Learning How to Scry

Scrying is a type of divination. To scry or descry is to spy out or discover by the eye objects at a distance. In occult literature, the term is used to describe the act of gazing at a shiny stone or mirror or into a crystal ball (anything which reflects will do), to see things past and future. (When a crystal is used, scrying is known as catoptromancy or crystallomancy.)  Occultists claim that if one concentrates hard enough while gazing, one can conjure up the dead. This is possible because, we are told, scrying clears out the consciousness and makes it possible for a direct line to the other world. I am told that if one rubs a crystal ball with mugwort under the light of a full moon, its capacity for igniting psychic powers magnifies.  However, as far as I know, there have been no controlled studies to test this, or any other, hypothesis regarding scrying.

            The first step in learning how to scry is to select your crystal. There are no rules for this process. Allow your imagination and feelings to guide you to your instrument. Some prefer crystals that are perfectly clear. Others enjoy inclusions and look for crystals with "windows" or "doors." Whatever you choose, take time to bond with it. Scrying tools become a direct extension of the scryer so it is best that you develop an understanding of the tool. Taking the time to meditate with your crystal is a good way to get to know it. The effort and time taken in this initial getting acquainted phase will pay off in the long run.

       You are now ready to begin the actual process of scrying. Choose a place where you are not likely to be disturbed. The amount of light in the area should be no more than that emitted by a single candle. An ideal source of light is a light box, the kind normally used to display crystals. When you place your crystal on a light box, no other light is necessary in the room.   If you do not use a light box, the light Source should be placed low and behind you. This positions your body between the crystal and the source of light, eliminating the chance of direct reflection of the light by the crystal. Dim light is suggested for the simple reason it enhances concentration and eliminates distractions. As you become more proficient at gazing, you will be able to do so in direct sun light if you wish.

     Placement of the crystal in relationship to the scryer is also important. Keep in mind you will be looking intently into the crystal for at least twenty minutes at a time. Therefore, you do not want to position the crystal in a way that will cause physical discomfort. Remember, as your skill with scrying increases, so will the time you spend in front of the crystal. 
      Physical discomfort will break your concentration and turn scrying into a chore. So pick a comfortable chair, get relaxed, place your crystal at the proper height and distance for best viewing, sit back and enjoy the experience.

       Take a few deep breaths. As you do this, look intently into the crystal.  Staring promotes tearing of the eyes causing you to blink. Instead, try to think of unfocusing your eyes. Just rest your gaze on the crystal and allow your eyes to relax. At this stage, you may find your eyelids wanting to close about half way. Allow this to happen. During this phase, develop a conscious link between your third eye and the crystal. An easy way of accomplishing this is to visualize a ray of light coming out from your third eye and entering the crystal. Some will experience a tightness in the forehead but don't be alarmed if this sensation doesn't happen to you.

        The next thing to watch for is the clouding of the crystal. A small light will appear and from that light, clouds will form and spread. There may even appear a tiny light show within the clouds. You are well on your way.  Eventually the clouds will clear and pictures will emerge.

         In the beginning, try not to judge the pictures or control the flow. Trust you will be shown what you need to see in the sequence you need to see it. 
          As time goes on, the ability to ask questions and receive answers will develop. You should keep a log to facilitate a better understanding of what you are seeing and experiencing. Just as with dreams, there is a symbology with scrying. The most difficult part of scrying is figuring out what you are seeing. At times you will see actual events happening now. Other times, you may see events from history. 
      Spiritual teachings may come in the form of symbolic pictures. Future happenings can also come through in symbols or actual scenes. It is often difficult to distinguish reality from your own symbology. This is where your log comes in handy. It is also helpful to record the time of day and phase of moon. This will enable you to know when you are at your best and able to interpret the information being given.

 DEFINITION:
Scrying:  A method of perceiving events and answers by way of the unconscious.

INTRODUCTION:
                 Scrying is often considered the most difficult method of divination for several reasons.  Unlike the Ruins or the Tarot, scrying demands that you  have a working knowledge of your subconscious's symbolism and the ability to interpret those symbols reliably.  Though most methods of divination lead you to look outside of yourself, scrying requires that you look within yourself to find the answers you are seeking.

     There are almost as many methods of scrying as there are scryers.  Some of the most famous scryers throughout history (Nostradomus, Levi) used complex methods to awaken their psychic abilities.  However, the complexities are not required to get reliable results -- the only requirements are dedication, patience, and some psychic ability.

