definition of scrying
TRANSCRIPT
8/19/2019 Definition of Scrying
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/definition-of-scrying 1/7
About.com About Religion & Spirituality Paganism/Wicca . . . Glossary of Pagan and Wiccan Terms
Ads Oracle Crystal Ball Wicca Witchcraft Fortune Teller Fortune Telling See the Future Psychic Crystal Healing
Scrying
By Patti Wigington
You may see the word “scrying” used here
on About Paganism/Wicca. In general, the
term is used to mean staring into
something - often a shiny surface, but not
always - for the purpose of divination.Visions that are seen are often interpreted
intuitively by the person who is scrying.
It’s a popular method of divination, and
can be done in several different ways.
The Crystal Ball: We’ve all seen images
of the old Gypsy woman peering into a
crystal ball, hissing, “Cross my palms with
silver!” but the reality of it is that people
have used crystals and glass for scrying
for thousands of years. By focusing on the
ball, which is usually made of a cloudedglass, a medium may be able to see
visions that foretell not only the future, but
unknown aspects of the present and past.
Fire Scrying: Fire scrying is exactly what it sounds like - staring into the
flames of a fire to see what sort of visions might appear. As with other
methods of scrying, this is often very intuitive.
By relaxing your mind and
focusing only on the flames,
you may get messages telling
you what it is you need to
know.
Water Scrying: A very popular
method of scrying involves the
use of water. While this can be
a large body of water, such as
a pond or lake, many people
simply use a bowl.
Nostradamus used a large
bowl of water as a scrying tool,
and put himself into a trance to
interpret the visions he saw.
Many people also incorporate
the reflections of the moon into
their scrying. Full Moon Water
Scrying
About Today
Living Healthy
Paganism/Wicca
Sign Up for Our
Free Newsletters
Enter your email
PAGANISM/WICCA CATEGORIES
Info for Beginners
Basics of Wicca and Paganism
Rituals and Ceremonies
Sabbats and Holidays
Book of Shadows
Magic, Spellwork, and How it All Works
Divination: Tarot, Scrying, Astrology andMore
Family and Relationships
Shopping and Supplies
Issues of Interest
History of Wicca and Paganism
Dreams and Meditation
Books, Authors, and Sacred Texts
Reader Ideas and AdviceBlog
Basics of Wicca & Paganism
Sabbats and Other Rituals
Pagan Living
SIGN UP
• Oracle Crystal Ball
• Wicca
• Witchcraft
• Fortune Teller
• Fortune Telling
Scrying1 Fire Scrying Ritual2 Full Moon Water
Scrying Divination3 Bone Divination4
The Tradition of NutCrack Night
5
Ads
Download a Free Audiobook
audible.com/Free-Trial
Try Audible with A Free Audiobook. Download
the App & Start Listening!
GFI Archiver® 2015
www.gfi.com
Archive Mail in a Secure Storage. GFI
Archiver® 2015 Free for 30 Days
Proof Jesus Is God?
everystudent.com
See Why People Believe Jesus Is God And
What Jesus Actually Said.
Crystal or glass balls are often used in scrying.
Image (c) Photodisc/Getty Images; Licensed to About.com
Search...
8/19/2019 Definition of Scrying
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/definition-of-scrying 2/7
Hold a Fire Scrying Ritual
Make a Scrying Mirror for Samhain Divination
Full Moon Water Scrying Divination
Learn About Divination at Samhain
Mirror Scrying: Mirrors are easy to make, and easily transportable, so
they’re a very practical scrying tool. Typically, a scrying mirror has a black
backing on it, which allows for better reflective properties. You can learn
how to make your own here: Make a Scrying Mirror
Related
About.com About Religion & Spirituality Paganism/Wicca . . . Basic Divination
Ads Wood Fire Phone Psychic Ritual Wicca Psychic 2016 Spiritual Psychic Reading Psychic Power Psychic Healing
Fire Scrying Ritual
By Patti Wigington
Updated January 19, 2016.
Scrying is the act of staring
into something – often a shiny
surface, but not always – for
the purpose of divination.
Visions and images are then
interpreted intuitively by the
individual doing the scrying.Many people prefer to scry
using shiny surfaces – mirror,
a crystal ball, even water – but
another popular method is that
of fire scrying. This ritual uses
the element of fire, which is associated with change, destruction and
renewal.
The best way to perform this ritual is outside, but realistically, that’s not
always practical or safe. So, find a place, indoors or out, where you can light
a large fire that will burn for a while. In a pinch, if you really can’t light a
large fire, you can always do this ritual with a single lit candle flame.
