Divination, Tarot, Runes, I Tching...
The Art of Scrying
Scrying can be defined as the mantic art of gazing into or upon a crystal or dark mirror, allowing the physical eyes to relax, thus letting the inner psychic eyes begin to open and receive desired visions or information. The use of the black mirror is one of the best methods of achieving the state of mind required for entering trance and for scrying work. It not only acts as a focal point for visualization but can become a doorway into the astral plane. It allows communication with higher realms and the subconscious and access to Akashic records. The traditional crystal ball is also a wonderful tool, but it is more di cult to scry with and is extremely expensive. The mirror is a more efficient way to begin to learn to scry and journey in other realms. However, all techniques in this article may be used with a crystal ball as well as the black scrying mirror.
Consider the reality of the Akashic records, in which all ideas, actions, in uences and vibrations are stored. The practiced scryer has the ability to ...read“ these records and focus on this vast source of timeless knowledge with the aid of the mirror and a strongly directed imagination. Guides from the world of spirit often lead the scryer in astral travel and mental journeying through the black mirror or crystal sphere. Scrying develops one's clairvoyant abilities and is especially helpful in strengthening the third eye.
Glass or Christal Ball Scrying
Kelly would kneel down in front of his desk upon which a shew-stone was set and fell to prayer and entreaty while gazing at the stone. During this time, Dee would withdraw to his Oratory and entreat the appearance of angels with prayer. About fifteen minutes later, Kelly would “have sight of one in the stone”. He would then proceed to provide a point-for-point oral report on everything he saw and heard. Sitting at a different table, Dee recorded what was reported and posed all sorts of questions to the summoned angel or spirit.
The tools that they used to engage in scrying are of particular interest. That the very means of producing the tools of magic were taught by the angels that appeared through scrying was a significant characteristic of their magic.
As the platform upon which scrying was performed, the Holy Table (Figure 1) was a two-cubit square table made with sweet wood that was supported by four legs measuring two cubits in length (90x90x90cm).
In the center of the tabletop was placed a wax disk with a nine-inch diameter known as “Sigillum Aemeth” (Figure 2) around which seven tin plates known as the “ensigns of creation” were arranged.
Small Sigillum Aemeth disks were also placed underneath the four legs of the table. The table was covered with a silk tablecloth and a crystal ball was placed in the center of the Holy Table atop a cloth laid over the Sigillum disk). The scryer would proceed to put on a ring, hang a breastplate made from pure gold called a “Lamine” (Figure 3) around his neck, and gaze into the crystal ball.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
The Sigillum Dei Aemeth
The Sigillum Dei Aemeth first appears in the 14th century grimoire Liber Luratus. It only really became known when occultist John Dee at the court of England's Queen Elizabeth I started using it for Enochian (Angel) magic in the 16th century. The Seal of The Truth of God was used by him to summon and send Angels. Because the amulet contains the names of all Angels and God, it gives power over all angels, with the exception of Archangels. number seven The seal is made up of 2 circles with 72 letters that together form the unpronounceable name of God.
Enochian magic gives a central place to the number 7.
The Sigillum Dei Aemeth is therefore mainly made up of heptagrams (7-pointed stars) and heptagons.
The outer ring contains the names of 7 angels, each associated with a planet. To find a name, first look up the first letter.
If there is a number above it, count that many letters clockwise to find the next letter.
If the number is below it, you count counterclockwise.
In this way you will find the following names:
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Thaaoth (Mars)
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Galax (Saturn)
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Gethog (Jupiter)
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Horlwn (Sun)
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Innon (Venus)
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Aaoth (Mercury)
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Galethog (Moon)
These are the Angels of Clarity, who represent the inward-looking gifts of God, known to him/her only.
Outer ring
In the outer ring is written 'Galethog', which can be read counterclockwise. The combination 'th' stands as one sigil, making it 7. They represent the one God and the secret names of the angels who stand before him. These are:
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Zaphkiel (Saturn)
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Zad keel (Jupiter)
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Cumael (Mars)
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Raphael (Sun)
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Haniel (Venus)
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Michael (Mercury)
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Gabriel (Moon)
Central names
The following names also occur through a complicated zigzag pattern:
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Sabathiel (Saturn)
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Zedekieiel (Jupiter)
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Madimiel (Mars)
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Semeliel (Sun)
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Nogahel (Venus)
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Corabiel (Mercury)
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Levanael (Moon)
Then you have the names within the points of the heptagram, which stand for the Daughters of Light.
The names in the lines of the heptagram are the Sons of Light.
And the names within the 2 central heptagons are Daughters of Daughters and Sons of Sons.
Around the pentagram are the names of entities associated with planets.
