Category: Divination

Aeromancy

Aeromancy

A form of divination of foretelling future events by observing atmospheric phenomena such as when a death of a great man is foretold by the appearance of a comet.


Francois la Tour Blanche stated that aeromancy is the art of fortune-telling by spectres which are made to appear in the air, or the representation by the aid of demons which are projected on the clouds as if by a magic lantern. “As for the thunder and lightening,” he added, “these are concerned with the auguries, and the aspect of the sky and of the planets belong to the science of astrology.”


Within Christianity an act of aeromancy might be thought of as the phenomena of the star over Bethlehem when Christ was born.

Let’s Talk Witch – Divination With The Pendulum

Faerie-Guardians

Let’s Talk Witch – Divination With The Pendulum

I will be the first to admit it. When I am in a hurry and want to know something, I reach for my pendulum. I know most people associate the use of pendulums with dowsing as a way of searching for water. But, of course, that is only one use of the pendulum. When you use a pendulum for the purpose of divination, you’re searching for answers hidden within yourself.

A pendulum consists of a small weight – a crystal or some other stone, for instance – hung from a short chain or ribbon. You hold the chain/ribbon, letting the pendulum dangle at the end of it, while you ask a simple question. The pendulum responds by swinging in a direction predetermined to mean either yes or no.

A pendulum isn’t capable of handling complex questions, but it can be used to answer any yes or no question. Most of the time, a pendulum will swing from side to side to let you know that the answer to your question is no. A backward and forward movement generally means yes. However, it’s a good idea to ask your pendulum aloud which direction will indicate yes and which will indicate no.

Sometimes the pendulum swings in a diagonal line. This can mean the matter is uncertain or that your question can’t be answered at this time. You might want to try asking later. If the pendulum doesn’t move, try asking a different question or phrase the question in a different manner. If your pendulum circles in a clockwise direction, it usually means the situation you’re asking about is favorable. If the pendulum moves in a counterclockwise circle, conditions seem unfavorable.

You can use a pendulum to dowse for just about anything, from buried treasure to the best spot to drill a well. You can dowse an area to find a lost object. You can dowse a house or apartment to see if it’s right for you. Or dowse the land to determine the  best place to build a home, business, shrine, garden, etc.

You can even dowse a map. This technique is great if you’re thinking about taking a trip or looking for a new place to live. Hold the pendulum over a map of an area that interests you and ask, “Is this the place?” If the response is no, try another area. Keep at it until the pendulum says yes.

Want to try something cool with your pendulum? When you purchase a candle from a store or buy a Craft item over the internet this is great to do. I always wonder if the item has any residue left over from its maker. Let’s say I just bought a new candle from the store. I bring it home, before I ever put it on my altar, I get my pendulum. Now I take the pendulum and hold it over the candle. If the candle has picked up any past residue the pendulum will start to swing outwards in a circle. This tells me that the candle does have past residue and I must take care in cleansing it. It the pendulum does not move, it has no past reside and I can cleanse as normal. But you can do this with any Craft item you purchase and it will work the same.

For such a small Craft tool, you will be amazed at all the things a pendulum can tell you can do for you.

Conducting a Ouija Session

Conducting a Ouija Session

by Jenni Kosarin

If you do decide to use it, it’s important to have a good reason and have all your questions prepared in advance. Be sure to review the section on conducting séances—all of that information should apply to using the Ouija board, except that you can have fewer than three people participate. Also, make sure that you don’t conduct the Ouija séance over a bed or near the bathroom. (The bed is a personal place and may be inviting to spirits; conducting the séance near the bathroom is bad feng shui.) The best thing to do is use a table.

Be careful when choosing those you invite to participate; overemotional, nervous, fearful, or anxious people should never attempt to use the Ouija board. Love attracts love—the feeling when using the board should be one of projecting love and confidence in order to call and successfully connect with higher spiritual guides. Be sure that everyone is decorous and polite—don’t interrupt each other or shout.

Let the Session Begin

To begin, perform a protection spell or meditation, as previously explained. The people involved should then place their hands lightly on the edge of the planchette, or pointer, which should move freely around the board. Keep in mind that if you’re pressing down on the pointer, or if it makes a sound when moving, you’re probably steering it. If you have successfully contacted a spirit, the planchette should move on its own. You should be barely touching it.

Once the session begins, psychics advise that you ask to communicate with an agreeable spirit who can keep the more confused, wandering ones away. It’s always best to state up front what you are looking for from this contact. (If you don’t know, you shouldn’t be using the board.) Ask each question slowly, one at a time. The answers to the questions are then spelled out by the planchette, which points to letters, numbers, and Yes or No. Don’t just assume a session is over when you feel like it. No one should get up and leave until you officially end the session by pointing to Goodbye (a word on the board).

How to Use a Ouija Board – Ouija Board Do's and Don'ts

How to Use a Ouija Board – Ouija Board Do’s and Don’ts

By , About.com Guide

If you are thinking about trying to communicate with the spirits using a Ouija board is a fairly easy way to begin your exploration.