Make sure you’ll be undisturbed during this ritual – turn off the cell phone,
send the kids and spouse to a movie, and eliminate other distractions. You
may want to have a notepad handy so you can write down what you see,
and some people find it helpful to play meditative music in the background
as they are scrying.
If you normally wear a ritual
robe, you may wish to do so,
but it’s not required. Likewise,
if your tradition requires you to
cast a circle, feel free to do so
before you begin.
Light your fire (or candle, if
that’s what you’re using) and
take some time to watch it. Let
••••
Updated Articles and Resources
Expert Videos
Ads
Free Meditation Audio
www.omharmonics.com/Free-Meditation
2.8 Million Have Downloaded It. Get Your Free
Meditation Audio Now.
Free Amazon Audiobook
audible.com/Free-Trial
Try Audible with A Free Audiobook. Download
Now & Start Listening!
GFI Archiver® 2015
A bonfire is an exc ellent tool for s crying. Image by Patti Wigington
2012
8/19/2019 Definition of Scrying
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/definition-of-scrying 3/7
Scrying
Full Moon Water Scrying Divination
Celebrate the Magic of the Imbolc Season
How to Do a Candle Wax Reading
the flames grow taller and
bolder and brighter, as each bit
of kindling catches fire.
Breathe deeply and evenly,
allowing yourself to relax and
become comfortable as the fire
blazes. When you have a good
strong fire going, focus your
vision on the center of the
dancing flames. Don’t worryabout staring too hard, just rest your eyesight wherever is the most
comfortable.
Draw the energy of the flames toward you, allowing yourself to feel their
power. It can heal or harm, create or destroy. Fire is associated with strong
will and power.
Watch as the fire flickers and flashes. Do you see images in the flames?
Some people see clear images, while others see shapes in the shadows,
mere hints of what is within. Look for images that seem familiar or for those
that may repeat in a pattern.
Do you hear sounds as you watch the fire? You may hear the crackling of
wood, the roar of larger flames, the snapping of embers. Some people
report hearing faint voices singing or speaking in the fire.
Thoughts and ideas may pop into your head, seemingly unrelated to
anything you see or hear. Be sure to use your notepad or journal so you can
write these things down for future exploration. Spend as much time as you
like watching the fire – once you start to get uncomfortable or fidgety, it’s
time to wrap things up.
Messages often come to us from other realms and yet we frequently don't
recognize them. If a bit of information doesn't make sense, don't worry -- sit
on it for a few days and let your unconscious mind process it. Chances are,
it will make sense eventually. It's also possible that you could receive a
message that's meant for someone else -- if something doesn't seem to
apply to you, think about your circle of friends, and who it might be meant
for.
When you’re ready to end your scrying session, take a few moments to just
relax, looking away from the fire. You may feel a high sense of energy, or an
unusual sensation of clarity – if you do, don’t worry, that’s not uncommon.
You can either leave the fire burning, if it will be safe to do so, or you can
extinguish it yourself.
Be sure to review your notes later, so you can reflect on the things you’ve
seen. If you scry regularly, get in the habit of comparing notes from one
session to the next, to see if there are messages or images that appear
often.
Related
About.com About Religion & Spirituality Paganism/Wicca . . . Basic Divination
Full Moon Water Scrying Divination
••••
• Wood Fire
• Phone Psychic
• Ritual
• Wicca
• Psychic 2016
www.gfi.com
Archive Mail in a Secure Storage. GFI
Archiver® 2015 Free for 30 Days
8/19/2019 Definition of Scrying
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/definition-of-scrying 4/7
By Patti Wigington
Updated August 26, 2015.
The full moon has long been
considered a symbol of
wisdom and intuition. We feel
its connection every month,
when it lights the night sky.
Many of us feel more energetic
and alert during the full phase
of the moon. This is partly
because our bodies and mind
are intricately connected to the
lunar cycles. Like our selves,
water is also linked to the changing face of the moon -- just ask anyone who
lives on the coast about the phenomenon of "lunar tide"!
Using a reflective surface as a tool for scrying is hardly new -- the ancient
Romans did it in their religious rituals, and the Egyptian "Book of the Dead"
contains references to Hathor's magic mirror, used to see the future. Pre-
Christian Celtic seers were believed to have visions when they looked upon
dark stones such as beryl or other crystals, according to Pliny. Even in the
1500s, Nostradamus made notes about staring into a bowl of water by
candlelight to gain inspiration.
This divination is one of the simplest.
