History and Basics of Scrying

General History of Scrying

Scrying has its origins around the world from the Aztecs in the Americas to the Ancient Egyptians. Other cultures that practiced scrying were the Hindu as well as the Greeks in the Old World. The ancient Egyptians would use a vessel filled with oil and would call among a young boy to look into the oil, while invoking the name of their gods seven times. The Egyptian method of scrying is quite similar to that found within ancient historical writings in Hebrew.

Depending on the tradition, various objects were substituted for mirrors. Some cultures were known to use crystals or obsidian or smooth reflective rocks or even shiny bronze. In the Aztec tradition, for example, the seer or high priest would use blood placed on a black obsidian mirror (other Aztec colored obsidian mirrors include white, blue, and red). And in other cultures water or oils were substituted to increase its intensity of a vision.

If we think back even to the childhood story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, we can see the historical continuation of black mirrors being used through the ages. As the wicked stepmother would stand in front of a magic mirror and ask:

Looking-glass upon the wall,

Who’s the fairest one of all?

Elements of Scrying

The purpose of a magical mirror, contrary to popular belief, is not to summon ghosts and have them give you answers, magical spells, or even to place a curse. In psychological terms, it can best be described as a form of psychoanalysis whereby an individual attempts to create a direct connection with the subconscious by suppressing the Id and Ego. Rather than restricting the unconscious to the confines within the mind, a seer is able to visually project the unconscious within the mirror. By projecting the unconscious visually, the desired subject of analysis becomes tangible and not so abstract.

In terms of mysticism, the unconscious is direct link to our psychic interpretation and divine inspiration. In psychological terms, it would best be associated to what Carl Jung described as the ‘Collective Unconscious.’ Specific cultural archetypes, as Jung described, are able to be found universally through this Collective Unconscious, or that common inner experience that we all share. The projections of these archetypes, such as angelic beings or demons, are simple representations of one’s inner self that can be projected within the mirror and confronted.

The mirror, as a tool for this psychoanalytical purpose, functions solely through the individual. What an individual perceives through the mirror is solely based upon their perception and the very limits of their own subconscious which becomes reflected in the mirror. In other words, what you are opening up to subconsciously plays out virtually on the mirror.

Many students of esotericism are familiar with the use of a regular mirror that is quite useful when meditating or reflecting. Rosicrucian students, for example, have a mirror within their sanctum. Regular mirrors work in general for receiving/perceiving broad information and are limited in accessibility for specific tasks. Black mirrors, however, are able to zoom in and intensify a specific task or purpose, thus eliminating all other interference that would otherwise be present.

What to know before you start

As with anything else proper cleansing of the area must be done to prevent unnecessary intrusions. And afterwards, a proper closing invocation must be adhered to in order to close off your subconscious perception and to prevent malicious or unnecessary intrusions during ones regular day. Both the subconscious and conscious must be mastered to a specific degree before attempting scrying. With the conscious mind, the subconscious is able to roam free, but even within these terms you must be able to somewhat control the movements within the subconscious. The best way to achieve this is by mastering meditation.

Some individuals are more unconsciously open to the perception of spirits and others; the mirror for these individuals will merely act as a gateway in which perceive such beings more vividly and directly. I do not recommend that the mirror be used for such purposes. The mirror is best used as a tool for meditation, reflection, and gathering information from the unconscious. It must never be used for the purpose of harming another individual or to serve wrongful motives. Over time ones perception will increase and what was once quick flashes of light on the mirror may increase to full-length movies playing on the screen.

Black mirrors vary and I have seen many different types. Some stores sell some mirrors, but I highly suggest creating your own. The more effort you put into it, the more you will get out. I have followed the Donald Tyson method of creating a black mirror. Inside the mirror consists of a Natural Fluid Condenser and a Symbolic Fluid Condenser which make up the ‘force’ behind the Mirror. The Natural Fluid Condenser may include silver, salt, hairs, etc, while the Symbolic Fluid Condenser consists of hand drawn symbolic depictions. The glass is painted black and the wood frame as well. On the front side of the mirror are the 12 signs of the Zodiac painted in white, and on the back of the mirror is a nonogram with the Enochian letters “Zir Enay Iad” which translates “I am the Lord your God.” The Inner points inside the nonogram consist of the name “GAHOACHMA” similar to the Hebrew name “Eheieh” meaning “I am that I am.” The creation of the black mirror must only be done at night, and afterwards, a proper charging must be completed.

Once your mirror is done, place two candles on either side of the mirror and be receptive to the divine inspirations that the Cosmic provides.