Gazing/Scrying Discussion

[Moondragon]

What is Scrying?
Scrying is the deliberate act of preceving events in the future. by using techniques which require aspects beyond the physicals senses, using the subconcious and other agents of the mind.


How Scrying Works:
The word scy literally means "to see" most forms of scrying involve the use of sight. The images seen during scrying are not seen with the eyse usually. They are precieved similar to dreams.


Automatism:
Psycologists have given a technical name to this mechanicism. They call it automatism, and define it as functions or inhabitions of the body not controled by the concious self. there are two types of automatism. Motor automatism, sometimes called active automatism, which is most of the body beyond the concious will. Sensory Automatism, sometimes called passive automatism, concerns stimualtion of the senses by the unconcious mind, Both at root are the same and involve the transmission of a message from the subconcious to the concious .

Below is listed the major types of scrying under the two branches of automatism.

Sensory Automatism-
Crystal Gazing
Oil Scrying
Ink Scrying
Mirror Gazing
Fire Gazing
Lamp Scrying
Aura Reading
Psycometery
Shell Hearing
Dream Scrying

Motor Automatism-
Ouija Board
Dowsing Rod
Automatic Writing
Automatic Drawing
Automatic Speaking

Ancient Peoples and the Moon:
In ancient times scrying was closely connected with the magic of the moon. It was the closest of the heavenly bodies and for this reason the moon was considered a gateway between our world and the spirit land. The moon rules dreams, visions, hallucinations, fantasies, and memories.

Most substances used to aid scrying have been historically lunar materials. These include crystals, mirrors, water,and other liquids, silver rings, lunar herbs, and hazel wands. The connections are ther and strong but it is the choice of the Gazer if to use them or not.

[mythril]

Thats a handfull :)

Are all the methods similar, do images appear in each method?

[Moondragon]

no, not all the easiest way to tell is to examine the name of the paticular scrying method:
example: clairaudience (Cliar- Loosely termed is "other sight" or "speaking with the dead") (Audience- Sound) so in this case they would "hear" what is being said. Usually the name will related to which sense is being used psychometery often uses touch. hope this helps !!! :)

[mythril]

Thanks

[Silver Venus]

Hiya again ~ Ive found the classes again!
Thanks that was really interesting ~ cant wait to learn more.. :D

[WiccanChick]

Okay does any one have any idea how to scry?I want to try it but I dont know how.Any ideas??:)

[loopy]

Here's an article from paganpath.com that might be helpful:

Scrying Without Crying
Scrying pool, mirror, and crystal gazing ... reflect on these ideas ...

Scrying is a form of divination, but is also much more than that. By gazing into a crystal, pool, mirror or other reflective medium, a Witch is able to enter altered mind states and gain access beyond the veil. Because every person you meet will have a different way of accessing their mind states, you will hear many different scrying techniques. Some of the techniques I've come across border on the realms of superstition (which I define as fear through lack of knowledge and/or acceptance).

You might read that unless a crystal sphere is true quartz crystal, it will not work. You might hear that a perfect sphere without any visible flaws is necessary. You may hear that your scrying mirror or crystal must never be touched by sunlight. These are simply not true. There are legitimate reasons for each of these 'rules' but it doesn't mean that you have to follow them in order to scry effectively. Let's break down scrying into the basics so you can understand why these rules exist. In this way, you can determine for yourself if you wish to adhere to them, or toss them aside as rubbish.

If you wish to begin scrying, you will need some sort of a reflective surface. More about this later, lets look at what you will actually be doing with this reflective surface first.

Scrying works on the principles of what is named by some as the Ganzfeld effect or state. If you have ever had to sit in the corner as a child, staring at a blank wall until you began to hallucinate and have stories, patterns, or images appear to you, you know what the Ganzfeld effect is. If you've ever stayed awake in bed staring at the ceiling until these same things happened, then you also know what a Ganzfeld state is.