Some people are really nervous about using a Ouija or talking board for spiritual communications. There is a concern that using a Ouija board could possibly be an invitation for dark forces to enter into the room. The use of Ouija or any other mediumship aid does warrant caution. Really, think about it. Do you leave your front door unlocked at all times? Or is there a neon sign out in your front lawn flashing 24/7 beckoning every stranger who walks past your street to step inside your home? Of course not!

When you wish to communicate with the spirit world via the Ouija or another channel (automatic writing, visualizations, thought, etc.) it is best to be specific about “who” you are wishing to receive communications from. If you didn’t like to hang around with Uncle Jimmy when he was living, then you’re not likely going to be thrilled hearing from him beyond the grave either. Intention is key!

How to Use a Ouija Board:

I’ve listed below a few do’s and don’ts for using the Ouija Board – Ouija Etiquette if you will…

Ouija Board Do’s

  • Do darken the room and entice the spirits to visit by lighting some candles.
  • Do avoid possible distractions by turning off the television, cell phones, etc.
  • Do balance the board upon your knees if possible.
  • Do warm up the board by moving the planchette in circles or figure eight pattern.
  • Do be specific about who you wish to communicate with (Aunt Mary, personal spirit guide, Ascended Master, etc.)
  • Do be cordial to your spirit guests, although it is okay to ask them to leave if they are rude guests (using foul language, taunting you or your seance guests, etc.)
  • Do write down the messages letter by letter. Spirits often misspell, use slang, or will even txt speak.
  • Do have fun!

Ouija Board Don’ts

  • Do not use the Ouija board by yourself, it is best to get a buddy to assist you.
  • Do not confuse the spirit with questions from too many people, assign one person in the room to ask questions.
  • Do not ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to such as “When am I going to die?” You’re not going to get a serious answer to these types of questions.
  • Do not ask questions you already know the answer to like “What is my middle name?” It’s a seance, not a pop quiz!
  • Do not allow the invited spirit guest to control the session, you want answers, not a lecture.
  • Do not accept all communications as fact, discern all information given. Only accept what feels accurate in your gut.
  • Do not be upset if your seance is a bust, sometimes spirits don’t feel like talking.

Are Ouija boards harmless children's toys, or tools of the devil?

Are Ouija boards harmless children’s toys, or tools of the devil?

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

 

The Ouija board is one of the most controversial forms of divination.

Question: Are Ouija boards harmless children’s toys, or tools of the devil?

I bought a Ouija board because I want to talk to spirits. My dad says it’s a tool of the Devil but I think I’ll be fine. What do you think?

Answer:

Erm… well, I’m going to let the whole “devil” bit slide, but let’s look at this a bit more in depth, shall we?

Here’s the problem with a Ouija Board — anyone can use one, and no skill is required. In other words, the thing that makes the Ouija Board so easy to use is also what can make it potentially troublesome. Toy and game companies sell them by the thousands, but most people don’t realize exactly what they are. Are they evil? No, no more than your Monopoly board is. Are they dangerous? Well, in the hands of someone who’s untrained — or an idiot — they could be. Look at it as a spiritual version of the chat room, if that helps. There’s nothing at all wrong with talking to thirty strangers… until one of them turns out to be a serial killer or a pedophile. And the thing is, you don’t KNOW who is what when you enter that room. Same with a Ouija board.

A Ouija Board is, quite simply, a divinatory tool. Its purpose is to answer a question by inviting spirits to speak to the people using the board. There’s no guarantee that anything will happen at all… but there’s also no way to control what DOES happen.

The use of a Ouija board is a form of voluntary possession. In order to get the spirit to contact you through the planchette, you basically have to give up your will — it’s the only way for them to work through you. The spirit isn’t moving the planchette, but it’s causing you to move it with your hands by way of possession. Once you’ve opened up the Ouija board, it’s a crapshoot as to what’s going to try to make contact — you don’t know who or what is moving that planchette around, or what its purpose is.

The bottom line — if you’re unsure about what you’re doing, or inexperienced with dealing with spirits, you may want to find some other method of divination that doesn’t involve voluntary possession.

Ouija Boards

Ouija Boards

Definition: Supposedly the name “Ouija Board” is derived from the French and German words for “yes” (oui and ja). The device is used to supposedly contact immaterial  spirits who control the hands of the human participants for the purpose of answering  questions. These questions can involve the nature of the afterlife, events which  occurred while these spirits still existed in the physical realm, or events which will  occur in the future (divination). The Ouija Board has often been used by both kids  and adults as basically a game, but it has also been used by people who are “true  believers” in the presence and power of spirits.

A Ouija Board is a simple device, consisting of a flat board covered with all the letters of the alphabet, numbers, and four words written large: Yes, No, Maybe and Goodbye. In addition it comes with a triangular object, a bit larger than a fist, resting on three short legs. This is called a planchette, and one corner is used as a pointer.

The original version of such boards consisted just of the planchette and paper – a pencil was put through a hole in the planchette and the “spirits” were supposed to transmit their messages in this fashion. This design was changed in the late 19th century by Isaac Fuld, a Baltimore toymaker who added the board with letters and numbers, thus simplifying the transmission of messages. Sales were tremendous, especially after World War I when millions of people were mourning the loss of loved ones and were anxious to get some sign, any sign, that they might still “exist” in some fashion. 

