’t get too many reflections in the scrying medium. Use a white candle to start, as colored candles have very specific vibrations, and white candles help to invoke protection peace, purity, and support divination. As you feel comfortable, you can experiment with purple or blue candles as well. Purple candles help to invoke spiritual powers, clairvoyance, while blue candles invoke forgiveness, calm, and truth.

HOW TO SCRY

You should begin by choosing a comfortable position where you can be perfectly relaxed. Begin by closing your eyes, and attuning your mind to the energy around you. Some practitioners suggest not to listen to music, as the music can often influence the visions and information you receive. Scrying is incredibly easy to do, it just takes practice. The objective is to “see” things in the mirror, crystal ball or water. These images can be concrete pictures, symbols or vague impressions. What these images convey are information about situations you are facing and guidance in how to resolve your problems.

When you are ready to begin scrying, open your eyes. Position yourself so that you can look into the reflective surface. Let your eyes relax and go out of focus. Try to clear your mind and concentrate on feeling open and receptive. Stare into the surface, looking for patterns, symbols or pictures, and don’t worry about blinking, its fine if you do. Don’t try to rush the process, stay very relaxed and keep your eyes slightly out of focus. Don’t strain or try to force it. You may see images moving, or perhaps even words forming. You may have thoughts pop spontaneously into your head that seem to have nothing at all to do with anything. Perhaps you’ll suddenly think about someone you haven’t seen in decades. Let your thoughts flow where they will.

If you wish, you can also communicate with your spirit guides, ask them questions, and then watch for any images that appear. Spend as much time as you like gazing into the surface, it may be just a few minutes, or even an hour. Stop when you begin to feel restless, or if you’re getting distracted by mundane things. Use your journal, and write down everything you saw, thought and felt during your scrying session.

You might not see anything the first few times you do this, but keep at it, you will eventually. The more you practice scrying and related psychic work, the more quickly you can get into that relaxed state and notice even subtle impressions.

When you finish gazing into the mirror, make sure you record everything you saw, thought and felt during your scrying session. Messages often come to us from other realms, if a bit of information doesn’t make sense, don’t worry, sit on it for a few days and let your unconscious mind process it, it will make sense eventually. It’s also possible that you could receive a message that’s meant for someone else, if something doesn’t seem to apply to you, think about your circle of family friends, and who the message might be meant for.

Reading symbols can sometimes be vague so it is up to the scryer to decipher the meaning, and what the meaning holds personally for the scryer. Write down everything you see, it can help to keep records because the meaning of the symbols might become apparent later. Even if you’re not sure about the “known” meaning of the symbols, you can still apply their characteristics to your own situation.  Symbols that appear could be anything, an apple, rain, letters, or a calm beach, we have to decipher what appears. Try not to look at it literally but rather what the symbol represents.

LOOKING INTO THE PAST

Fill a bowl with water then gaze into it, think of a special moment in your past, and relive every moment. Tune into feelings, emotions, images, fragrances, and taste, try to look through the eyes of the person you were then. Images will begin to appear in your mind’s eye, focus on these images from the past, relive this time. By doing this you can help your younger self and offer guidance, there maybe a time in your past when you wish you’d done things differently. It can be cathartic assisting the younger you.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

When looking into the future you can choose a specific timeframe that you wish to get a prediction for. You may ask questions, such as, when will I meet my soulmate, when will I get a new job, will there be children in my future. You can see the future in pictures or symbols in the water, focus on these images for more clues as to what you can expect for the future you. To find information about the exact time and place, focus on details, such as how old you look, what time of year it is, your sister’s presence when you know she is coming home for a holiday in nine months time. You may not see images you expect, work with what you are given.

MIRROR SCRYING

Mirror scrying is a heightened form of water scrying. Early mirrors were made from brass, tin foil, polished copper, polished silver, obsidian and marcasite. You may use any type of mirror and any size. Try and use a mirror that has a silver frame, there is a tendency for old mirrors to work better than new ones. For seers the mirror of choice is a black one, this you may have to make yourself as they are difficult to buy. Just take out the glass and paint the mirror black.

The Alchemists John Dee and Edward Kelley preferred to use used a black mirror, they also used a piece of polished obsidian for their scrying work.

