Scrying Magick 101

Scrying is an ancient divination practice rooted in Ancient China, Egypt, and Greece. Nostradamus made it famous in the 1500s with his prophecies; these days, it pops up in movies and books involving witches. However, scrying is accessible to anyone who wants to practice it, and it doesn’t have to include large-scale predictions about the world or the future. Let’s dive in!

Scrying Tools

You can use any number of scrying tools for your practice. I’d suggest working with a tool or method that already works well for you. For instance, if you’ve been successful at candle magick in the past, using a candle in your practice could put you a step ahead.

Here are some ideas for you:

• Crystal ball
• Scrying bowl filled with water
• Obsidian mirror
• A candle
• Smoke
• Seer stone
• A fire

Getting into the Mind State to Scry

The other aspect of scrying magick is your mind state. You must enter a meditative state when you gaze into the crystal ball, candle flame, fire, seer stone, or any of the tools mentioned above. You can do this by listening to rhythmic music, repeating a mantra, or using an intentional breathing pattern that relaxes your mind and body.

Just like when you were a kid and found shapes in the clouds, you’ll be looking for shapes and insights in the scrying medium you’ve decided to work with.

Gaze Beyond

The key to scrying is to gaze beyond or through the tool you’re using. For instance, if you’re using a candle flame to scry, look just beyond the flame to see what messages come to your mind. It’s useful to relax your gaze and “zone out” a bit, just watching and listening.

You’re looking for messages from beyond our everyday awareness, so be patient and try a few different methods to see what feels best to you. Remember that you are the magick and that scrying – like all practices – takes time to learn.

How to Scry

Pick a time of day in which you won’t be interrupted by your family, roommates, or familiars. For instance, if you’re an early morning person who gets up before the sun, that would be a lovely time to practice. It’s best to practice when it’s dark outside, if possible, as the visual messages are easier to receive.

1. Choose your scrying tool and cast a circle of protection around you.
2. Find a quiet place, light a candle, and settle into your seat.
3. Close your eyes and focus on how your body feels as you breathe deeper. Let go of the day's stressors and tune into how the breath feels moving through your body.
4. Gently open your eyes and gaze at the object before you. You should be in a relaxed state.
5. Keep a soft gaze on your tool and listen to the thoughts and impressions you receive while gazing at it.
6. When you are finished, extinguish your candle and finish your practice as you normally finish up your spellwork.
7. Document your thoughts and impression in your Book of Shadows. Refer back to these notes after other scrying sessions to learn more about the patterns of your sessions.

Have you tried scrying?