John Dee performing an experiment before Queen Elizabeth I - painting by Henry Gillard Glindoni
Application
Dr. John Dee duplicated the amulet on round tablets of wax.
He put one on a table, with a chimney on it. Then four more under each leg of the table.
With the help of a medium he was able to make contact with angels.
Black Mirror Scrying
The black scrying mirror, or magick mirror, is a powerful psychic tool. It can bring the user hidden knowledge and clairvoyant ability and can act as a portal to other planes of existence. History shows its use in many of the traditional mystery schools and oracular temples. Today the serious student of magickal arts can rediscover the ancient rites of the magick mirror, for these techniques are again coming to light.
The preparation and construction of the mirror is extremely important. The black scrying mirror must be created with the highest magickal standards and traditions. At the full moon, specially Obsidian disks are cleansed and magnetized.
They are supposed to be ritually blessed under the light of the full moon. Then they remain for a night and a day within a circle of protection (the .
The dark christal attracts and holds energy, vital force and any charge given them.
A velvet bag protects the mirror. The mirror stand is carved rosewood, ebony or teak.
Ways in which the black mirror can be used
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To contact spirit guides or forfathers and mothers
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To access knowledge
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For healing and self improvement
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As a magical transmitter and receiver
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For divining the past, present and future
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As a portal to the astral plane
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For shamanic journeying
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For ritual invocation and evocation
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To improve visualization skills
Preparing to work with the black mirror
Always keep the surface very clean using alcohol and a soft cloth.
Never use it for anything but its intended magickal purpose.
Do not let others look into its surface, except in ritual context. Keep it stored in a silk or velvet bag when not in use.
Frequently recharge the mirror with vital force and uid condenser, as explained following.
Practice the visual exercises described following until mastered.
Keep the working area clean and free from any disturbance.
Generally, scry using the mirror at night, preferably during the full or new moon, depending on the operation. The mirror can be used at any time, but tends to work better at these points.
When indoors, light two votive candles, one on each side of the mirror. Use white or colored candles appropriate to the work: blue for healing, purple for psychic work, orange for communication, and so on.
Burn a lunar or psychic blend incense before working with the mirror. Place the mirror on a wooden table or altar with a clean cloth beneath it and be seated on a wooden chair in front of it, or if you prefer, assume a comfortable asana on the floor with the mirror before you. Extinguish all light sources except the candles and/or moonlight.
Allow nothing to reflect in the mirror's surface. It should appear as a dark tunnel or window. Before starting, always create a sacred space to work in. Cast a circle of protection or visualize the area surrounded by white light and protection from false or misleading influences and call your guides and guardians to protect the working.
Keep a journal to record your experiences.
The rite of scrying First, clearly decide what you seek or are trying to accomplish in the working and prepare appropriately.
Then prepare the work area carefully as suggested previously.
Once you are ready, close your eyes and begin to relax; feel every part of your body releasing, relieved of all tension. Visualize your circle of protection and know you are safe and in control of all that happens within it. Begin to breath rhythmically and fully; try a count of four in, hold four, release four, four in, hold four, release four and so on. Feel yourself entering a light trance surrounded by sacred space, removed from time and the material world.
Silently call your guides or guardians of the work, invoking the Goddess or calling angelic presences, spirit guides, watchtowers, astral guardians or whatever you prefer. Rea rm your desire and the purpose of the work.
Now open your physical eyes and gaze into the mirror; remain relaxed and do not hesitate to blink when necessary. Relax the focus of your eyes but remain alert. After a while, the surface of the mirror will begin to change and fade; a dark mist will appear.
Your inner eyes will now open, and the journey into the mirror begins. Remember that the inner eye sees inside the mind, through the magickal imagination. Most people when scrying do not see the images appear with the physical eyes on the mirror's surface but see within the mirror and in the mind's eye. The mirror acts as a focal point, a gateway within.
When you have completed your journey or work you set out to do, begin the return to your body and ordinary senses. Breath fully and deeply, and remain still until you feel you have completely returned. Now close your eyes and remember all you saw and felt during the scrying or journey. Review your entire experience mentally.
Write it all down immediately in a journal kept for this purpose.
To begin to see:
This is a very important exercise to master if you are new to scrying or are having trouble receiving images. It will aid your ...visual imagination,“ which allows your psychic and physical eyes to see clearly together. It gives clairvoyant strength.
Sit before your mirror and begin to imagine objects on its surface, one after another. You should try to see these images clearly in the mirror with your eyes open, just as if they were there in reality. Try simple shapes or colors rst. Hold onto the image of each shape, object or color one minute before dissolving it and going on to the next. For example, use a red triangle, a yellow square, a blue circle and silver crescent; see them appear in the mirror using your rm imagination. For best results, do this exercise every day for 15 minutes until it is mastered.
