Scrying - Revision history

Occultwiki: /* Scrying media */

2025-07-09T02:10:59Z

Scrying media

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:10, 9 July 2025
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	Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.		Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.

			During the Medieval period, [[magician]]s used polished [[beryl]] for scrying.

	==Methods==		==Methods==

Occultwiki at 15:46, 13 November 2024

2024-11-13T15:46:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:46, 13 November 2024
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	There is no definitive distinction between scrying and other aids to [[clairvoyance]], augury, or [[divination]], but roughly speaking, scrying depends on fancied impressions of visions in the medium of choice. Ideally in this respect it differs from augury, which relies on interpretations of objectively observable objects or events (such as flight of birds); from divination, which depends on standardized processes or rituals; from oneiromancy, which depends on the interpretation of dreams; from the physiological effects of [[recreational drug\|psychoactive drugs]]; and from clairvoyance, which notionally does not depend on objective sensory stimuli. Clairvoyance in other words, is regarded as amounting in essence to extrasensory perception.		There is no definitive distinction between scrying and other aids to [[clairvoyance]], augury, or [[divination]], but roughly speaking, scrying depends on fancied impressions of visions in the medium of choice. Ideally in this respect it differs from augury, which relies on interpretations of objectively observable objects or events (such as flight of birds); from divination, which depends on standardized processes or rituals; from oneiromancy, which depends on the interpretation of dreams; from the physiological effects of [[recreational drug\|psychoactive drugs]]; and from clairvoyance, which notionally does not depend on objective sensory stimuli. Clairvoyance in other words, is regarded as amounting in essence to extrasensory perception.

	Scrying is neither a single, clearly defined, nor formal discipline and there is no uniformity in the procedures, which repeatedly and independently have been reinvented or elaborated in many ages and regions. Furthermore, practitioners and authors coin terminology so arbitrarily, and often artificially, that no one system of nomenclature can be taken as authoritative and definitive. Commonly terms in use are Latinisations or Hellenisations of descriptions of the media or activities. Examples of names coined for crystal gazing include 'crystallomancy', 'spheromancy', and 'catoptromancy'. As an example of the looseness of such terms, catoptromancy should refer more specifically to scrying by use of mirrors or other reflective objects rather than by crystal gazing. Other names that have been coined for the use of various scrying media include anthracomancy for glowing coals, turifumy for scrying into smoke, and [[hydromancy]] for scrying into water. There is no clear limit to the coining and application of such terms and media.		Scrying is neither a single, clearly defined, nor formal discipline and there is no uniformity in the procedures, which repeatedly and independently have been reinvented or elaborated in many ages and regions. Furthermore, practitioners and authors coin terminology so arbitrarily, and often artificially, that no one system of nomenclature can be taken as authoritative and definitive. Commonly terms in use are Latinisations or Hellenisations of descriptions of the media or activities. Examples of names coined for [[crystal]] gazing include 'crystallomancy', 'spheromancy', and 'catoptromancy'. As an example of the looseness of such terms, catoptromancy should refer more specifically to scrying by use of mirrors or other reflective objects rather than by crystal gazing. Other names that have been coined for the use of various scrying media include anthracomancy for glowing coals, turifumy for scrying into smoke, and [[hydromancy]] for scrying into water. There is no clear limit to the coining and application of such terms and media.

	Scrying has been practiced in many cultures in the belief that it can reveal the past, present, or future. Some practitioners assert that visions that come when one stares into the media are from the subconscious or imagination, while others say that they come from gods, spirits, devils, or the psychic mind, depending on the culture and practice. There is neither any systematic body of empirical support for any such views in general however, nor for their respective rival merits; individual preferences in such matters are arbitrary at best.		Scrying has been practiced in many cultures in the belief that it can reveal the past, present, or future. Some practitioners assert that visions that come when one stares into the media are from the subconscious or imagination, while others say that they come from gods, spirits, devils, or the psychic mind, depending on the culture and practice. There is neither any systematic body of empirical support for any such views in general however, nor for their respective rival merits; individual preferences in such matters are arbitrary at best.
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	==Scrying media==		==Scrying media==
	[[File:Crystal-Ball.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|Largest flawless quartz sphere]]		[[File:Crystal-Ball.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|Largest flawless quartz sphere]]
	The media most commonly used in scrying are reflective, refractive, translucent, or luminescent surfaces or objects such as ~~crystals~~, stones, or glass in various shapes such as [[crystal ball]]s, mirrors, reflective black surfaces such as [[obsidian]], water surfaces, fire, or smoke, but there is no special limitation on the preferences or prejudices of the scryer; some may stare into pitch dark, clear sky, clouds, shadows, or light patterns against walls, ceilings, or pond beds. Some prefer glowing coals or shimmering mirages. Some simply close their eyes, notionally staring at the insides of their own eyelids, and speak of "eyelid scrying."		The media most commonly used in scrying are reflective, refractive, translucent, or luminescent surfaces or objects such as [[crystal]]s, stones, or glass in various shapes such as [[crystal ball]]s, mirrors, reflective black surfaces such as [[obsidian]], water surfaces, fire, or smoke, but there is no special limitation on the preferences or prejudices of the scryer; some may stare into pitch dark, clear sky, clouds, shadows, or light patterns against walls, ceilings, or pond beds. Some prefer glowing coals or shimmering mirages. Some simply close their eyes, notionally staring at the insides of their own eyelids, and speak of "eyelid scrying."

	Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.		Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.

Occultwiki at 19:10, 2 November 2024

2024-11-02T19:10:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:10, 2 November 2024
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	[[File:Black Mirror.png\|300px\|thumb\|A black scrying mirror owned by ~~Damien~~ Kramer]]		[[File:Black Mirror.png\|300px\|thumb\|A black scrying mirror owned by Damian Kramer]]
	'''Scrying''', also known by various names such as "seeing" or "peeping," is the practice of looking into a suitable medium in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. The objective might be personal guidance, prophecy, revelation, or inspiration, but down the ages, scrying in various forms also has been a prominent means of [[divination]] or fortune-telling. It remains popular in [[occult]] circles, discussed in many media, both modern and centuries old.		'''Scrying''', also known by various names such as "seeing" or "peeping," is the practice of looking into a suitable medium in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. The objective might be personal guidance, prophecy, revelation, or inspiration, but down the ages, scrying in various forms also has been a prominent means of [[divination]] or fortune-telling. It remains popular in [[occult]] circles, discussed in many media, both modern and centuries old.

Occultwiki: /* Latter Day Saint movement */

2023-10-03T17:09:51Z

Latter Day Saint movement

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 3 October 2023
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	===Latter Day Saint movement===		===Latter Day Saint movement===
	~~::''Main articles: [[Seer stone]] and [[Urim and Thummim]]''~~		In the late 1820s, Joseph Smith founded the Latter Day Saint movement based in part on what was said to be information obtained miraculously from the reflections of seer stones. Smith had at least three separate stones, including his favorite, a brown stone he found during excavation of a neighbor's well. He initially used these stones in various treasure-digging quests in the early 1820s, placing the stone inside the crown of his hat and putting his face in the hat to read what he believed were the miraculous reflections from the stone. Smith also said that he had access to a separate set of spectacles composed of seer stones, which he called the [[Urim and Thummim]]. He said that, through these stones, he could translate the golden plates that are the stated source of the Book of Mormon.
	In the late 1820s, Joseph Smith founded the Latter Day Saint movement based in part on what was said to be information obtained miraculously from the reflections of [[seer ~~stone]]s~~. Smith had at least three separate stones, including his favorite, a brown stone he found during excavation of a neighbor's well. He initially used these stones in various treasure-digging quests in the early 1820s, placing the stone inside the crown of his hat and putting his face in the hat to read what he believed were the miraculous reflections from the stone. Smith also said that he had access to a separate set of spectacles composed of seer stones, which he called the [[Urim and Thummim]]. He said that, through these stones, he could translate the golden plates that are the stated source of the Book of Mormon.

	[[Category:Divination]]		[[Category:Divination]]
	[[Category:Methods of Divination]]		[[Category:Methods of Divination]]
	[[Category:Featured Articles]]		[[Category:Featured Articles]]

Occultwiki at 18:05, 2 October 2023

2023-10-02T18:05:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:05, 2 October 2023
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	===Latter Day Saint movement===		===Latter Day Saint movement===
	::''Main articles: [[Seer stone]] and [[Urim and Thummim ~~(Latter Day Saints)~~]]''		::''Main articles: [[Seer stone]] and [[Urim and Thummim]]''
	In the late 1820s, Joseph Smith founded the Latter Day Saint movement based in part on what was said to be information obtained miraculously from the reflections of [[seer stone]]s. Smith had at least three separate stones, including his favorite, a brown stone he found during excavation of a neighbor's well. He initially used these stones in various treasure-digging quests in the early 1820s, placing the stone inside the crown of his hat and putting his face in the hat to read what he believed were the miraculous reflections from the stone. Smith also said that he had access to a separate set of spectacles composed of seer stones, which he called the Urim and Thummim. He said that, through these stones, he could translate the golden plates that are the stated source of the Book of Mormon.		In the late 1820s, Joseph Smith founded the Latter Day Saint movement based in part on what was said to be information obtained miraculously from the reflections of [[seer stone]]s. Smith had at least three separate stones, including his favorite, a brown stone he found during excavation of a neighbor's well. He initially used these stones in various treasure-digging quests in the early 1820s, placing the stone inside the crown of his hat and putting his face in the hat to read what he believed were the miraculous reflections from the stone. Smith also said that he had access to a separate set of spectacles composed of seer stones, which he called the [[Urim and Thummim]]. He said that, through these stones, he could translate the golden plates that are the stated source of the Book of Mormon.