Ok, so maybe I've spoiled the mystery of scrying by breaking it down into the basics and telling you what it really is. However, scrying has a very occult side. It isn't how you get to the mind state of scrying that's important, it's the mysteries that are unveiled to you once you are there that are important. Interpreting what you see when you scry is very much like dream interpretation. There are many books that will define each image you glimpse, but essentially it boils down to what those images mean to you.

A key element in quickly attaining the correct state for scrying is flashing light. (If you are epilectic, disregard this section, if you eliminate the flickering but keep the gaze similar, you should still be able to scry.) Place flickering candles around the room you are working in. Keep them out of your direct line of vision, but at the same time, be certain that the reflection of the flame can be seen in the scrying surface. To get these 'flickering' candles, you can open a window a crack to let a draft help you out. Or, there are some candles you'll find on the market, especially inexpensive ones, which have a flame that rises and falls rhythmically. These work quite well for scrying. (I got some from a botanica in New Orleans [ F&F Botanica ] that smell strongly of petroleum. Not very attractive sounding I know, but they flicker nicely. I've also gotten some good flickeries at drug stores when they are having their after holiday sales. They go are usually 5 for a $1....black and orange after Samhain and red, green and white after Yule. These cheapies flicker nicely sans drafts.)

Try this for example, you will need:

1) A black mirror, a cauldron filled with water (or an herbal infusion such as mugwort), or a crystal, or a shallow dish of water (made black by the addition of ink), a ring with a nice stone (like moonstone) a black stone like obsidian, a black tile, or whatever reflective medium you wish to use.
2) Five candles

To Begin:
Place the scrying medium on your altar so that you can look at it from approximately a 45 degree angle while in a very comfortable postition. Arrange the candles throughout the room so that they are elevated above the scrying medium but remain outside of your direct line of sight. You may wish to cast a circle at this time or recite a blessing or charge over the medium and over the entire scrying session.

Breathe deeply and rhythmically while gazing at the medium. Imagine you are looking through a red lense so that everything you see is tinted with red. Move on through the chakra colors in a "Crytal Countdown" fassion (in The Power of the Witch by Laura Cabot) The color sequence is as follows: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. (The rainbow, easily remembered with the initials as a name...ROY G. BIV)

When you feel that you are relaxed, keep looking at the medium. Your first sessions may last 10 to 30 minutes, but work up to hour long sessions. Do not be critical of yourself or your results. If you fall asleep that's ok, if you daydream that's ok too. Just let whatever happens, happen. In this way you will quickly refine your skills. Relax your gaze as if you were attempting a 3D magic eye hidden picture. If you have trouble with those darned 3D things, don't worry, scrying is similar only in that you relax your eyes and don't really look AT the surface.

Follow Up:

After you have completed your session, jot down a few rough notes. Do what you need to do to ground yourself or clean up the area. Sometime during your day, go back to your notes and fill in more details as you remember them. I use two columns, one for the description of images seen, and one for my translations.

Go over each image that you saw. You might consult a symbol interpretation list for dreams, you know, the kind that say a bird is an omen, a knife is a......well, you get it. You could also analyse each image by checking what it means to you. For example, a red rose may mean passion in the books, but if your best friend requested them in the hospital, your personal associations are going to be different. The conclusions you draw from your scrying sessions must eventually be your own and as you continue to practice, you will understand yourself and your visions more and more.

Insightful scrying to you all!

See the links pages under scrying for further studies on this topic.

Most Recent Addendum to this Scrying Article

I've found that with practice, the mind becomes more comfortable in this state and you can maintain it for greater lengths of time with practice.
There are also tools that can help you become more familiar and comfortable with the state. They can also speed the achievement of the state so that practice is more convenient and frequent.

These tools can range in price from free up to thousands of dollars. One of the lower priced tools we've used specifically for the Ganzfeld field effict is a set of 'glases' or goggles.

These tools are non-invasive sensory depravation devices designed to create a smooth, monochromatic field of light. We (Volute & AbaKus) have enjoyed comparing these modern tools to some of Gardner's Eight Paths or Ways to the Center or Eight Ways of Making Magic in our personal Book of Shadows. If you purchase these, they can cost around $60 U.S. but you can also make a similar tool for next to nothing!

The color chosen for the field of light can be selected according to color therapy, magical references, or whatever you are drawn to and what works best for you. After a few minutes using this type of tool, you won't 'see' anything as your optic nerve becomes paralyzed and you 'see' black. With your mind's eye however, you will see much more!

A simple Ganzfeld 'goggle' can be made by slicing a ping pong ball in half and smoothing the cut edges with sand paper. (You can also pad the edges with headphone cushions with the centers cut out.)

Paint both halves of the ping pong ball the color you have chosen. Place them over your eyes and lay down under a bright light (or the sun with sunscreen on :) ) Keep your eyes open and stare straight ahead. After a few minutes you should no longer be able to see the color. Don't be afraid, this is normal.

Avoid making imperfections in the paint, allowing any cushions to be visible (try without them at first) or any flecks of darkness on the halves. Experiment with different brightnesses of light. Your eyes shouldn't feel any pain or sensitivity to the brightness, but there should be even, bright light.

[Rick]

Check out "Recipe for a Scrying Mirror" in this same "Divination" forum. Loopy's article is good, & you might also check out the Crystal Ball thread (again, "Divination" forum).

Or enter scrying+mirror on your favorite search engine (most of the articles you will pull up give several types of scrying, not just mirrors).

Happy scrying!

[Fawn]

You can also scry by gazing into a bowl of water if your concentration is great enough--one thing to remember NOT everyone sees "Clear precise pictures" scrying---you might just see smoke/clouds in different colors do NOT fear for these are legimate.
Another item to place in your computer's search engine which will direct you to helpful articles is "Fortunetelling-scrying"

[KyGreenWitch]

Greetings!

Well, I sure can't say anything that Loopy didn't leave out!

I have a dark blue bowl that a friend made for me that I annoint with sage oil or lavender oil, fill with purified salt water (if that makes sense), darken the room and have the candles lit as Loopy suggests. I also have a crystal ball I use. It sits on a stand, but I have the stand covered with a smooth black silk cloth so the crystal ball can reflect images - like a mirror (somewhat). I, too, have a breathing technique I do (from my Reiki training.) ;)

Sometimes I just sit and wait to see what comes to me, and other times I have a specific purpose. Either way, I surround myself with protection (usually visualization and an invocation.)

Hope this helps you!

Blessings -

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

~~**BUMP**~~

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

*bump*

[Silver Venus]

bumpty bump!! ;)
Wasnt that moons ago! Moon Dragon ~ where have you gone? I wanna tell you how much Ive progressed!

Just had another read through Motor and Sensory Automatism and 'Ouija' puzzles me a bit by being there.. but I know it shouldnt really.. just wanted to air my thoughts... still trying to decide on this form of diviantion.. Do you think it is a form?

Its strange about the 'concious will' bit too because dont we do everything (apart from dreams maybe but even then we can programme that conciously) conciously?

[Myst]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in but I would think of Ouija as just as much a method as automatic writing - in either case your higher self or other spirits you ask can give you answers about the present and future.

Thanks for sharing that, Moondragon, very fascinating and educational!!!

[Rick]

...isn't ALL divination higher self or other spirits/entities giving information?

[Silver Venus]

Yeah I believe that totally. Ive been pondering over my emotions to some forms over the weekend and think Ive straightened my head out :D Its amazing how past experiences and people can implant stigmas into your head without you ever realising isnt it.