This exercise is well worth the e ort; it gives magickal discipline and strengthens the inner eye so visions can come with clarity and ease.
Charging the mirror with light:
To charge and empower the mirror with light force is a simple but powerful process. It should be done frequently, especially just before using the mirror, so as to ensure you see correct visions, connect with positive energy and do not experience interference.
First, you must imagine that white light is collecting inside your body, being channeled down from the crown chakra. The body becomes a vessel lled with light. Remember to breathe fully, deeply and rhythmically. Now stand in front of the mirror and direct the palms of your hands toward one another. Imagine that the internal light is now moving into your hands, forming a ball of condensed white light between them. See and feel this clearly in your imagination. When ready, begin to project this ball of light into the surface of the mirror, purifying and enlivening the mirror, lling it with magickal force. See the light ...soak“ into the mirror. This process needs to be repeated until the mirror feels ...full.“
This process can also be used to give a special or programmed charge to the mirror. Follow the steps preceding and create the ball of light between your hands, then mentally project your desire into the light before projecting the light into the mirror. This technique can be used for healing works and self- improvement. You can also charge the light with a specific color or vibration and whatever can be felt or imagined can be put into the mirror to aid the magickal energy. The empowering exercise can be used for other magickal operations as well, such as charging other magickal tools and the giving of healing light to another person. All it takes is a strong desire and powerful imagination.
Locking the charge into the mirror is accomplished by willpower. When the light has been absorbed into the mirror, state in your mind and with all the faith you can muster that the charge will remain as long as you require it. To release or remove a special charge, simply reverse the procedure, pulling the light out of the mirror into the space between your hands. Then disperse the energy into the atmosphere through the imagination. Do not draw it back into the body and see it return to the universe.
Black Mirror Scrying Incense (psychic blend):
A base of mastic gum, myrrh, galangal powder and frankincense Mugwort and wormwood herbs Rose petals and lavender buds Green cardamom pods and star anise Bay leaves Oils of mimosa and lotus, and dark musk Blend together mastic, myrrh, galangal and frankincense in equal parts and grind to a powder base. Add a few cardamom and star anise seeds to the base and put aside in an air-tight jar. Now mix equal parts of ground mugwort, wormwood and bay, about half the amount used in the powder base. Coat this mixture with dark musk oil, and put it aside in a sealed jar. Mix the lavender and rose petals together, coat them with mimosa and lotus oil and put them aside in a sealed jar. Let the ingredients stand for nine days during the waxing of the moon. Then blend all ingredients together by hand. As you mix, meditate upon your spirit guide and developing your psychic abilities. Know that when the incense is burned, your inner eyes will open and a link will be formed between you and world of spirit. (It is best to remove anise and cardamom seeds from the incense before burning; their scent will have been absorbed by the incense base.)
Source: Black Mirror Scrying - Katlyn Breene
Hydromancy
Hydromancy (Ancient Greek ὑδρομαντεία, water-divination, from ὕδωρ, water and μαντεία, divination) is a method of divination by means of water, including the color, ebb and flow, or ripples produced by pebbles dropped in a pool.
The Jesuit M. A. Del Rio (1551–1608) described several methods of hydromancy:
The first method described depicts a ring hanging by a string that is dipped into a vessel of water which was shaken. A judgment or prediction is made by the number of times which the ring strikes the sides of the vessel.
A second method is when three pebbles are thrown into standing water and observations are made from the circles formed when the objects strike the water.
The third method described depended upon the agitation of the water, this custom was prevalent among Oriental Christians of annually baptizing that element.
A fourth method used colors of the water and figures appearing in it. Varro stated that many prognostications were made in this way concerning the Mithridatic War. This branch of the divination proved so important that it was given a separate name and there arose from it the divination of fountains whose waters were frequently visited.
In a fifth method of hydromancy mysterious words are pronounced over a glass of water, then observations are made of its spontaneous ebullience.
In the sixth method a drop of oil was let drop into a vessel of water, this furnished a mirror through which wondrous things became visible. This, Del Rio said, is the Modus Fessanus.
The seventh method of hydromancy was cited by Clemens Alexandrinus who cited that women of Germany watched the whirls and courses of rivers for prognostic interpretations. The identical fact was mentioned by J. L. Vives in his Commentary upon St. Augustine.
Pausanias (2nd century AD) described the fountain near Epidaurus dedicated to Ino into which loaves were thrown by worshippers hoping to receive an oracle from the goddess. If the loaves were accepted they sank in the water which meant good fortune, but if they were washed up from the fountain it meant bad luck.
In Renaissance magic, hydromancy was classified as one of the seven "forbidden arts," along with necromancy, geomancy, aeromancy, pyromancy, chiromancy (palmistry), and spatulamancy (scapulimancy).
Nostradamus used a bowl of water to stare into to receive his famous prophecies.
Creation and use of a fluid condenser:
A fluid condenser is an infusion of herbs with tinctures, essences and gold added. It serves to hold the mirror's magickal charge and attract elemental force. The condenser can be used not only on mirrors but also on all other ritual tools you want to charge for ceremonial use. The use of certain herbs, stones and metals in small quantities attracts etheric energy of a like kind. These fluids can be made individually to represent each of the elements or to enhance a particular work. I recommend making a universal fluid condenser that will work for all purposes, having all elements represented along with tincture of gold, representing solar and cosmic energy, and essence of moonstone, representing lunar and Goddess energy. The fluid is applied to recharge the mirror and to draw magical symbols upon it for use in ritual. When the mirror is not in use, it is wise to anoint its surface with the fluid before putting it away. The fluid can be cleaned off with alcohol or distilled water later.
To make the fluid, you must first gather the herbs you need. They can be fresh or dried, but the more life force they contain, the better.
The list of herbs following includes some suggestions, but you need not use all the herbs to make a good condenser. Use the ones you can find of good quality. Once gathered, the herbs are placed in a pot with local groundwater or rainwater. There should be about an ounce of each herb and enough water in the pot to cover the contents completely. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then turn down the flame and let it simmer for an hour with the pot lid on. When this is done, let the mixture cool and strain it through a muslin cloth. Put the liquid back into the pot and simmer without the lid until only a quarter of the original amount is left. When this is cool, add the colloidal gold, about 13 drops to each pint of liquid. Then add the essence of moonstone. If gold tincture and essence of moonstone are not available, gold chloride or gold salts can be used and whole moonstones and crystals added to the mixture as a vibrational additive. Gold tincture can also be made at home with fairly good results.
To make gold tincture, take a pure piece of gold and holding it with a pair of pliers heat it over a flame until red hot.
The red-hot gold is then dunked into a container of about half a quart of distilled water or rainwater. The heat and rapid cooling causes gold molecules to remain in the liquid. This process should be repeated nine times in the same water.
Be careful of the rising steam, and try not to get the hot pliers into the water!
When you have combined all the fluid condenser ingredients together in a sterilized glass container, then add an equal amount of wood or isopropyl alcohol to act as a preservative. Store the condenser in an air-tight glass container in a dark place, and it will last for years.
For a very powerful and personalized condenser, add a few drops of your own blood to the mixture.
Quartz crystals can be left in the fluid while it is stored to keep it clear.
Herbs for the fluid condenser:
For the water element:
elder owers, water lily, orris root, white rose, willow, cucumber seeds, jasmine
For the fire element:
red poppy, cinnamon bark, bay leaves, orange peel, rosemary, marigold, galangal, damiana, tobacco, nutmeg
For the earth element:
oak, ivy, cypress, mugwort, vervain, patchouli herb, wheat, primrose
For the air element:
mistletoe, acacia, clover, pine, sage, lavender, verbena
For spirit:
gold, blood, crystal
For healing:
juniper, thyme, mandrake, tansy, elder, coriander, lavender, life- everlasting, sage, cypress
For universal fluid condenser:
chamomile, dittany of Crete, ivy, oak leaves, bay leaves, almonds, cypress, clover, grape leaves, rose petals, mugwort, jasmine, vervain, mandrake root, amanita muscaria, atropa belladonna, hyoscyamus niger, cannabis sativa, papaver somniferum.
Incense for psychic work
The best incense to use when working with the mirror or any scrying device is lunar or psychic in nature, representing the sphere of Yesod. These types of blends may be purchased or created by yourself and must be burned on self-igniting charcoal disks.
Here are some excellent recipes for fine-quality magickal incense to be used for the rites of scrying:
Lunar blend incense:
A base of white sandalwood powder Orris root and myrrh in equal parts Oil of jasmine and jasmine owers Oil of lotus and synthetic ambergris A small pinch of re ned camphor Poppy and cucumber seeds Blend together sandalwood, myrrh, and orris root, and crush them together into a powder. True re ned camphor is hard to come by, but if you should have some available, add a pinch to the powdered base. Also add at this time the poppy and/or dried cucumber seeds.
Put this mixture aside in an air-tight jar.
Next, blend the jasmine, ambergris and lotus oils together in equal parts.
Coat the dried jasmine owers with the blended oil and set them aside in an air-tight jar. Let these sit until the next full moon.
On the evening of the full moon, mix together (in a silver or crystal bowl if possible) the oil-soaked owers and the powder base with your hands, meditating as you mix on the beauty and wisdom of Mother Moon.
Ask her to bless this incense with Her magick.