To successfully use the black mirror it is best to leave it on a table at an angle as you don’t want to see your reflection.  Look deeply into the mirror as you if you were looking into a bowl of water, at first things will seem cloudy and unclear, then you will begin to see colors and symbols that have meaning to you. Over time images will become clearer, images will be like photographs and moving images, it will become easier to decipher what you are seeing and feeling with practice.   No two people have the same experience when scrying, it is an individual journey, make sure you document everything you see, hear and feel, omit nothing. Keep everything you write so you will be able document your progress.

CANDLE SCRYING

One of the simplest methods of scrying is candle scrying, Sit in a dimly lit room with the appropriately colored candle, perform your deep breathing and centering. Focus your vision on the center of the dancing flames. Don’t worry about staring too hard, just rest your eyesight wherever is the most comfortable. Allow yourself to see the flames movements. Listen to the hiss, sizzle, and crackle of the flames when using a fire.

Fire might choose to speak though images and/or through audible means as well. As you focus on the question, listen to the flame and watch as it dances, in order to hear and see the answers you seek. Thoughts and ideas may pop into your head, seemingly unrelated to anything you see or hear. Be sure to use your notepad or journal so you can write these things down for future exploration. When using a candle or fire, you might also observe the smoke after the flames have burned out, you may try your hand at scrying for answers in the ashes.

We are constantly receiving messages from other realms, it is just a matter of consciously recording these messages, by becoming more aware of our psyche we will have greater understanding. If the information doesn’t immediately make sense, don’t worry, put it aside for a few days and let your unconscious mind process it, it will make sense eventually.

READING A CANDLE FLAME

The candle flame itself can reveal much information. Pay attention to smoke, sounds, the movement and strength of the flame and the quickness or slowness of the burn.

Steady and Strong Burning Flame

This generally means there is a good chance your intentions will work in your favor and you will receive your answer or wish quickly. This is a very good sign.

Weak Burning Flame

A weak burning flame reveals there is a lot of negative influences present and that your spell or ritual is being met with some resistance by the person or situation to whom it was intended. If the flame grows larger, it means your intentions are gaining power.

Hissing, Sizzling, Crackling or Popping

Pay attention, there is a spirit trying to communicate with you. The louder the sounds become, the stronger the will to communicate with you. Clear your mind so you can receive the message.

A Dancing or Flickering Flame

A flickering flame is a sign that you will meet some resistance in your goal. The higher the jumping flame, the more resistance there is. It can also indicate raw emotions along with explosions of energy. If a flame twists and spiral it reveals false friends and deception.

Clear Flame

A positive relationship is on the horizon.

Flame Goes Out

Your desires may not be granted soon, you may need to put in more work or energy. If you have called upon a deity to assist you they may not agree with what you are asking/working for at this point in time.

Candle Has Multiple Flames

Two or more flames on a single candle could indicate that someone is either working alongside you or against you. If the flame is flickering, it means that spirits are around.

Multi Coloured Flame

This indicates outside influences that are beyond the power of the questioner. Colours can also show that the question may be best answered at a later date.

A Wavering Flame

Predicts travel or a journey in the near future.

Slow Burning Candle

When the candle burns slow the desires are hard to manifest, there may be many obstacles. However success might come with time.

Puffs of Black Smoke

This usually means somebody or something is in the way and working against you, you are fighting negative energies.

Puffs of White Smoke

A very good sign, your intentions have been heard and will be granted, but there may be some struggles to obtain your desire. If you have called upon a deity it may mean that you have their blessing.

No Smoke

There are no obstacles, the matter is long over.

A Lot of Smoke

Shows hidden trouble. Someone or something is getting in the way, but obstacles will be overcome in the end.

Smoke Comes Towards You

If the smoke wafts towards you then your prayer will be answered

Smoke Blows Away From You

It is a sign that you still need perseverance in order to obtain your desire

Smoke Turns Towards Your Right

Patience is needed, success will come through using your wisdom.

Smoke Turns Towards Your Left

You are becoming too emotionally involved with a situation.

Smoke Without Fire

You are involved in a fake relationship filled with insecurity.

Direction of Flame Movement

NORTH: Something physical is manifesting.

EAST: Something mental is manifesting.

SOUTH: A sign of a new love relationship.

WEST: A good sign of love and success.