WTF is Scrying?

Scrying is the practice of staring into a reflective surface – a mirror, stone, even water – to catch glimpses of the future. It’s a divination technique that has been used throughout the ages. 

Historical examples:

  • Nostradamus practiced scrying by staring into a bowl of water which reflected light to see the future while he was entranced.  
  • Scrying is referenced in the Hebrew Bible (Book of Genesis, Ch. 44).  
  • In ancient texts of Persia, scrying is referenced as used by the ancient mythological kings for observing all of the layers of the universe.
  • And in the late 1820s, the Latter Day Saint movement was founded based, in part, on what was said to be information obtained miraculously from the reflections of seer stones which helped the founder receive revelations to translate the Book of Mormon. 
  • Scrying is written into folklore throughout history. For example the children’s game “Bloody Mary” is based on the scrying technique.

How to Scry

Gather your tools

  1. You will need a reflective object, such as a mirror, seer stone or crystal ball. This will actually allow you to catch a glimpse of things to come if you continue on your current path.
  2. Set a candle behind you. This should be the only light in an otherwise dark room.
  3. Cover the table you are going to use with a black cloth or piece of fabric.
  4. Place the object you chose to use for scrying on top of the table.

Set the tone

Start by warming up and getting into your meditative space. Relax, chant, meditate or practice mindfulness to remove unwanted thoughts.

Begin

When you are ready, open your eyes and look into the surface of your scrying tool. Your focus should shift past the surface to a point somewhere approximately five or six inches beyond. This may or may not work for you, but it is the best way to shift your focus for scrying. 

Have you ever looked at those pictures that are completely composed of colored dots or splotches and had to look past the surface to see the three-dimensional image in the picture? This is the same principle.

Try to keep your mind blank, open it to whatever may be shown to you, unless you are scrying for the answer to a specific question. 

Your eyes will want to blink. That is all right. Let them blink and regain your shift in focus. When you are first beginning, try to keep your scrying time to no more than ten or twenty minutes. If you are not successful, put it away and try again another time.

Images may come to you in any number of forms. At first, you may only get a cloud or mist. This may eventually part to allow images to come through, or it may just move in one direction or another in answer to yes or no questions.

If you do see images, they may be simple symbols left open for interpretation. These symbols are personal and are not the symbols you may find written in a book. For instance, a dog may generally symbolize loyalty or protection, but if you are fearful of dogs, it would mean something entirely different to you.

Some people also see moving pictures as though they are watching a movie. But that’s not common, especially when you are first beginning.

Scrying is a learned skill, much like mediation, and comes with practice. Don’t give up if it does not work on the first attempt. 

Scrying products and ritual supplies like candles, crystals and smudge can be found at our Witchy Women Shoppe to help you on your journey.

Have you tried scrying?  Drop us a note and tell us about your experience. We’d love to hear from you.  


Witchy Women Magic Shoppe is a woman-owned, ethical, sustainable and philanthropic metaphysical supply shoppe. Our mission is to support healing, growth and restoration of people and the planet.

All our handmade products are infused with frequency 528Hz – the frequency of miracles and love – thought to resonate at the core of everything. It connects the heart and spirit with Divine Harmony.

This sound has been used since ancient civilizations to manifest miracles, bring blessings, and harness a healing property. It is now available to you in every candle, oil, potion, herbal blend, spray, soap or salt.

Intention Setting Rituals

An intention setting ritual can be done just after the New Moon to focus energy into your intentions. (The next new moon as of this writing is May 30, 2022, at 7:29 am EDT.)

An intention is a guiding principle with which to live by. Your intentions should define how you want to feel, the things you would like to experience and the personal qualities and strengths you want to develop. 

Think about your core values and the kind of life you want to live. Intentions should be written in the present tense and in a positive form. 

For example, instead of saying, “I want to stop eating so much junk food,” you could say, “I feel healthy and vital.” The first one is a goal, but the second is the intention (the why) behind the goal.

This is just a suggestion. It’s important to always be open to your own intuition to create a variation that feels right for you.

Begin by cleansing your sacred space – this can be done by smoke purification or lightly spraying with moon water or smudge spray

Center yourself in any way that feels comfortable – deep breathing, free drawing, chanting, meditating or using singing bowls.

Focus on formulating your intentions. What do you truly want from your life? Keep your intentions positive and motivating. You can also use oracle cards to get insight into what it is you truly desire.

Light a candle, then write each of your intentions on a separate piece of paper. Say each one aloud, then spend a few minutes visualizing that it has already manifested. 

Hold the intention in your mind and do any any of the following:

– Create a crystal grid around it

– Burn it in a fireproof container

– Bury it in soil (write your intention on seeded paper)

– Place it in a bowl of water

When you are done with all of them, blow out the candle and thank the universe in advance for manifesting your intentions.


Witchy Women Magic Shoppe is a woman-owned, ethical, sustainable and philanthropic metaphysical supply shoppe. Our mission is to support healing, growth and restoration of people and the planet.

All our handmade products are infused with frequency 528Hz – the frequency of miracles and love – thought to resonate at the core of everything. It connects the heart and spirit with Divine Harmony.

This sound has been used since ancient civilizations to manifest miracles, bring blessings, and harness a healing property. It is now available to you in every candle, oil, potion, herbal blend, spray, soap or salt.