Thank you all for clearing my head about the Quija :)

[Flar's Freyja]

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[Flar's Freyja]

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[Silver Venus]

I think Ive been too busy for too long now,, and this week i am actually going to make an effort to take some time out and do the things I love again.
Thanks for the inspiration :)

[Flar's Freyja]

:) Thank Mythril and his interest.....our circle has just added a beautiful little meditation area to the grounds and I kind of dropped everything to go out there the other night and utilize it. It was incredibly energizing, so I hope that you follow through with your effort. While I wasn't scrying, I received several messages just in the process of being still and listening.

[Silver Venus]

Thank you all :)

I meditated last night and found that it opened me up to the idea of scrying even more so I am preparing to scry tonight with the new moon. .. I know not a typical time to scry, but I work with the New Moon, so the time is just right :)

I also had some amazing dreams where I was communicating with my baby, Ive been getting these every so often for a month now and I also awake so amazed and happy! :)

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Silver Venus
Thank you all :)I also had some amazing dreams where I was communicating with my baby, Ive been getting these every so often for a month now and I also awake so amazed and happy! :)

Wow, that gives me goosebumps!

[Silver Venus]

Thanks, I will have to start writting them down so I can make a diary and show him when he is old enough :)

[jelly.belly]

loopy, that was a really interesting article! I need to do a little scrying, I've been wanting too for the longest time and haven't, so I'll try to soon! :)

[Flar's Freyja]

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[Flar's Freyja]

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[Flar's Freyja]

Forwarded from an e-list:

Tyr Spell
by Cerridwen Iris Shea

When you do not know what is coming next, try this:

Cast a circle, and place a drawing of the Rune Tyr and the Wheel of Fortune card from a tarot deck on a mirror. Light White, Black, and Red candles, and say:

'In the blankness of this night,
Lack of knowledge brings me fright. Sisters three, do hear my call.
Into your cauldron, I do fall.'

Breathe deeply and scry, being very still. You will get an answer.



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Enchanted_Garden/messages

[StormChaser]

I just wanted to express a couple things on the topic of scrying... just my own lil journey through memory lane.

When i was a little girl i fell in love with Sherwood Smith's Wren to the Rescue *and later the two books that go with it.. Wrens Quest and Wrens War*, but that was where i first heard of scrying outside of a truly pagan context *Samhain rituals etc*

Wren scryed in a gazing ball, a pool of water, and glass with rain flowing down it.

When i was about 9 during ritual preperation I was trancing into the fire. Normally i was not a rude child, however when someone patronizes me, i get a little defensive. Someone came over and said in very patronizing voice "You know.. they say if you stare into the fire.. you can see images" Without thinking, or meaning to.. or breaking my gaze i said back "It's called Scrying"... i think i pissed the guy off a little.

I find that in my dreams i can channel people i love.. send messages.. and funny enough.. much like Sally in Practical Magick.. I can tell when someone I love is calling.

[Flar's Freyja]

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[Mnemosyne]

Hi Freyja! I was just thinking about supersitions and Samhain and suddenly thought about scrying on that day. Now if you use candles to scry with, does it depend on the candle color? I was thinking about orange and black colored candles, but can a person use any color that he or she fancies?

[Flar's Freyja]

I'm not much of a scrying expert and I don't even keep to most of the rules in the rest of my magickal practice! I suppose that you could use the corresponding colors for specific questions....or use orange and black to correspond with the Sabbat. I think I'd probably go with the Samhain theme, personally.

[Flar's Freyja]

Okay, you made me curious. This site has a scrying ritual which does use black and orange candles:

http://solsticemoon.com/spiritual/sabbats/samhain/samhainritual3.html

As well as this one:

http://members.tripod.com/~kaelyn/isle-of-magick/samhain.html

[Mnemosyne]

Thanks Freyja. I think that orange and black are good to use, I clearly associate those colors with Samhain. I went to some sites right now to look at candle colors for Samhain. Some sources say yellow can be used; the color represents the power of the moon.

[Flar's Freyja]

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[Flar's Freyja]

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