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Through a Glass, Darkly
© M. Williams
Sep 1, 1999
Scrying is a meditative form of divination in which the seer experiences visions while gazing into a smooth, usually reflective surface. The word scry is derived from descry, meaning to 'catch sight of' or to 'make out dimly'. Originating with the ancient Egyptians, the art of scrying has survived throughout the ages, and today, with the increased interest in esoterica brought on by the New Age movement, the art of scrying is gaining in popularity. This divinatory form, widely accepted in ancient cultures, is finding its place again in the modern era as we seek new ways to discern order in an increasingly complex world.
As with any form of divination, there are various methods of scrying,and the preferred tools of the art range from the durable scrying stone to the more ethereal soap bubble, depending upon the needs of the individual seer. The crystal ball and the magic mirror, however, are still found among the more common tools of scryers. The Crystal Ball
The crystal ball has long been a popular tool for scrying, as it is held that crystal possesses certain energies that aid in the divination process. Over time, diverse prescriptions for the correct usage of the crystal speculum have been developed to aid the seer in fine-tuning the accuracy of his or her visions. Much like the archetypal gypsy fortuneteller clearing the mist from her crystal ball with dramatic waves of her hands, some scryers pass their palms to and fro above the sphere several times to imbue it with their personal energy. While one source insists that no one but the seer should handle the sphere, so not to disturb its energies, another encourages seekers to hold the ball for several moments before the gazing takes place so that the question might impart itself to the crystal. This diversity of approach extends to the preparation of the crystal as well, and methods abound. One recommendation calls for boiling the ball in brandy, and another suggests bathing the sphere in moonlight. Washing the crystal in the flowing waters of a natural mountain stream is another preparatory recipe-albeit a less than practical one for urban dwellers. The Magic Mirror
Mirrors have always been objects of fascination. We are caught and held at a young age by the visions of Snow White in the evil Queen's magic mirror and by such stories as Lewis Carroll's Alice Through the Looking Glass, in which we are magically transported into a wonderfully adventurous world of reversed reality.
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The copyright of the article Through a Glass, Darkly in New Age is owned by M. Williams. Permission to republish Through a Glass, Darkly in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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