     If you have not had any indication of psychic abilities, do not despair.  You simply might not have discovered them as yet.  Scrying can awaken them if they are present.  However, if you are convinced that you have no psychic abilities whatsoever, scrying is probably not the method you should use for divination.

     Above all, scrying requires patience.  At the beginning, visions will come sporadically and they will be very vague.  Only practice and time well spent will enhance your abilities and enable you to rely on your talents.

METHODS OF SCRYING:
                  Here is a short summary of some of the most common techniques that can be used for scrying.

Crystal gazing --  This is the method that first come to mind when  the word "scrying" is mentioned.  The crystal does not have to be large.  The only requirement is that the stone that is being used must be very clear and as flawless as possible.  It helps if you use a crystal associated with the Moon.

Water gazing -- This method requires a large black or silver bowl. 
The bowl is filled with pure water (rain water or water from a natural source if at all possible).  The bowl is then used in the same way as a crystal.  If you are lucky enough to live near a pond, lake or ocean, you can dispense with the bowl and just use the whole body of water as a huge scrying tool.

 Fire gazing -- This method often provides startling results. The energy of the fire really lends something to the visions it produces. Anything from a candle flame to a bonfire can be used.  All the usual  precautions should be taken, of course.

Mirror gazing -- A regular hand or wall mirror can be used.  It helps if the mirror is round or oval in keeping with the lunar motif.

BASIC PREPARATION:
                    It is always best to scry at night, because this method of divination is closely related to the Moon and all other Lunar correspondences.  If you are indoors, you should extinguish all of the lights except for one candle. The candle should be out of your line of sight when you are looking at your scrying tool.  Above and behind you is a good placement.  Some people prefer that the candle flame flickers, others like the flame to remain still.  

     Experiment and see what you like. The room should be as quiet as you can make it.  If you live in an apartment or with someone else, some quiet instrumental music can be used to drown out any unwanted sounds.  Don't use music with lyrics, because at the least, the lyrics might influence your visions.  At the most, they might prevent you from concentrating enough to see anything.

         Make sure that you will not be disturbed, and figure out a comfortable way to sit either holding your scrying tool or with it resting before you on the floor or a table.

         If you are scrying on a particular subject, you might get better results if you schedule your scrying time for when the Moon is aspected favorably to the corresponding planet.  Visions are always stronger around the time of the full Moon.

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES:

a..  A short meditation session before you begin to scry often helps to  get you into the mood and release some of your tension.  You must be feeling as relaxed and receptive as possible.  Make sure that you are sitting as comfortably as possible.  It is quite frustrating to be on the verge of  perceiving something when a leg or arm falling asleep breaks your concentration.

b.. When you look into your scrying tool, try to look past the surface and into the center of it.Try to keep your eyes fixed on one spot, but don't prevent yourself from blinking.  Since you are in a dark room, the need to blink might lessen as your body relaxed, but don't try to force yourself not to.  That will only cause discomfort and distraction.

c.. Limit your sessions to a set period of time.  Don't be discouraged if you can not remain focused during the entire session or if you feel the need to stop before the session is over.  If you are not used to meditating, try to start out with a 15 minute session.  You will be surprised to experience how long 15 minutes will see as you try to keep your mind from wandering. Ultimately, scrying sessions should last up to an hour in length.  Don't set a timer or try to keep track of time.  This will create a distraction and you don't want to be in the middle of a particularly vivid image when the timer goes off!

d.. Keep in mind that though the words "vision" and "scry" almost always call to mind information that is perceived with the eyes, that this is not necessarily the case.  While scrying, information can come to you via all five of the senses and also as intuitive flashes.  When reviewing the information that you have perceived, take all you senses into account.

e.. Start a scrying journal if you intend to scry on a regular basis. Date each entry, and make sure that it is close by during each scrying session.  Note down all your perceptions after your session, sleep on them, and then work on interpreting them the next day.  Though it is true that some visions come through so clearly that they need little interpretation, most of the time you need to meditate on your visions for a while to absorb their true meanings.

f.. If you are familiar with another method of divination (Runes, Tarot, Pendulum, etc.) you can use their help with interpreting the information you get from scrying.  Simple one card/one rune spreads are the best to give you an overview of your vision's meaning.  Or if you are familiar with a dream interpretation spread, you can use that to help you figure it out.

g.. Often at the beginning of a scrying session, you will start to see clouds of colors in your scrying tool.  Some scryers never get past this stage.  If you find this to be the case, you can interpret the colors using traditional color symbolism.

 (continued on next post below...)