Aloventor wrote:What is "Scrying" and why does one need an Onyx Mirror for it?
Scrying is a divination practice that uses crystal balls or other reflective surfaces.
Black mirrors aren't made from onyx, they're made from obsidian.
Typically, we use obsidian mirrors for scrying only when we intend to conjure the being we scry. Other surfaces that can be used for scrying include: A bowl of water with a silver coin in the bottom of it; literally any reflective surface (which is why the first thing you should EVER do when getting a new mirror is warding the fuck out of it); crystals that reflect light, in any shape.
Ancients used to scry in wells or sacred pools, especially when the moon was full and shone down into the pool.
https://themoonlightshop.com/blogs/news ... i-learn-it
What Is Scrying And Why Should I Learn It?
Many witches use scrying in their practice to uncover truths about themselves and the world around them. The word “scrying” means to reveal or to perceive. To be a scryer, you are crossing over to another consciousness, a mystical plane, and leaving behind your conscious mind. The formal definition being: “Scrying is the art of gazing into a dark mirror, water or crystal, going beyond the physical eyes and letting the inner psychic eye open allowing us to receive visions and information.”
The use of the crystal ball
To scry, you need a reflective surface as a medium you can gaze into. This is where the water, the candle’s flame, the mirror, or the crystal ball comes into play. The earliest use of the crystal ball recorded was by the Druids and the Scottish Highlanders. They referred to them as the “stones of power.”
In the middle ages, crystal balls were considered precious items that should be passed on from one to another. Apache medicine men would use clear quartz crystals to induce visions.
The crystal ball is also used to communicate with the Divine. Through the crystal ball, the Divine can impart messages, lessons, warnings, and nuggets of wisdom. And in turn, you may communicate with the Divine through this very same medium.
Our ancestors and scrying
Our ancestors used the clouds during the day and the reflection of the moon in a puddle of water at night to scry. Many witches of today use the crystal ball to stimulate psychically induced images and perform scrying.
Our ancestors existing before the era of cell phones and an internet connection, and relied on nothing but the written word carried by a messenger or the spoken word, would turn to scrying and people were away from loved ones, scrying was one way to keep an eye on their loved ones and predict their situation.
The world was a much bigger place then which they could not traverse the same way we do now.
What will you see?
So what does one see in the puddles of water, mirrors, candle flames, and crystal balls? Well, usually irregular shapes or clear images from the past. What makes each experience unique is that it is up to the scryer to interpret the images that come up in the reflective surface, which, if the scryer wants to hone this skill and read with accuracy, should involve a lot of practice. A mark of an advanced scryer is the ability to read and interpret messages anytime and anywhere.
Scrying a learned skill
Scrying is a learned skill. Just like riding a bike is or driving a stick shift car. For the beginner, do not be intimidated by the practice since there is no right or wrong interpretation. Different things work for different people, so do not be afraid to experiment. Even if say you have the innate talent, there is still a learning curve you need to get past before you experience growth and a deeper understanding of the practice.
What to expect
When starting out, there will be times when you feel like you’re hitting a wall. And then there are times when you see a sliver of hope because things are working well. With this, I say, just keep on going! Because you will come to realize that there are more highs than lows in learning scrying. Some spend weeks, months, years, it is different for everyone. But the sooner you start, the sooner you come close to learning it well.
Why bother learning scrying?
You might wonder why would you wanna bother learning scrying? What will scrying do for you?
Everyone has this natural interest in what the future holds or what the present situation is trying to tell them. It can be about careers, financial situations, health, and relationships.
But the changeable quality of the future can become clearer to you through practice and careful and cautious study and contemplation of the symbols, images and messages that are shown to you. This way, you can make effective choices in your life and influence your destiny.
The most learned witches are expert scryers and are able to discern and interpret what is revealed to them, in whatever form it is presented.
https://lonerwolf.com/scrying/
Scrying: How to Practice the Ancient Art of Second Sight (With Pictures)
by Aletheia Luna
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. 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 to create ripples. These ripples are then interpreted.
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 – Possibly the most ancient form of scrying, this type of scrying involves gazing into fiery flames for visions. This can be done through the use of a simple candle or oil lamp. Bonus points if it’s a bonfire!
Smoke – As smoke rises from fire, its ethereal shapes present spiritual messages.
Crystal – This is the stereotypical form of scrying, but nonetheless very effective. It involves the use of a crystal object (usually a ball or globe) to gather special meaning.
Eye – This is unusual! Also called soul gazing, this form of scrying involves looking deep within a person’s eyes and observing the reflections.
As we can see, we’ve practiced unknowingly many types of scrying in childhood and throughout our adult lives!
How to Practice Scrying
For this demonstration, I’ve chosen water scrying, also known as hydromancy. I particularly like water because it is fluid and it has been proven to adjust to our personal vibrations. Water to me is also symbolic of consciousness, so it seems very fitting to use it for the purpose of conscious revelation.
You’re welcome to copy my method or create one of your own. Also, don’t feel restricted by water, especially if it doesn’t “call” to you. Experiment with many of the other scrying techniques I described above.
What you will need:
A bowl (preferably black or natural)
Water (preferably natural)
1 or 2 candles
Lighter/matches
Crystal/small object
Table
Darkness (e.g. a room at night)
Optional:
Smudge stick
1. Fill your bowl with water.
I bought this wooden bowl at the thrift store for $1. I prefer wood, but you can also use a dark (navy or black) plastic, marble or glass bowl. Dark bowls are recommended because they allow you to concentrate better.
You can put your bowl out in the rain to collect natural rainwater (like I did above). Or you can fill your bowl with mineral water. If all else fails, tap water should be fine.
2. Put your crystal in the bowl.
Prepare your space. You can water scry indoors or outdoors. Just ensure you have a clear space to put your bowl and a candle or two. I chose this crystal quartz as the focal point for my water scrying. Quartz is said to have balancing, amplifying and focusing properties. You can choose any object you like (it doesn’t have to be a crystal). Ensure that the object is right in the center of the bowl: it will serve as a point on which your eyes can focus.
3. (Optional) Smudge the area.
Smudging is the ancient practice of energetically cleansing spaces and people. You can learn how to make your own easy, affordable smudge stick in this article. (This is actually the exact same smudge stick I made, but dried!) To use your smudge stick, light its tip and blow it out. Draw the stick over the space you want to use with an intention in mind. More details can be found here.
4. Light the 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 surface of the water.
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 tribal 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 water.
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 crystal (or other object(s)) in the center of the bowl 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 water, 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.
Tips: I like to put a cushion on the floor and sit on it, so that the bowl on the table is at chest height. Before scrying experiment with a comfortable seating position. For example, you may prefer to have the bowl very close to your face or very far away. This all depends on personal preference.
Scrying is the ancient practice of accessing the unconscious mind. While some forms of scrying may appeal to you, others may be incompatible. Finally, always ensure that you scry with an intention in mind, otherwise you’ll walk away disappointed.
I hope you benefited from this article. Tell me, have you tried scrying? What was your experience like and what did you discover?