It's best to do it outside if at allpossible, because, after all,
you are relying on the moon to
illuminate the water for you! If
you can't perform this ritual on
the night of the full moon, the
night immediately before or
immediately after is just as
acceptable.
In addition to a clear sky and a
full moon, you'll need the
following items:
If your tradition normally requires you to cast a circle, do so now. If you'd liketo play some music, go ahead and start your cd player. Sit or stand
comfortably at your workspace. Begin by closing your eyes, and attuning
your mind to the energy around you. Feel the soft earth under your feet.
Hear the rustling of the wind in the trees. Breathe in the scent of grass and
earth that lingers in the air. Raise your arms out to your sides, palms facing
• Wiccan Spells
• Psychic
• Spiritual
• Moon
• Witchcraft Spells
A table or some sort of flat
work space
A dark bowl
A pitcher containing enough
water to fill the bowl
A journal or notepad to write
in, as well as a pen
Optional: your favorite meditative music
•
•
•
•
•
AdsBachelor, Masters, PhD
www.aiu.edu/
Earn a Degree in your time with AIU self
paced, and affordable program.
GFI Archiver® 2015
www.gfi.com
Archive Mail in a Secure Storage. GFI
Archiver® 2015 Free for 30 Days
Download a Free Audiobook
audible.com/Free-Trial
Try Audible with A Free Audiobook. Download
the App & Start Listening!
The moon is connected to the tides, so it's a great way to do
some scrying. Image by Pete Saloutos/Blend/Getty Images
8/19/2019 Definition of Scrying
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/definition-of-scrying 5/7
Hold a Fire Scrying Ritual
Scrying
How to Do a Candle Wax Reading
Make a Scrying Mirror for Samhain Divination
up, and feel the energy of the moon above you.
Take some time to gather that energy. It's a pull, a palpable sensation that
we can feel, if we just take the time to look for it. Feel that silvery power
above you, and recognize your connection to it, and to the Divine.
When you are ready to begin scrying, open your eyes. Notice the night all
around you. You may feel an unusual sense of clarity and alertness - don't
be alarmed, it's just that lunar energy at work. Raise the pitcher in one hand,
holding it over the bowl. As you do, visualize wisdom and guidance within
the water. As you pour the water into the bowl, from the pitcher, see the
energy of the moon charging that water. Recognize that this water can show
you the mysteries of the moon.
When the bowl is full, position yourself so that you can see the moon's light
reflected directly into the water. Stare into the water, looking for patterns,
symbols or pictures. You may see images moving, or perhaps even words
forming. You may have thoughts pop spontaneously into your head, that
seem to have nothing at all to do with anything. Use your journal, and write
everything down. Spend as much time as you like gazing into the water -- it
may be just a few minutes, or even an hour. Stop when you begin to feel
restless, or if you're getting distracted by mundane things ("Hm, did I feed
the cat?").
When you are finished gazing into the water, make sure you have recorded
everything you saw, thought and felt during your scrying session. Messages
often come to us from other realms and yet we frequently don't recognize
them. If a bit of information doesn't make sense, don't worry -- sit on it for a
few days and let your unconscious mind process it. Chances are, it will
make sense eventually. It's also possible that you could recieve a message
that's meant for someone else -- if something doesn't seem to apply to you,
think about your circle of friends, and who it might be meant for.
Afterwards, you can leave your water out overnight to charge it even more,
or you can pour it away into your garden as an offering.
** Note: If you live near a natural body of water such as a pond or lake, you
can perform water scrying with these larger "bowls" instead!
Related
About.com About Religion & Spirituality Paganism/Wicca . . . Other Magic Spells & Folklore
Ads Fortune Teller Bones Fortune Telling Wiccan Spells Voodoo Spells How to Know Your Future Divination Spell
Bone DivinationUsing Bones for Divination
By Patti Wigington
Updated June 21, 2015.
The use of bones for
divination, sometimes called
••••
8/19/2019 Definition of Scrying
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/definition-of-scrying 6/7
osteomancy , has been
performed by cultures the
world over for thousands of
years. While there are a
number of different methods,
the purpose is typically the
same - to foretell the future
utilizing the messages
displayed in the bones.
Is this something that modern
Pagans can do? Certainly,
although it’s sometimes hard
to come by animal bones,
particularly if you live in a suburban area or city. But that doesn’t mean you
can’t find some - it just means you have to look harder to find them. Animal
bones can be found on the ground in their natural environment any time of
the year, if you know where to look. If you don’t live in an area where finding
your own bones is a practical task, then make friends with people who live
in rural areas, call up your cousin who hunts, become buddies with that
taxidermist who has a shop out by the highway.
