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BUILD YOUR OWN BLACK MIRROR

This is a simple woodworking project to build yourself a black mirror. It's based on the way used in How to Make and Use A Magic Mirror by Donald Tyson. I've found it useful, if you get past the "High" and mighty silliness. This isn't a ritual, it's a craft project. If you like working with a mirror and want something fancier than a picture frame, give this a try.

- Sheets of heavy paper (2 or 3)
- 12" squares of plywood (3)
- 12" record
- Coping saw
- Sandpaper (Medium and fine)
- White carpenters glue
- C clamps (6)
- Blocks of wood
- Brown paper
- Masking tape
- Art supplies
- Acrylic varnish
- Drawing tools.

First, you need to make a template for the glass. Draw a 9 inch circle on the heavy paper. Divide the circle into 40 degree arcs. Connect these points to form a nonagon. Take this to a hardware or glass cutting shop and have them cut a piece of plate glass, using the template as a guide.

The frame consists of three 12" disks. Make these by tracing your record on the plywood and cutting it out. Make sure to trace the center hole so you can locate the exact center of each disk. Set one aside. On the second disk, trace your plate glass nonagon. On the third, draw a 9 inch circle. As shown in the above paragraph, make the circle into nonagons and cut it out. Use sand-paper to smooth out any irregularity.

You should now have the three disks, each with a foot circumference. The first is solid, the second has a 9-inch nonagon-shaped hole, the third a 9 inch nonagon-shaped hole. Glue the first and second disks together, attaching clamps all around to ensure a seal. The blocks of wood go between the clamp and the frame to prevent marks. It will take at least a day to dry. Now paint your glass.

Flat Black Marine Enamel is recommended as best to paint the back of the glass, but any good quality paint should do. Make sure to clean the glass first, removing any lint. Use at least three coats. Let dry overnight.

When all items are dry, place the glass inside the frame. It should fit perfectly. Now glue the third disk (the face) to the rest. Clamp as before, being extremely careful of the glass. Keep the glue on the outer edge and don't put to much stress on the glass when clamping or it will crack.

When this dries, you have your mirror. Decorate as you wish, using brown paper and masking tape to protect the glass. Plastic varnish works best to give the frame a high gloss finish.

Only use symbols which have meaning for you!!! This cannot be over emphasized. Many symbols and colours are proclaimed as the only way. Use what feels right to you. This principle also applies to the use of Fluid Condensers. The Tyson book goes into detail of that and other subjects not covered here.

HOW TO MAKE A BLACK MIRROR

The making of a Black Mirror for skrying is a fairly simple process. This is one way of doing it, although not the only one. You will need the following materials:

1. A regular picture frame (normally used for photographs.) 11’�?X 14’�?is a nice size.

2. A black piece of cloth, felt is excellent.

3. An 11’�?X 14’�?piece of cardboard. Usually there is one in with the frame.

4. 11’�?X 14’�?piece of glass, also usually with the frame, if bought new.

5. A pair of scissors.

6. Glue that will adhere cloth and cardboard. Lay the cloth flat on a table and place the cardboard on the cloth in its center. Take the scissors and cut the cloth so that it extends beyond each side of the cardboard about an inch. Starting at the top fold over the cloth and glue it to the back of the cardboard. When it has set pull the cloth so that is tight and wrinkle free. Fold over the bottom part of the cloth and glue it to the cardboard. Waiting until the glue sets continue in this way with the left and then the right sides. All four sides should now be fully adhered to the cardboard. Place the glass in the frame and make sure it is very clean and then put the cardboard with cloth into the frame so that the cloth side, not the glued side, is next to the glass. Secure it in place. The mirror is now ready to use.

How to make a Scrying Mirror
by G.W. Fisler

Scrying does not have to be an expensive undertaking. The price of a lead crystal sphere is outside the price range that most of us are willing to pay. This is especially true for someone new to scrying who is not yet sure of success.

Nostrodamas is credited with seeing the future in a bowl of water that was colored with ink. This and other low tech methods are ideal for someone who wants to try his hand at scrying without a heavy investment.

The method that I prefer is a scrying mirror. One of these can be constructed for less that five dollars. The first step is to buy a picture frame. An oval frame is ideal but any other shape is acceptable. Try to find a frame that has some aesthetic appeal for you. Frames may be found in many of the “dollar stores�?that seem to be popping up
everywhere. The frame must have a glass insert and not a plastic one. Now on to the construction.

First, disassemble the frame. Clean one side of the glass with your “Scrying Mirror Cleaning Solution�?(i.e. Windex). Paint this side with a thick black paint. Oil based enamel seems to work best. I prefer the gloss black but matte black will work well also. Apply several coats of paint until light will not pass through the glass.

At this stage you may paint designs or symbols around the edge of the frame if you are artistically inclined. If not there is a variety of frames with designs already on them. The choice is yours.

Next, assemble the frame with the painted side of the glass to the inside. The thicker the plate of glass, the “deeper�?the mirror will appear.

A method is needed to hold the frame at a shallow angle to the vertical. Some frames have a leg on the back that will do nicely. Trimming the bottom of the leg will adjust the angle. An alternate method is to use one of the display stands that are used for collector plates. Varying the size of the stand will increase or decrease the angle of the frame. These are available at craft stores or those stores where “America shops�?

An alternate method of constructing a scrying mirror is to use a clear crystal plate. Paint the back side as described for the picture frame. With this method I recommend covering the painted portion with felt or some other heavy material. This will help protect the paint from being scratched
or scuffed off.

You are now ready to begin scrying. Good luck and clear visions!

Make Your Own Scrying Mirror
Items needed:
1 old picture frame with glass
1 can of glossy black spray paint (that works on glass)
Glass cleaner
Old Newspaper

Start by finding an old picture frame at a flea market or second hand store. If the frame is a little beat up, that's ok because you can paint it, but make sure the glass is in good condition. The picture frame can be any size or shape, but I have found that a round frame that is 10" to 12" in diameter works best. If you get a huge frame, it will be hard to hold in your hands, so smaller is better.

Bring the frame home, and CAREFULLY take the glass out. (If you want to wear gloves for this part, that would be fine...you wouldn't want to cut your little fingers off would you?) Next, paint or repair the frame if it needs it. Get creative with it! Paint any special symbols or your craft name onto the frame. This is going to be your own special mirror, so personalize it as you wish. :)

Next, clean the glass with glass cleaner, or for all you "natural cleaning" gurus, clean it with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Let it dry for several hours because if it's at all wet, the paint won't adhere well. So if you haven't bought your spray paint yet, now would be a good time to go shopping! (Small hint: make sure that the spray paint says it will work on glass, and has a glossy finish.)

After the glass dries, take it to a well ventilated area, because it's time to paint it. Outdoors is best, but make sure it's a windless day because you don't want leaves blowing into the wet paint. Lay down some old newspapers onto your workspace, and place the glass on top. Shake the spray can, and spray the glass with small, even strokes, being careful not to get any paint runs. After all the painting is finished, allow the glass to dry at least over night. If a second coat is necessary, then apply it AFTER the first coat is dry.

After the glass is completely dry, place it back into the frame. If the original frame came with a picture, you can put it behind the glass for extra support. Consecrate your new mirror in the name of the Lord and Lady, and VOILA....you just made your very own scrying mirror!!

Please note: This mirror belongs to you, with your own personal energies in it, so it's best not to let anyone touch it. If someone does touch it, re-consecrate it before the next time you use it. It is a good idea to cover it with a black cloth.

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