For tax reasons, Fuld insisted that his Ouija board was not a game but rather a  scientific instrument. The government attempted to impose a tax upon his sales like they  did with other games, something he fought all of the way to the Supreme Court. He lost.

Today, all rights and trademarks are owned by Parker Brothers because Fuld’s children sold the business in 1966. Although they no longer manufacture it, anything which was not made by them is not an authentic Fuld board. As it currently stands, it is operated by having one or more people sit at the board with one or more hands on the planchette and they ask questions of spirits. The planchette is then supposed to move about the board, pointing to the answers – numbers, words, or letters which spell out more specific information. 

In practice, the answers are produced by the ideomotor effect, not spirits. That this  is the real cause was recognized even early on – the original patent for the Ouija  Board included the statement that “A question is asked and by involuntary  muscular actions of the players, or through some other agency, the frame will  commence to move across the table.” 

It is also interesting that if opaque paper is placed over the board, hiding the letters and numbers from the people who are using it, the “spirits” are no longer able communicate. Are we really supposed to believe that these spirits are unable to see through plain paper?

About.com

How To Make a Witch's Ladder

How To Make a Witch’s Ladder

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

A witch’s ladder is one of those nifty things we sometimes hear about but rarely see. Its purpose is similar to that of a rosary – it’s basically a tool for meditation and ritual, in which different colors are used as symbols for one’s intent. It’s also used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers or beads along as you do so. Traditionally, the witch’s ladder is made with red, white and black yarn, and then nine different colored feathers woven in.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

Realistically speaking, it makes more sense to use yarn colors that have a significance to you and your working. Also, finding nine differently colored feathers can be tricky if you’re looking for them out in the wild — you can’t just go plucking feathers from local endangered species — and that means a trip to the craft store and some oddly tinted feathers. I’d recommend using either found feathers of any color, or something else entirely — beads, buttons, bits of wood, shells, or other items you have around your home.

To make your basic witch’s ladder, you’ll need:

Yarn or cord in three different colors

Nine items that are similar in property but in different colors (nine beads, nine shells, nine buttons, etc)

Cut the yarn so that you have three different pieces in a workable length – usually a yard or so is good. Although you can use the traditional red, white and black, there’s no hard and fast rule that says you must. Tie the ends of the three pieces of yarn together in a knot.

Begin braiding the yarn together, tying the feathers or beads into the yarn, and securing each in place with a sturdy knot. Some people like to chant or count as they braid and add the feathers. If you wish, you can say something like this variation on the traditional chant:

By knot of one, the spell’s begun.
By knot of two, the magic comes true.
By knot of three, so it shall be.
By knot of four, this power is stored.
By knot of five, my will shall drive.
By knot of six, the spell I fix.
By knot of seven, the future I leaven.
By knot of eight, my will be fate.

By knot of nine, what is done is mine.

As the feathers are tied into knots, focus your intent and goal. As you tie the final and ninth knot, all your energy should be directed into the cords, the knots and the feathers. The energy is literally stored within the knots of the witch’s ladder. When you’ve completed the string and added all nine feathers or beads, you can either knot the end and hang the ladder up, or you can tie the two ends together forming a circle.

If you’d like your ladder to be more like a rosary string, I’d highly recommend picking up a copy of Pagan Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.

Crone's Corner – APPLE DIVINATION

Crone’s Corner – APPLE  DIVINATION

* If a girls peels an apple in one long piece at midnight on Halloween, and then  tosses the peel over her left shoulder or into a bowl of water, she will be able to read the first initial of her future partner’s name in the shape  assumed by the discarded peel.
* If a girl peels an apple at midnight on Halloween and hangs the peel on a nail by the front door, the  initials of the first man to enter will be the same as those of her unknown lover.
* If a group of unmarried boys and girls each attach an apple to a string and twirl the apple over a fire,  the order in which the apples fall off the string indicates the order in which they will all be married. The owner of the last apple to drop will remain  unmarried.
* In a group of unmarried boys and girls, each person marks an apple and places it in a large bucket of  water, along with unmarked apples. Without using their hands, the teens attempt to take bites out of the apples floating in the water. The teen is fated to  marry the person whose apple they bite. Another variation of this custom consists of hanging the apples from strings tied to a tree.

Smudging as an Air Ritual

Smudging as an Air Ritual

Smudging is an easy Air ritual designed to purify, provide balance, cleanse, or sanctify a sacred space. You can smudge a room, a piece of furniture, or even yourself.

Let’s say that you “inherit” a bookcase from your new boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. You need the extra room, but you want to eliminate her essence(but not do her any harm!). A smudging ritual can purify the bookcase and bring some harmony back to your living space.

There are any number of smudging herbs, but some are most traditional than others. These three are most closely related to the Element of Air.

*Sage–There are several different kinds of sage, all types work for smudging, but perhaps the king of sage is white broadleaf sage. It is the most aromatic and is excellent not only for smudging to cleanse and purify, but also for meditation.

*Sweetgrass–As its name suggests, sweetgrass produces a sweet, light fragrance when burned. Believed to attract only positive spirits, it is excellent for cleansing a sacred space.