If you have moral or ethical objections to the use of animal bones in magic,
then do not use them.
You may also want to read
about Using Animal Parts in
Magic.
Pictures in the Flames
In some societies, bones were
burned, and shamans or
priests would use the results
for scrying. Called pyro-
osteomancy, this method
involved using the bones of a
freshly slaughtered animal. In
parts of China during the
Shang dynasty, the scapula
(shoulderblade) of a large ox
was used. Questions were
inscribed upon the bone, it
was placed in a fire, and the
resultant cracks from the heat
gave seers and diviners the answers to their questions.
According to our About.com Archaeology Expert, Kris Hirst, “Oracle bones
were used to practice of a form of divination, fortune-telling, known as pyro-
osteomancy. Pyro-osteomancy is when seers tell the future based on the
cracks in an animal bone or turtle shell either in their natural state or after
having been burned. The cracks were then used to determine the future.
The earliest pyro-osteomancy in China included the bones of sheep, deer,
cattle, and pigs, in addition to turtle plastrons (shells). Pyro-osteomancy is
known from prehistoric east and northeast Asia, and from North American
and Eurasian ethnographic reports.”
It is believed the Celts used a similar method, using the shoulder bone of a
fox or sheep. Once the fire reached a hot enough temperature, crackswould form on the bone, and these revealed hidden messages to those who
had been trained in their reading. In some cases, the bones were boiled
prior to burning, to soften them up.
Marked Bones
• Fortune Teller
• Bones
• Fortune Telling
• Wiccan Spells
• Voodoo Spells
Ads
Turnigy Temperature Sensor for...
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store
R$16,93 Exclusive Offers from Hobbyking
3-Minute Chakra Test
chakrahealing.com/Free-Chakra-Test
Take This Easy & Free Chakra Test Detect
What Is Affecting Your Life.
Free Amazon Audiobookaudible.com/Free-Trial
Try Audible with A Free Audiobook. Download
Now & Start Listening!
This Chinese oracle bone dates back centuries. Image by De
Agostini Picture Library/G etty Images
8/19/2019 Definition of Scrying
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/definition-of-scrying 7/7
Learn About Basic Divination Methods
Tortoise and Turtle Magic and Folklore
Learn About Divination at Samhain
Make a Set of Ogham Staves for Divination
Much like we see on Runes or Ogham staves, inscriptions or markings on
bones have been used as a way of seeing the future. In some folk magic
traditions, small bones are marked with symbols, placed in a bag or bowl,
and then withdrawn one at a time so that the symbols can be analyzed. For
this method, smaller bones are typically used, such as carpal or tarsal
bones.
In some Mongolian tribes, a set of several four-sided bones are cast all at
once, with each bone having different markings on its sides. This creates a
wide variety of end results which can be interpreted in different ways.
If you’d like to make a set of simple marked bones of your own to use, you
follow use the guidelines at Divination By Stones as a template to make
thirteen bones for divinatory purposes. Another option is to create a set of
symbols that are the most meaningful to you and your personal magical
tradition.
The Bone Basket
Often, bones are mixed in with other items - shells, stones, coins, feathers,
etc. - and placed in a basket, bowl or pouch. They are then shaken out onto
a mat or into a delineated circle, and the images are read. This is a practice
found in some American Hoodoo traditions, as well as in African and Asian
magical systems. Like all divination, a lot of this process is intuitive, and has
to do with reading the messages from the universe or from the divine that
your mind presents to you, rather than from something you’ve got marked
down on a chart.
Mechon is a folk magic practitioner in North Carolina who touches on her
African roots and local traditions to create her own method of bone basket
reading. “I use chicken bones, and each one has a different meaning, like
the wish bone is for good fortune, a wing means travel, that sort of thing.
Also, there are shells in there that I picked up on a beach in Jamaica,
because they appealed to me, and some stones called Fairy Stones that
you can find in some of the mountains around here. When I shake them out
of the basket, the way they land, they way they’re turned, what’s next to
what -- all of that helps me understand what the message is. And it’s not
something I can explain - it’s something I just know.”
All in all, there are a number of ways to incorporate the use of bones into
your magical divination methods. Try a few different ones, and discover
which one works best for you.
Related
About Religion & Spiritua lity
Follow us:
We deliver. Get the best of
About Religion & Spirituality in
your inbox.
Enter your email
Our Story
Advertise With Us
Site Map
Help
Write for About
Careers at About
Terms of Use &
Policies
© 2016 About.com — All rights reserved.
•
•••
SIGN UP