A relatively simple psychic skill for any Witch to master, Scrying is the art of gazing at an object in a manner that calms the mind and body, allowing the subconscious to come forth and reveal messages. These messages may present themselves as full on visions, complete with sights, sounds, smells, and sensations, or they may be just pictures, like watching a movie.

Virtually anything can be used to Scry with; it is truly a skill available to anyone as fancy tools really aren’t necessary. Common things to Scry with are Fire (i.e. a candle flame, bonfire, or glowing coals,) Water (e.g. a bowl filled about an inch with water, the water may or may not be darkened,) Smoke (as from incense,) a Mirror (any will do,) a Speculum (aka Dark Mirror,) or a Crystal Sphere. 

Despite what you use, the process is the same: calm and center, then gaze at the object. Do not stare. Staring is a purposeful concentrated “looking” and that is not the point of Scrying. You want to gaze, to relax yourself, quiet your mind, and allow any messages from your intuition or Gods to come forth. 

Scrying doesn’t always work the first time and many people find that their first visions are nothing more than colored clouds; the color of these clouds can be interpreted and read if a specific question was asked prior to Scrying. Eventually, these clouds will pass and a picture is revealed. With increasing practice, you will find yourself able to achieve full visions simply by gazing at a blank wall in a dark room. Or, as many a kitchen witch knows, by gazing at your streak-free oven door.