*Lavender–Most useful for attracting peace, happiness and restful sleep, lavender imparts a lovely aromatic, refreshing scent when burned.

Smudging can be accomplished by using a smudge stick or by burning loose herbs in a smudge pot or a firebowl. First dry the herbs by hanging them upside down in a still room, a pantry, or some other dry room where they won’t be disturbed. They will need to dry for several weeks.

If you want to use a smudge stick, cut your dried herbs into 5- or 6- inch lengths, bundle them together, and bind them tightly with red thread, which represents the Fire Element. Use a candle to light the bundle because you will want to hold it in the flame long enough to get the stick really smoking. The combination of Fire and Air purifies the space or object and disperses negative energy. Use a feather or your hand to fan the smoke into the corners of the room you’re purifying. Smudging is the equivalent of spiritual spring cleaning. You might find that the house feels cleaner and brighter even though you haven’t dusted or vacuumed.

Sweetgrass is often braided into a small rope to be used in smudging. Tie off the ends with red thread. Although you can find sweetgrass growing wild in some prairie places, it’s rare; you might have to grow your own.

Smudging Yourself

Smudging Yourself

Smudging yourself is an especially good idea if you’ve been around someone who is ill, depressed, fearful, angry or generally emotionally unbalanced. Smudging helps you achieve a calm state to prepare you to meditate or just face your day. If you are experiencing an unusual amount of stress, daily smudging can be beneficial.

Smudging yourself is easy. If you’re using a smudge stick, light the stick in a candle flame. Using a feather or your hand, gently fan the smoke onto your body, starting at the top of the body and moving downward. (Although a feather isn’t required for smudging, using a feather that one of your bird friends has offered up to you can also encourage the Air Element to assist you in your cleansing ritual. Or, if you have a pretty fan, that can work, too.) Get the back of your body as best you can (it is often easier to use a smudge pot and loose herbs for this). When you’re finished with your outer skin, inhale a little of the smoke (just a little!) to purify your insides.

If you’re using a smudge pot and loose herbs, light the herbs (using self-lighting charcoal) until they are smoking well. This is best done outdoors in an open space. Put the smudge pot on the ground and stand over it with your legs spread and feet on either side. Weave back and forth in the smoke until you have been thoroughtly cleansed. Clothing is optional for this approach and smudging in the nude(skyclad) is recommended for a more thorough cleansing. Again, when you’re done, inhale a little of the smoke to purify your insides. People often feel more relaxed lighter and brighter after smudging.

Crystal Ball

Crystal Ball

The crystal should be without flaw-no scratches on its surface or bubbles within (the new acrylicplexiglass “crystals” work quite well, but scratch very easily). Rest the ball on a background of black. A black velvet cloth is ideal. This can, in turn, rest on a table in front of you or can cover your hand(s) if you wish to hold the crystal. This black background is to ensure that you see nothing around the ball to distract you as you gaze into it. Initially you should work alone, in a room that is quiet and dark. Your temple, of course, is the ideal place. Have just one small light, preferably a candle. Place the light so that you do not see it reflected directly in the crystal. Burn a pleasant-smelling incense, since it will help you concentrate. Work in a consecraed circle, at least to begin with. Later, if you should want to use the crystal elsewhere, you can simply imagine yourself surrounded by, and completely encompassed in, white light; though even then I would strongly advise casting a small circle about yourself with you athame. Start by saying some protective prayer, then ask the Lord and Lady for their guidance and their protection.

Now sit and gaze into the crystal trying to keep your mind blank. This is not easy and will take some practice. Do not stare at the ball unblinking; this will just cause eyestrain! Gaze-blinking your eyes naturally, as necessary. Do not try to imagine anything in the ball. Just try to keep your mind blank. After a while (anywhere from two to ten minutes) it will seem that the ball is filling with white mist or smoke. It will gradually grow more and more dense until the ball seems full of it. Then, again gradually, the smoke will thin and fade, leaving behind a picture- almost like a miniature television picture. It might be in black-and-white but it more likely to be in color. It might be still or it might be moving. It might be from the past, present or future. Also, it is very likely to be a symbolic picture, requiring some interpretation-much like a dream.

Initially you have no great control over what you see. You must just take what comes. As you become more adept, you may meditate for a few moments before gazing on what you wish to see. Then, when you start to gaze, clear your mind and try to keep it blank. Most people seem capable of success at scrying. If you get nothing the first time you try, then try again the next night, and then the next. It may take a week or more before you get anything, but keep trying. Do not, however, try for more than about ten minutes or so at each attempt.

If you can’t obtain a crystal, it is possible to use a regular convex magnigying glass lens. Polished carefully and laid on the black velvet, it will work almost as well as the ball. Whichever you use, ball or lens, keep it purely for your scrying. Let no one else use it or even handle it. Keep it wrapped in a cloth (its black velvet or a piece of black silk) and do not permit sunlight to strike it. It is traditional to “charge” the crystal by holding it up to be struck by the light of the full moon, once a month.

If you can’t obtain a crystal, it is possible to use a regular convex magnigying glass lens. Polished carefully and laid on the black velvet, it will work almost as well as the ball. Whichever you use, ball or lens, keep it purely for your scrying. Let no one else use it or even handle it. Keep it wrapped in a cloth (its black velvet or a piece of black silk) and do not permit sunlight to strike it. It is traditional to “charge” the crystal by holding it up to be struck by the light of the full moon, once a month.
 
