Crows Nest

Scrying is the divinatory practise characterised by achieving a trance state through gazing into reflections or fire or smoke. Traditionally, practitioners have kept a mirror or crystal ball for this purpose. The Tudor magician John Dee famously had a mirror made from obsidian for this purpose; it is now held in the British Museum. To scry, one should relax and gaze into the light, there are many counting and breathing exercises which can settle the unquiet mind. After a time, movements in the reflections will take on a life of their own and may begin to suggest meaning beyond the random. Answers to questions will be drawn to the surface from the depth of the self in communion with the light. The photo shows the reflection of the Full Moon in the surface of a pond: this works well for me.

DNB Jan 2025