Commentary on the Black Mirror
The Black Mirror is one of the most popular tools in the Occult world, and is sometimes called, the Magick Mirror, which was popularized in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This is a simple tool to create and not much effort goes into its construction, other than spending the money needed to create one. First of all, there is nothing to fear about seeing anything which shouldn't be seen. Things like calling Bloody Mary through it's dark watery surface and other "unnatural things" have made people afraid of using such a tool.

To create the Black Mirror, you're going to need two things: A picture frame and black spray paint. This is alot cheaper than buying a Crystal Ball, but if you have the need to get one of those, then I wish you the best of luck in its use. The picture frame can be of any size. The one that I use is 10"x12", and I find that it works well enough for what I need. A picture frame too small will make it difficult to see the visions within, and one that's too big may not work as well, simply because the light of your candles may be refracted against the surface.

You should be cautious of the frame you choose. Make sure that it's stylish enough for your liking, and pretty much just looks cool. This is nothing more than personal taste and has nothing to do with the actual practice. Once you get the picture frame home, remove the glass from the framing. You can toss out the picture which comes with it. Wash the glass with water, and make sure that every smudge and lint is off its surface. The glass must be as perfectly clean as you can make it. You can also do whatever you like to purify the glass by whatever means you feel. This doesn't seem very "Magickal," but use the black spray paint on one side of the glass. Make sure that you give even coats. It may need to be painted over several times before you get it just right. Hold up the glass to make sure that no light shines through. The best way to do this, is to hold it up against the sunlight.

Once you've painted one side of the glass to your liking, observe that the other side appears to reflect like a mirror. Well, it's from this side that your visions will appear from. Put the glass back in it's framing (the reflective side facing out). Examine it to see if it's to your liking. Perform The Concecration of the Charms.

There's a tradition which claims that the Black Mirror should be kept away from all light. I'm really not someone who listens to most traditions, and I find no problems using the Black Mirror even after it's been exposed to light, but if you like to follow tradition, then you do what ever suits you. Keep the Black Mirror wrapped in a cloth of silk made for such a purpose. The traditional reason for this is to keep unwanted vibrations and energies away from it. The practical reason, is simply to keep it free from lint and dust.

Now comes the fun part. When you use your Black Mirror, there are some rules which should be observed. Personally, I like my Black Mirror to be standing using the support which came with the frame. Some people may like to lie it down as a flat surface. Either way will work, but the problem I have with lying it down, is that it captures too much light from the candles being used. When I stand mine up, at an angle. I keep the Black Mirror at such a distant that I would normally see my face reflected in its surface. This is a good distance to keep it at. I use two candles, one placed to either side of the Black Mirror. Make sure that the light of the candles doesn't refract on its surface or no visions will be seen. You'll need to do your own experimenting to find the right positions which work best for you.

When the candles are placed right, nothing will be seen within the Black Mirror, not even your own reflection. It must remain from anything which may reflect or refract from the glassy surface. If this is your first time using such a tool to gain visions, then you'll need to exercize your control of Astral Sight.

After placing the Black Mirror and candles in their proper place, begin meditating to silence your mind and emotions of everyday distractions. Open your eyes, and focus on the depth of the Black Mirror. Your first attempts may yield no results, but persistance is the key. Eventually, you may see mist or flashing lights from the surface. Don't be alarmed if these images jump from the glassy surface. This is perfectly natural. Another thing which you should be made aware of is that you may not see images with your physicakl eyes, though this would be best. Some of us views things entirely on a mental level, as inner visions. Doing so does not mean that what you see or imagine is purely imagination. Remember that things must be made real in the mind before they're made real in tha Astral. Remember also, the ninth law of Magick: Thought and emotion are the voices of Spirits.