Buckland’s Complete Book Of Witchcraft
Raymond Buckland
ISBN 0-87542-050-8

The Justice Lamp

The Justice Lamp

Good for court cases and legal matters. Add the following:  galangal root, yellow dock, snake root, carnation, and five-finger grass, one bottle of Friendly Judge Oil.

Say a prayer to Saint Basil.

The Love Lamp

The Love Lamp

To your basic fuel add the following:  one bottle of Love Oil, five herbs associated with love or four herbs and some five-finger grass. Use a prayer to Saint Anne.

The Health Lamp

The Health Lamp

This lamp, as with all other lamps, will contain a universal fluid mixture plus a magnet, a personal object from the person the lamp is for, or their name written on parchment paper cut in the form of a cross. You will place this at the bottom of your lamp and pour your fuel over this and the magnet. Since this lamp is being made for health, we will add the following: one Bottle of Health Attracting Oil and one half teaspoon of the following herbs:  heal-all, peppermint, eucalyptus, etc. (a combination of five different healing herbs or four herbs and five-finger grass. The prayer used is directed to Our Lady of Lourdes (used by the French) or St. Joseph (used by the Italians).

To correctly use the lamp, the flame must not be extinguished once it is lit, and as you say your prayer and state your desire, you must shake the lamp in a clockwise direction to get the ingredients in the lamp moving in a clockwise direction to get the ingredients in the lamp moving in a clockwise direction. Again this must be done daily and at the same time each day until satisfied.

Working With Magick Lamps

Working With Magick Lamps

The type of lamp used to make these magick lamps is the hurricane or kerosene lamp. Like the gris-gris bags, the magick lamps are made for many purposes. The basic fuel used in making these lamps is a blend of castor, oil, olive oil and kerosene. Here you will use two-thirds kerosene to one-third oil mixture. To this basic fuel mixture is added other ingredients which are analogous to the work being done. Here you will add diverse ingredients such as magnets, essential oils, herbs, pepper, red wine, etc.

When properly made, the lamps have excellent results. The results obtained from working with lamps is best when prayers are said as you fill the lamp with more fuel each day at the same time. Once the lamp is lit, it cannot be extinguished until satisfaction is obtained. If you don’t need to fill the hurricane lamp as you say your prayer, then the lamp is moved in a circular motion, clockwise, as you repeat your desire. The prayer which has always been given to use with the lamp has always been directed to a particular Saint (Catholic influence).

Instead of directing prayers to Saints, Pagans can invoke their Gods and Goddesses.

CRYSTAL GAZING – PART TWO

CRYSTAL GAZING – PART TWO

Karen Charboneau-Harrison

You will learn to use your scrying device or speculum more quickly if you are familiar with the techniques of visualization. Visualization is the ability to create a picture in your mind’s eye and transfer this image to walls, ceiling or mid-air, mentally changing its color, shape or size. When you are first training yourself to scry, you will find it helpful to practice with visualization, mentally creating an image and then transferring the image onto the speculum surface. This will acquaint you with the sight of an image on your speculum so that when you begin to achieve results in your scrying you will be familiar with the sight and it won’t disconcert you.

As with scrying, it takes a little time to develop the ability to visualize at will. You must be prepared to expend energy and time to allow your ability to manifest. You should set aside a period each day in which to experiment with the process – a time when you will not be interrupted. Thirty minutes each day should be enough.

Even if you haven’t worked with scrying or magick to date, you have experienced visualization. When you are fantasizing or daydreaming and you become immersed in the scenes inside of your head, you are visualizing. The following exercises will help you to gain and control that ability:

1) Begin thinking about a subject which is dear to you, a particular fantasy that you have, such as the house you would like to build, the picture you would like to draw or the person you are in love with. Concentrate all of your attention on this subject and enjoy your thoughts, seeing in your mind’s eye the house, the picture or the lover. Now become aware that you are visualizing. The scene in your mind’s eye will probably waver or disappear at this realization. Re-grasp it firmly in your mind and hold it there for as long as you are able.

2) After you have successfully completed the first exercise and have been able to consistently visualize the scene every day for a week, sit down in a quiet, private room and allow yourself to relax. Decide upon an object in the room, a chair for example, and look at it very carefully, keeping all of the thoughts on the chair. Notice the shadows on the chair, the wrinkles in the fabric, the grain of the wood. Now sit back and close your eyes. Try to bring the image of the chair into your mind in all of its detail. Experiment with this exercise very day until you can do it. After you have successfully visualized the chair with consistent results for a week, go on to exercise three.

3) Continue using the same object that you have been visualizing. Bring it into your mind and hold the image. Now open your eyes and see the object before you (the image in your mind, not the physical object), and place it at eye level against a solid colored wall, preferably a white wall. Practice this exercise for the next three days.

4) Now when you visualize the object against the wall, change the color of it. Change it back to its original color. Practice changing the color of the object with many different colors. Now raise and lower the object on the wall. Turn it completely around and upside down. Return it to its original position.

