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Crystalomancy
Alternatively
Crystallomancy, and
Crystal Gazing.
The art and practice of divining the
past, the present and the future by looking into the surface of transparent
bodies, such as a crystal globe, polished quartz, precious stones
(especially a beryl), or indeed any transparent or reflective object.
It was held in days of old that, those who had
the gift, by gazing fixedly and deeply into a polished crystal ball, could
see what would happen in the future or what was actually happening
elsewhere. To gaze into the crystal ball is to see into the future, to seek
inspiration to answer questions.
Crystalomancy is quite ancient, but it is still
widely practiced today. An oval crystal is the most used among modern
crystal gazers, but a traditional spherical one will perform just as well.
As with other methods of
scrying, the
diviner should
enter into a meditative state prior to consulting the crystal. A dark
environment is essential, with moonlight (preferably the light of a full
moon) as the source. Candlelight or
other light source is also acceptable on moonless nights.
In some cases, instead of a crystal, a pool of
water was used, although this method is also known as Hydromancy.
The Greeks of classic days preferred to gaze
at a clear mirror, but even human fingernails,
the polished surface of a sword's blade, a drop of blood, and a pool of ink
held in the palm of the hand have been used one time or another as a
medium for this type of
divination.
It is believed that the
use of crystals to predict events of the future began before 1000 BC. Saint
Augustine informs us that the ancient Persians were the first crystal
gazers. It is by far one of the oldest forms of divination that have
survived into the present day.
Many modern witches and new agers also enjoy
utilizing the alleged power of crystals for meditation, healing,
dowsing and
developing psychic talents.
See
Diviner,
Divination,
The Chakra Store,
Casting Black Magic Spells,
Commanding Spirits,
The Tarot Store and
Divination & Scrying Tools and
Supplies.
Sources: (1)
Walker, Charles,
The Encyclopedia of the Occult,
Random House Value; (2)
Spence, Lewis,
An Encyclopedia of
Occultism,
Carol Publishing Group; (3)
Dictionary of the
Occult, Caxton
Publishing;
(4) Pickover, Clifford A.,
Dreaming the Future: The
Fantastic Story of Prediction, Prometheus Books; (5)
Dunwich, Gerina,
A Wiccan's Guide to Prophecy
and Divination, Carol Publishing Group.
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