Digging Deeper into Divination for Samhain – Scrying/Crystal Gazing

 

Halloween, the most sacred of the eight witches’ Sabbats, has long been regarded as the ideal time for engaging in all manner of psychic work. It is a mysterious night when witches throughout the world clairvoyantly peer into the past, the present and the future.

The traditional Halloween divination method favored by those who belong to the Craft is that of scrying (or gazing) into crystal balls, magick mirrors, and the flames of candles, cauldron fires, or outdoor bonfires. The term “scrying,” derived from the Old English word “descry,” means “to perceive from a distance; to discover by the eye.” The divinatory use of crystals is said to date back to circa 1,000 b.c. Undeniably, it is one of the oldest forms of divination that continue to be practiced in modern times.

The proper method of scrying a crystal ball is as follows: Before consulting the crystal, allow yourself to enter into a meditative state. Focus your mind on a particular question or issue, and then gaze into the surface of the crystal ball. (You will most likely find that the best results are achieved when your scrying is performed in a darkened room with the bright light of a full moon, the gentle glow of a candle’s flame, or some other light source that reflects off the crystal’s surface.) In time, a vision should form. It may be an entire scenario or simply one or more symbols that will require interpretation on your part.

It is common for many crystal gazers to experience the formation of “clouds” within or around the crystal ball. The colors of the clouds and the directions in which they move are said to be highly significant. Traditionally, clouds that move to the right are considered to be a sign that a benign guiding spirit is present; clouds that move to the left indicate that the spirit is unwilling or unable to offer guidance at the present time. Clouds that move in an upward direction indicate an affirmative answer to the scryer’s question, while a negative reply is shown by clouds that move in a downward direction.

 

Color Meanings of Clouds

White clouds are believed to be favorable omens.

Black ones are viewed as being unlucky.

Red clouds, depending upon the scryer’s personal interpretation, can either indicate a fiery, passionate love affair or serve as a warning of impending danger.

Green clouds, a color associated with money, generally indicate an increase in riches, unless the clouds are seen moving in a downward (negative) direction.

Yellow clouds are said to indicate betrayal.

Blue clouds are signs of peace and tranquility.

Violet clouds indicate spiritual strength, psychic growth, and enlightenment.

Sometimes a crystal ball’s clouds regardless of their color—will gradually or suddenly yield to a clear vision of a future, present, or past event.

The art of crystal gazing (which is technically known as “crystallomancy”) is one that requires a good deal of concentration and practice, and a novice scryer should not become discouraged if he or she does not achieve immediate results. As with any art, some people require more time to master the crystal ball, while others seem to be born with a natural flair for it.

Many crystal gazers ritually “recharge” their crystal balls once every month by placing them either on an outdoor altar or on a windowsill where they can absorb the rays of the full moon. Most keep their crystal balls covered by a black silk handkerchief when not in use, and don’t allow anyone to handle the crystal ball, for they believe that this action disturbs or diminishes its occult vibrations, requiring it to be reconsecrated and recharged with the gazer’s own psychic energy.

In addition to gazing into crystal balls, many witches utilize the steady flame of a candle, a water-filled cauldron, or what are known as magick mirrors as a focus for their Halloween scrying rituals.

 

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Gerina Dunwich