Visualization is not difficult, but it does require time, determination, quiet and patience. Once you have mastered the techniques of visualization, it will be a simple and natural step to transfer images to your speculum. By training yourself with visualization, you have acquired the necessary discipline, patience and meditative qualities essential to successful scrying.

When you scry, it is important to place your back to the source of light rather than facing the light. I prefer semi-darkness with three lavender candles behind me for illumination. You will find that objects in the room will reflect slightly in the surface of your speculum. Do not let this bother you. You will become accustomed to the sight and will soon find that the reflections aid you in forming pictures on the surface of the scrying device.

You will gaze at the surface of your speculum (ball, scrying mirror or chalice of water) not into the center of it- not trying to penetrate it with your eyes. It is helpful to relax your eyes, slightly unfocusing them, when you scry. If you wear glasses, you can wear them or not when you are scrying. It is not your physical eyes which are seeing, but your psychic self and glasses won’t make any difference in the quality of the images.

Practice by yourself, in a quiet room with the speculum set before you on a table covered with a dark solid colored cloth. Be seated in a comfortable chair and relax. Pick up the speculum and concentrate on it, warming it with your body heat. Set it back on the table and still your mind. Open yourself up the impressions about to be received. Do not stare at the speculum and strain your eyes. Gaze at the complete speculum not at any particular point on it. You will find that the speculum really does cloud up. I have experienced images in two ways – the symbols or picture will begin to appear in the center of the speculum and gradually become clearer, rather like a picture print being developed, or the image will begin to appear at the side of the speculum and drift over to the center. It is important to note here that if the image comes from the side, you must continue to gaze in the center of the speculum. If you turn your eyes to look at the coming image, it will most likely disappear. If you fail to see anything the first few times, don’t be discouraged. A number of sittings are necessary when first training. It helps to use the ability that you developed in your visualization exercises and visualize an object, then transfer it to the surface of your speculum. Let the image rest there, relax yourself and allow the image to change by itself. By practicing this technique you will gradually learn to see in the speculum.

It is also important to remember when using a speculum of any type that it is merely a focal point for your mind. The image is not really there on the surface or within the speculum. Your mind is placing it there. The speculum merely serves as a tool to facilitate this ability.

When reading the future do not despair if you see something that you don’t like. The future is not a cut and dried affair. When reading the future, you are seeing what is most likely to happen if you or your querent (the person for whom you are reading) proceeds on the same path now traveled. People change and by that change so do events and the future. If you encounter a possible future that you don’t like, meditate on how you can change it into circumstances which will benefit you. This is the value of divination – knowing the most likely outcome from the actions you are now taking and thereby having the knowledge you need to make the future your own.

When you are not using your scrying device, store it out of busy areas of your home and out of the sunlight. It’s a good idea to store it wrapped in a silk cloth in a box out of the way. If you want to subtly display your speculum, you can set it on a table (out of the sunlight and not in busy areas) covered with a silk cloth.

Plan to spend thirty minutes a day practicing with your speculum. As with any occult studies, learning to scry with consistent and true results requires an investment of interest, energy and time. You will find yourself amply rewarded for your investment and effect, however, if you have the will and perseverance to pursue it to its successful end.

CRYSTAL GAZING – PART ONE

CRYSTAL GAZING – PART ONE

Karen Charboneau-Harrison

Crystal Gazing is a type of SCRYING (meaning to descry, to observe, to see). Scrying is an old English term for divining by gazing at an object, whether it be a pool of water, a mirror, a shining orb or a crystal ball to foretell past, present or future events. The object upon which one gazes is called, in general terms, a speculum.

Scrying is an ancient divinatory practice common to all cultures. In Egypt, a few drops of ink were placed in water in the palm of the hand and a small child was employed to gaze upon it; the Maories of New Zealand used blood in the same way. At the Temple of Demeter on the coast of Achaia a mirror was lowered by a cord to the temple fountain until the edge of the mirror just touched the water. Then a priestess of Demeter would divine the health of the querent by images found on the mirror’s surface. In America, people of the Pawnee nation would pour the blood of a badger into a ceremonial bowl and the children of the tribe would gaze at the surface to see their future as part of an initiatory rite.

Scrying is a very subjective divinatory art and, as such, serves to develop the intuitive and receptive psychic talents to a high degree. The different specula employed such as crystal balls (crystallomancy), pools of water (hydromancy), and magick mirrors (catoptromancy) all can be used equally well to see past, present and future.

Naturally enough, crystallomancy is practiced with a crystal ball and tradition dictates the use of a ball shaped from rock crystal, which is a clear and colorless quartz. Rock crystal has an inner geometric trigonal formation which is considered part of the hexagonal pattern, the difference between the two being that although they both form hexagrams, hexagonal formations come to a point at both ends and trigonal forms a cylinder. Being trigonal, rock crystal gives off energy and will not absorb it. It will amplify and interact with the energies of the individual using it, making it a useful healing stone as well as scrying tool. Since rock crystal will not absorb energy, the initial purification, consecration and charging of the stone is enough for the duration of its use. Rock crystal has the ability to define and clarify which accounts for its popularity in divination. The purchase of a rock quartz crystal ball, however, can run from, at the least, $150.00 and can move into the tens of thousands of dollars for a gazing ball. Also available for scrying are leaded glass balls and reconstituted rock crystal balls, both of which are more affordable. Leaded glass balls and reconstituted rock crystal balls (these are made by grinding up rock crystal into powder and then reshaping the material into a ball of whatever diameter desired) are perfectly clear while untreated rock crystal balls have naturally occurring striations, refractions and other optical inclusions which I have found to be very helpful to focus on while scrying.

