scrying

 Obsidian Scrying Mirror

Let’s talk about the obsidian scrying mirror. These mirrors are made from polished volcanic glass which makes them a perfect surface for this form of scrying. Just like a crystal ball, this is an ancient form of divination involving gazing into the surface to see images or visions that reveal something about a specific question asked during the performance of this ritual. It isn’t about seeing the future per se (though historically it has been used as such), but more about revealing parts of our unconscious, or the collective unconscious (which we are also a part of). It is a little like dream interpretation, where images and symbols hold personal meanings which can be read to gain deeper understanding. Obsidian is a stone of physic protection, grounding, cleansing of negativity and spirit communication. So it is an excellent stone to use for both its practical mirrored surface, and it energetic properties while performing this practice.

Let’s talk about the history of scrying, and using a scrying mirror. 

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 natural ability of 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. 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. 

Scrying has been used for thousands of years by different cultures. Ancient Egypt used scrying in their Initiations. This included water scrying, dream scrying, oil scrying, and mirror scrying. One legend states that the goddess Hathor carried a shield that could reflect back all things in their true light. From this shield she allegedly fashioned the first magic mirror to “see.”In ancient Persia, the Shahnama, a semi-historical epic work written in the late 10th century, gives a description of what was called the Cup of Jamshid, used in pre-Islamic Persia, which was used by wizards and practitioners of the esoteric sciences for observing all the seven layers of the universe. Ancient Greeks and Celts practiced scrying using beryl, crystal, black glass, polished quartz, water, and other transparent or light catching bodies. Nostradamus is believed to have employed a small bowl of water as a scrying tool into which he gazed and received images of future events. In Arab countries, scryers have used their own polished thumbnails. Dr. Morton Prince, a medical psychologist of the 19th century, used electric lightbulbs in scrying experiments with his patients. Wiccans use rounded mirrors, the convex side of which is painted black, or small cauldrons that are painted black on the inside and filled with water. 

The most famous user of the scrying mirror might be Dr. John Dee, a famous Alchemist, Mathematician, and Astronomer; he was also an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I on matters pertaining to science and astrology, as such, he was commonly referred to as “the last royal magician” (see painting here). A serious academic, some thought him to be the most learned man in the whole of Europe. He was fascinated by all things occult, and was an adept in Hermetic and Cabbalistic philosophy. Dee had a particular interest in divination, and spent much of his later life experimenting with different methods in his efforts to communicate with Angels. From 1583 onward, Dee worked with Edward Kelly using both a black obsidian mirror and a crystal ball to see visions of ‘Angels’. Allegedly they communicated by pointing to squares containing letters and symbols that Dee had transcribed.

This is the mirror together with a small smoky quartz crystal ball used by Dee and Kelly for their occult research. These are now on display at the British Museum in London. The mirror is made of highly polished obsidian (volcanic glass) and was one of many objects brought back to Europe after the conquest of Mexico by the Spanish conquistador Hernán (Ferdinand) Cortés. Obsidian was sacred to Tezcatlipoca, the Aztec “Sky God” associated with Kings, Warriors and Sorcerers, and whose name can be translated as “Smoking Mirror”. The Aztec priests used mirrors for divination and conjuring up visions. 

This type of obsidian mirror went on to become known as The Claude glass, a device consisting of a black glass mirror stored in a sharkskin case (see examples here). A Claude glass was normally used by artists, travelers and connoisseurs of landscape. It is named after the artist Claude Lorrain (1600–1682), a 17th Century landscape painter whose name is synonymous with the artistic movement.

The art of scrying is interpreting what you see in the images and colors as they take form. Scryers have their own individual techniques for inducing visions. Some who use crystals focus on points of light on the surface. Others enter a state of altered consciousness and allow images to float into their inner awareness. Some scryers may actually see images appear on the surface of the speculum, while others see them in their mind’s eye. Some images are couched in symbols, and the scryer must learn how to interpret them. This is similar to how I approach symbols in dreams - your personal connection to the images are much more important that what a book tells you about their meaning. Because images are brought up from your personal unconscious, it’s your soul choosing certain things that you have a prior relationship to to communicate keys to guide you in your growth. It couldn’t possibly use something that you don’t have a personal connection to (or know what a book says about its meaning). This is why it is important to dive deep and ask questions about your or relationship and associations with each image or symbol.

Other types of scrying:

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.