Scrying

Scrying is the term commonly given to using a tool (normally a reflective surface), to aid clairvoyance. Scrying attempts to take advantage of gaps between the veil between this world and the next. It is especially common at Samhain, as the veil is alleged to be thinner. The most common forms of Scrying are Smoke Scrying; Fire Scrying and Scrying with a �magick mirror�.

Smoke Scrying

Smoke Scrying (Capnomancy) is a perfect pastime for using those lazy moments after a meal, to stare into a real fire and watch the smoke rise. Not only can you use this time relax with family and friends (in this world and the next), but you can also use the smoke to reveal images of the past, present and future.

If you�d like to scry in fire smoke, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that you are in the comfortable visual range of watching the smoke rise, but also ensure that you are safe.

Next, gaze lazily at the smoke. Don�t follow the smoke up the chimney as it rises, instead allow your vision to relax and watch the smoke form patterns. The more you relax and �switch off� the more chance you have being able to perceive images through the smoke with your inner eye. Watching the smoke can have quite a soporific effect, which is perfectly normal. Get to that day dreamy state, because that is where the visions are! Practice makes pefect � and in the practice there is time for you to relax, which is beneficial in itself.

Fire Scrying

There are a few types of fire Scrying (known as Pyromancy) � one type is using a candle flame. You can also scry in a wood or coal fire itself, watching the embers as they make patterns and images. Again, the need to relax is important. Staring intently at the fire and focusing on it will not achieve much, it is the act of switching off and gazing lazily that allows the visions to come through. Try it � and keep practicing.

Scrying With Mirrors

Mirror Scrying (Crystallomancy) is perhaps the most traditional of all divination practices; and in technique it is similar to Scrying with a crystal ball. In practice you can use a variety of different mirrors� including a specially designed black mirror, a polished Obsidian surface or velvet.

Choosing a Scrying Mirror

As with all divination, the choice of tool is a personal one � always choose something that appeals to you before you choose something that someone else recommends. There is really only one proviso with a scrying mirror and that is that it is only used for Scrying and nothing else. In the same way that you don�t play �Snap� with your Tarot cards � you should never use your mirror for a trivial purpose. When not in use, the mirror is usually covered and kept out of sight. Very often it is charged by moonlight.

How to Scry with a Mirror

The technique is very similar to the other Scrying methods featured here, in that you should relax your gaze and allow your eyes to look over the surface of the mirror, rather than it to it. If you get it right you will know! A mist will appear to form on the surface of the mirror � and finally it parts. Once you�ve practiced enough for the mist to part you can get excited, as it is usually after that point that visions follow.

Whatever type of Scrying you decide to try (and please do), remember your ancestors. It is through their combined wisdom that we can pass on these ancient techniques now.