Hydromancy, (gazing into a pool of still water), is closely related to crystal gazing. All that needs to be procured is a cup or goblet to gaze into – the methods of scrying are the same. As with any tool used magickally, this cup or goblet will be used only for gazing and will be put away from curious eyes and hands when not in use. You may wish to paint the inside of the goblet black or leave it as is. If you wish to paint it, refer to the directions for painting the magick mirror which you’ll find below.

Dr. John Dee, the famous magician during Queen Elizabeth the First’s reign, used both a crystal ball and a magick mirror made of jet. Ceremonial magicians use a magick mirror composed of a seven metal alloy. However, you don’t have to be a stone mason or metal smith to have a magick mirror. The simplest magick mirror is one constructed from a round, concave piece of glass from an old clock face, old picture frame or purchased at a glass shop. You should construct your mirror when the moon is full in Cancer, Pisces or Scorpio. Purify in your usual way and then paint the convex side (the side that bows out) with black enamel paint into which you have mixed a little powdered cinnamon, gum mastic and ground wormwood. You must paint the surface three times, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between each coat. Now you’ll make a stand for your mirror from a piece of square wood that is an inch or two wider than the mirror glass. This can be painted black like your mirror or just left natural. Make a round hollow in the center of the wood to set the curve of your mirror. You can also use a book stand to allow your mirror to set up for ease in gazing.

CONSECRATION AND CHARGING OF THE SPECULUM

Before consecrating and charging any tool, you will always purify it to remove any extraneous energies that it might have absorbed before your use. Take a cup of distilled or spring water and sprinkle approximately ½ teaspoon of sea or rock salt into it. Wash the tool, in this case your speculum, with the salt water, visualizing the salt water (representing the elements earth and water) cleansing the object of any negative vibrations that may have accrued to it before your use. Next, light an incense charcoal and place some frankincense resin or Purification incense on it in an incense burner. Pass the speculum through the resulting incense smoke and again visualize the object being cleansed and purified by the elements fire and air.

On a night when the Full Moon is in Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio (consult your favorite almanac for this information) gather together your speculum, spring water, salt, gum mastic, wormwood, wisteria oil, a dark silk cloth, a cup containing distilled or spring water, an incense burner, Scrying incense and incense charcoal and a lavender candle.

Outside in a secluded place, bathed in the light of the full moon, place your speculum and other equipment down on a flat surface. Light your candle and incense. Consecrate your water by placing the salt in it and purify your speculum and silk cloth with this water. Place the cloth on the ground with the speculum on top of it and ring your speculum with salt on the cloth. Now drop a little gum mastic into the spring water in your cup, keeping in mind the gum mastic’s divination aiding properties. Next drop in a little wormwood, keeping in mind it’s qualities of grounding and balancing. Now drop 7 drops of the wisteria oil into the water. With each drop of your wisteria, say your personal charging mantra. Gaze into the infusion you have made in the cup and release into it your psychic energy, thereby charging and magnetizing the water.

Hold your speculum up to the Moon and dedicate it to clear perception and compassionate understanding. Begin bathing your speculum with the infusion. Now set it back onto the dark cloth and inside the ring of salt. Allow the speculum to dry while you meditate on it.

Let it sit out in the light of the full moon until the moon sets. The speculum is now ready for use – no further charging is necessary for future gazing. Keep your speculum out of the sun light and in a safe quiet place when it is not in use.

Clear Quartz Crystal Balls for Gazing

Clear Quartz Crystal Balls for Gazing

There is something very mysterious about a quartz crystal ball. They have an odd way of pulling your attention towards them. The crystal balls we have for sale are handcrafted from crushed quartz that is reformed and cut into a ball shape. The clear quartz crystal is then polished into a virtually flawless sphere. These clear crystal balls are not leaded crystal or glass. Many psychics and fortune tellers will buy crystal balls that are clear over natural quartz crystal balls as the inclusions of natural crystal can be a distraction and are extremely expensive.

Our quartz crystal balls include a rosewood stand, a silk storage box. We offer several sizes of crystal ball to fit any budget and books on crystal ball gazing to get you started.

 

How to use a crystal ball

  • crystal ball gazing, divination, fortunetelling or gazing for spiritual information
  • predicting the future
  • use a quartz crystal ball for energy healing
  • feng shui crystal ball to move stagnant energy or to bring positive chi energy to a room
  • in ritual to draw energy and for protection
  • beautiful conversation piece
  • buy crystal ball as a great gift idea

How to read a crystal ball

Before you can read a crystal ball, you should program it and do a dedication. You need to program your crystal ball or it becomes a useless dust collector. Through meditation, you set up the guidelines for communication between yourself and the ball. Quartz crystal is a very powerful crystal that is capable of being programmed, storing information, bridging the gap between spiritual dimensions and this material world. Quartz crystal is a powerful healer and can also be used in uncovering health issues.

Once you have programmed your crystal ball and have become familiar with it, you are ready to being crystal ball gazing.

Preparing for crystal ball gazing

  1. Place crystal ball on a table in a quiet room that will enable you to comfortably gaze upon it while seated.
  2. You should place a dark cloth over the table to cut down on reflections on the crystal ball.
  3. Lighting will be an issue you need to work out for yourself. Some like it totally dark. Others like crystal ball gazing by candlelight. Dimmed lights tend to open psychic channels… especially when darkness falls and the lives around you begins to settle in for the night. A dimmer switch is extremely useful in the room that you choose for gazing.
  4. Try to set the ball up so that it has as little reflections on it as possible.
  5. Many folks find that candlelight behind the ball is beneficial to crystal ball gazing.
  6. I recommend a tape recorder so you can tape your impressions as they may come quickly or be forgotten.
  7. I also recommend keeping a journal of your crystal ball gazing sessions. What doesn’t make sense now, may unfold later and you don’t want to overlook a good prediction!

Crystal ball gazing

This advice comes from Ted Andrews’ book ” Crystal Balls & Crystal Bowls “. I highly recommend Ted’s book for anyone who wants to learn how to use a crystal ball. What I have written below is a condensed and edited version. The book teaches you everything you need to know on how to use your crystal ball from programming, preparing to gazing and cleansing. I don’t endorse many books. This one gets 4 thumbs up.

  1. Sit comfortably in front of your crystal ball.
  2. Some folks may wish to begin with a prayer of protection and guidance.
  3. Remove the black cloth covering the crystal ball.
  4. Turn on your tape recorder.
  5. Take a few moments to breath deeply and relax.
  6. Pick up the crystal ball in your hands and gently caress it with your hands. If you are reading for someone, allow them to do the same so the ball can pick up their energy. Then take it back. You will be cleansing it afterwards so don’t worry about them filling the crystal with negativity.
  7. As you caress the crystal ball, envision it coming to life. Imagine that you have just turned it’s power on and have created a connection between your energy and that of the crystal ball.
  8. Do this for several minutes and return it to it’s stand.
  9. Find a place on the ball that attracts you and focus upon it. Look into the spot and yet beyond it.
  10. Envision that place as a doorway through which you can observe past, present and future events.
  11. Don’t stare at the crystal ball… just gently gaze as you would while star or cloud gazing.
  12. Just relax and keep your mind open. If it wanders, that’s ok. Follow it and see where it goes. If you are getting way off track, move beyond that thought and relax again.
  13. As you gain experience in crystal ball gazing, you can ask for guidance on specific questions or issues.
  14. In the beginning, keep you gazing sessions to 5 to 10 minutes long so as not to wear yourself out. You will get used to it with practice and be able to work for longer periods.
  15. While crystal ball gazing, pay close attention to your other senses. Gazing is not just done with the eyes. The quartz crystal ball is a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. Your whole body is able to give you information. You may feel hot or cold. You may feel odd sensations that messages from spirit. You may smell aromas that may be pleasant like flowers or unpleasant like smoke (I had a spirit who identified himself through the aroma of smoke because he died in a fire). A pipe smoker might comes through as his favorite tobacco. A lady might come through as her favorite perfume. Pay attention! These weird experiences are full of information if you are open to it.
  16. Speak aloud any impression you get no matter how strange. It might not make sense now but as things continue, it may become clear. This also lets spirit know they are getting through to you.
  17. As you gaze into the crystal ball, you may see mist or clouds. Look at them to see if they resemble anything (like cloud gazing). Now mentally try to part the clouds. If you can’t, don’t worry. It gets easier with practice.
  18. Often colors will accompany the clouds. I offer a book by Ted Andrews called “How to See and Read the Aura” which covers the meanings of the colors.
  19. Pay close attention to everything you think or feel. It is all important.
  20. Your session is nearing the end when the crystal ball begins to mist again.
  21. When you are ready to close your gazing session, gently caress the crystal to remove the messages that have come through.
  22. It’s always a good idea to close with a prayer or some words of thanks to those kindly spirits who assisted.
  23. Cleanse your crystal ball with soapy water to remove the fingerprints. Take great care because crystal balls are quite heavy and may slip from your hands from the soapy water.
  24. You can take the cleansing a step further and cleanse it on a spirit level by smudging with sage or incense.
  25. Wrap it in a black cloth and put it away. I recommend a storage box for your crystal ball.

Even though I have given enough information to get you started with crystal ball scrying, please consider Ted Andrews’ book Crystal Balls & Crystal Bowls. My overview doesn’t come close to the information you will get with his book.

Caution! NEVER leave your crystal ball where sunlight will hit it. A crystal ball acts like a magnifying glass and can cause a fire. I had one set out in my store where only a little of the setting sun hit it. When I went to sell it, the box had burn holes in it. My son (who was grounded and forced to come to the store as punishment *lol*) used a crystal ball to light incense. If you want to display a crystal ball, keep it in a dark corner (this is good feng shui). Otherwise, keep it under wraps.