	[[Category:Divination]]		[[Category:Divination]]
	[[Category:Methods of Divination]]		[[Category:Methods of Divination]]
	[[Category:Featured Articles]]		[[Category:Featured Articles]]

Occultwiki: /* Hebrew Bible */

2023-09-25T18:00:15Z

Hebrew Bible

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:00, 25 September 2023
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	==In religious traditions==		==In religious traditions==
	===Hebrew Bible===		===Hebrew Bible===
	[[Divination]] is briefly mentioned in chapter 44 of the Book of Genesis. A silver chalice or cup is deliberately planted in Benjamin's sack when he leaves Egypt, later to be used as evidence of theft. It is revealed the cup belongs to Joseph, the vizier of Egypt, whose steward claimed was used for drinking and divination during the course of his accusation. This is mentioned to reinforce his disguise as an Egyptian nobleman. Nothing in the book of Genesis indicates that Joseph actually used the cup for divination.		[[Divination]] is briefly mentioned in chapter 44 of the [[Bible\|Book of Genesis]]. A silver chalice or cup is deliberately planted in Benjamin's sack when he leaves Egypt, later to be used as evidence of theft. It is revealed the cup belongs to Joseph, the vizier of Egypt, whose steward claimed was used for drinking and divination during the course of his accusation. This is mentioned to reinforce his disguise as an Egyptian nobleman. Nothing in the book of Genesis indicates that Joseph actually used the cup for divination.

	===Ancient Persia===		===Ancient Persia===

Occultwiki: /* Scrying media */

2023-09-25T17:59:08Z

Scrying media

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:59, 25 September 2023
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	==Scrying media==		==Scrying media==
			[[File:Crystal-Ball.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|Largest flawless quartz sphere]]
	The media most commonly used in scrying are reflective, refractive, translucent, or luminescent surfaces or objects such as crystals, stones, or glass in various shapes such as [[crystal ball]]s, mirrors, reflective black surfaces such as [[obsidian]], water surfaces, fire, or smoke, but there is no special limitation on the preferences or prejudices of the scryer; some may stare into pitch dark, clear sky, clouds, shadows, or light patterns against walls, ceilings, or pond beds. Some prefer glowing coals or shimmering mirages. Some simply close their eyes, notionally staring at the insides of their own eyelids, and speak of "eyelid scrying."		The media most commonly used in scrying are reflective, refractive, translucent, or luminescent surfaces or objects such as crystals, stones, or glass in various shapes such as [[crystal ball]]s, mirrors, reflective black surfaces such as [[obsidian]], water surfaces, fire, or smoke, but there is no special limitation on the preferences or prejudices of the scryer; some may stare into pitch dark, clear sky, clouds, shadows, or light patterns against walls, ceilings, or pond beds. Some prefer glowing coals or shimmering mirages. Some simply close their eyes, notionally staring at the insides of their own eyelids, and speak of "eyelid scrying."

	Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.		Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.

	==Methods==		==Methods==

Occultwiki at 17:51, 19 September 2023

2023-09-19T17:51:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 19 September 2023
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	==Definitions and terminology==		==Definitions and terminology==
	There is no definitive distinction between scrying and other aids to [[clairvoyance]], augury, or [[divination]], but roughly speaking, scrying depends on fancied impressions of visions in the medium of choice. Ideally in this respect it differs from augury, which relies on interpretations of objectively observable objects or events (such as flight of birds); from divination, which depends on standardized processes or rituals; from oneiromancy, which depends on the interpretation of dreams; from the physiological effects of psychoactive drugs; and from clairvoyance, which notionally does not depend on objective sensory stimuli. Clairvoyance in other words, is regarded as amounting in essence to extrasensory perception.		There is no definitive distinction between scrying and other aids to [[clairvoyance]], augury, or [[divination]], but roughly speaking, scrying depends on fancied impressions of visions in the medium of choice. Ideally in this respect it differs from augury, which relies on interpretations of objectively observable objects or events (such as flight of birds); from divination, which depends on standardized processes or rituals; from oneiromancy, which depends on the interpretation of dreams; from the physiological effects of [[recreational drug\|psychoactive drugs]]; and from clairvoyance, which notionally does not depend on objective sensory stimuli. Clairvoyance in other words, is regarded as amounting in essence to extrasensory perception.

	Scrying is neither a single, clearly defined, nor formal discipline and there is no uniformity in the procedures, which repeatedly and independently have been reinvented or elaborated in many ages and regions. Furthermore, practitioners and authors coin terminology so arbitrarily, and often artificially, that no one system of nomenclature can be taken as authoritative and definitive. Commonly terms in use are Latinisations or Hellenisations of descriptions of the media or activities. Examples of names coined for crystal gazing include 'crystallomancy', 'spheromancy', and 'catoptromancy'. As an example of the looseness of such terms, catoptromancy should refer more specifically to scrying by use of mirrors or other reflective objects rather than by crystal gazing. Other names that have been coined for the use of various scrying media include anthracomancy for glowing coals, turifumy for scrying into smoke, and [[hydromancy]] for scrying into water. There is no clear limit to the coining and application of such terms and media.		Scrying is neither a single, clearly defined, nor formal discipline and there is no uniformity in the procedures, which repeatedly and independently have been reinvented or elaborated in many ages and regions. Furthermore, practitioners and authors coin terminology so arbitrarily, and often artificially, that no one system of nomenclature can be taken as authoritative and definitive. Commonly terms in use are Latinisations or Hellenisations of descriptions of the media or activities. Examples of names coined for crystal gazing include 'crystallomancy', 'spheromancy', and 'catoptromancy'. As an example of the looseness of such terms, catoptromancy should refer more specifically to scrying by use of mirrors or other reflective objects rather than by crystal gazing. Other names that have been coined for the use of various scrying media include anthracomancy for glowing coals, turifumy for scrying into smoke, and [[hydromancy]] for scrying into water. There is no clear limit to the coining and application of such terms and media.

Occultwiki at 22:25, 23 January 2023

2023-01-23T22:25:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:25, 23 January 2023
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	Practitioners apply the process until they achieve a satisfactory state of perception in which rich visual images and dramatic stories seem to be projected within the medium itself, or in the mind's eye of the scryer. They claim that the technique allows them to see relevant events or images within the chosen medium.		Practitioners apply the process until they achieve a satisfactory state of perception in which rich visual images and dramatic stories seem to be projected within the medium itself, or in the mind's eye of the scryer. They claim that the technique allows them to see relevant events or images within the chosen medium.

	Nostradamus practiced scrying; he would stare into a bowl of water or a "magic mirror" to see the future while he was in trance.		[[Nostradamus]] practiced scrying; he would stare into a bowl of water or a "magic mirror" to see the future while he was in trance.

	==In religious traditions==		==In religious traditions==

Occultwiki at 19:11, 7 December 2022

2022-12-07T19:11:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 7 December 2022
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	[[File:Black Mirror.png\|300px\|thumb\|A black scrying mirror owned by Damien Kramer]]		[[File:Black Mirror.png\|300px\|thumb\|A black scrying mirror owned by Damien Kramer]]
	'''Scrying''', also known by various names such as "seeing" or "peeping", is the practice of looking into a suitable medium in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. The objective might be personal guidance, prophecy, revelation, or inspiration, but down the ages, scrying in various forms also has been a prominent means of [[divination]] or fortune-telling. It remains popular in [[occult]] circles, discussed in many media, both modern and centuries old.		'''Scrying''', also known by various names such as "seeing" or "peeping," is the practice of looking into a suitable medium in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. The objective might be personal guidance, prophecy, revelation, or inspiration, but down the ages, scrying in various forms also has been a prominent means of [[divination]] or fortune-telling. It remains popular in [[occult]] circles, discussed in many media, both modern and centuries old.

	==Definitions and terminology==		==Definitions and terminology==
Line 10:		Line 10:

	==Scrying media==		==Scrying media==
	The media most commonly used in scrying are reflective, refractive, translucent, or luminescent surfaces or objects such as crystals, stones, or glass in various shapes such as [[crystal ball]]s, mirrors, reflective black surfaces such as [[obsidian]], water surfaces, fire, or smoke, but there is no special limitation on the preferences or prejudices of the scryer; some may stare into pitch dark, clear sky, clouds, shadows, or light patterns against walls, ceilings, or pond beds. Some prefer glowing coals or shimmering mirages. Some simply close their eyes, notionally staring at the insides of their own eyelids, and speak of "eyelid scrying".		The media most commonly used in scrying are reflective, refractive, translucent, or luminescent surfaces or objects such as crystals, stones, or glass in various shapes such as [[crystal ball]]s, mirrors, reflective black surfaces such as [[obsidian]], water surfaces, fire, or smoke, but there is no special limitation on the preferences or prejudices of the scryer; some may stare into pitch dark, clear sky, clouds, shadows, or light patterns against walls, ceilings, or pond beds. Some prefer glowing coals or shimmering mirages. Some simply close their eyes, notionally staring at the insides of their own eyelids, and speak of "eyelid scrying."

	Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.		Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls.