Scrying Mirror: How to See Visions in Black Mirror

Gazing into a dark, reflective surface to receive visions and divine guidance is one of the oldest forms of divination known to humanity. From ancient seers to medieval mystics, practitioners have used scrying mirrors—also called black mirrors or magic mirrors—to peer beyond the veil and access hidden knowledge. This mysterious practice continues today, offering a powerful tool for developing psychic abilities and receiving profound spiritual insights.

If you've ever felt drawn to the dark, reflective depths of a black mirror, you're connecting with an ancient lineage of seers and visionaries. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about scrying mirrors, from choosing and consecrating your mirror to developing the skills to see visions within its depths.

What Is a Scrying Mirror?

A scrying mirror, also known as a black mirror, magic mirror, or obsidian mirror, is a dark, reflective surface used for divination and vision work. Unlike regular mirrors that reflect your physical appearance clearly, scrying mirrors have a dark, slightly obscured surface that allows your conscious mind to relax while your psychic vision activates.

The History of Scrying Mirrors

Scrying has been practiced across cultures for thousands of years:

• Ancient Egypt: Priests used polished obsidian and dark pools of water for divination
• Aztec and Mayan cultures: Used obsidian mirrors to communicate with gods and spirits
• Medieval Europe: Dr. John Dee, advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, famously used an obsidian scrying mirror (now in the British Museum)
• Victorian era: Black mirrors became popular tools in spiritualist séances
• Modern practice: Continues in various magical and psychic traditions worldwide

How Scrying Works

Scrying operates on the principle of soft focus and trance induction. By gazing at a dark, slightly reflective surface in dim light, you:

• Quiet the conscious, analytical mind
• Enter a light trance or meditative state
• Activate the right brain and psychic centers
• Create a "screen" for visions, symbols, and messages to appear
• Access the subconscious, collective unconscious, or spiritual realms

The mirror itself doesn't create the visions—it serves as a focal point that allows your inner sight to activate and project what you're perceiving psychically.

Types of Scrying Mirrors

Obsidian Mirrors

The traditional choice. Natural volcanic glass that's been polished to a reflective finish. Obsidian is considered the most powerful material for scrying due to its protective and grounding properties.

Pros: Authentic, powerful energy, protective, grounding
Cons: Expensive, fragile, heavy
Best for: Serious practitioners, those drawn to ancient methods

Black Glass Mirrors

The accessible option. Regular glass painted black on the back or black glass specifically made for scrying.

Pros: Affordable, easy to find or make, effective
Cons: Less "authentic" feeling for some practitioners
Best for: Beginners, those on a budget

Black Acrylic or Resin

The durable choice. Modern materials that create a dark, reflective surface.

Pros: Unbreakable, lightweight, affordable
Cons: Less traditional, may feel less "magical"
Best for: Travel, outdoor use, beginners

Water Scrying

The free option. A bowl of water with black ink or in a dark bowl can serve as a scrying surface.

Pros: Free, traditional, easy to cleanse
Cons: Less portable, can spill
Best for: Trying scrying before investing in a mirror

How to Make Your Own Scrying Mirror

You can easily create an effective scrying mirror at home:

Materials Needed

• Picture frame with glass (any size, though 8x10 or larger works well)
• Black acrylic paint or black spray paint
• Paintbrush or spray paint setup
• Newspaper or drop cloth
• Optional: Mod Podge or sealant

Instructions

1. Remove the glass from the frame and clean it thoroughly
2. Paint the back of the glass with 2-3 coats of black paint, allowing each coat to dry completely
3. Optional: Seal with Mod Podge for durability
4. Once completely dry, place the glass back in the frame with the painted side facing back
5. The front (unpainted side) is your scrying surface
6. Consecrate your mirror before use

Tips for DIY Mirrors

• Use flat black paint, not glossy
• Apply thin, even coats for best results
• Let it dry completely between coats (24 hours is ideal)
• The painted side should be completely opaque
• Choose a frame you find aesthetically pleasing—you'll be looking at it often

Preparing Your Scrying Mirror

Cleansing

Before first use and regularly thereafter, cleanse your mirror:

• Smoke cleansing: Pass through sage, palo santo, or incense smoke
• Moonlight: Leave under the full moon overnight
• Sound: Use a singing bowl, bell, or tuning fork
• Visualization: Envision white light clearing the mirror
• Salt: Sprinkle salt around (not on) the mirror

Consecration

Dedicate your mirror to its sacred purpose:

1. Create sacred space (cast a circle, light candles, etc.)
2. Hold the mirror and state your intention: "I consecrate this mirror as a tool for divine vision and spiritual insight"
3. Anoint the frame (not the surface) with oil if desired
4. Pass through the four elements (incense for air, candle for fire, water, salt for earth)
5. Thank any deities or guides you work with
6. Wrap the mirror in black cloth when not in use

Charging

Infuse your mirror with energy:

• Place it under the full moon to absorb lunar energy
• Meditate with it, holding the intention of clear visions
• Keep it on your altar between uses
• Store it with crystals that enhance psychic ability (amethyst, labradorite, moonstone)

How to Scry: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

• Choose a quiet, private space where you won't be disturbed
• Dim the lights—you want low, ambient lighting, not darkness
• Light one or two candles behind you (not in front where they'll reflect in the mirror)
• Optional: Burn incense, play soft music, or create a sacred atmosphere
• Ensure the room temperature is comfortable

Step 2: Position Your Mirror

• Place the mirror at a slight angle on a table or stand
• Sit comfortably in front of it
• The mirror should be at eye level or slightly below
• Ensure no direct light reflects in the mirror's surface
• You should see a dark, slightly reflective surface, not a clear reflection

Step 3: Ground and Protect

• Take several deep breaths to center yourself
• Ground your energy (visualize roots growing from your feet into the earth)
• Set protection (visualize white light surrounding you, say a protection prayer, or call on your guides)
• State your intention: "I open myself to receive clear visions for my highest good"

Step 4: Enter a Meditative State

• Relax your body completely
• Breathe slowly and deeply
• Let your thoughts quiet
• Allow yourself to enter a light trance—aware but relaxed
• This may take 5-10 minutes of quiet breathing

Step 5: Begin Gazing

• Gently focus your eyes on the center of the mirror
• Don't stare intensely—use a soft, relaxed gaze
• Blink naturally; don't strain your eyes
• If you have a specific question, hold it lightly in your mind
• Otherwise, simply be open to whatever comes
• Continue gazing for 10-20 minutes (set a gentle timer if needed)

Step 6: Observe What Appears

Visions can manifest in different ways:

• Mist or clouds: The mirror may appear to fill with mist or fog
• Symbols or shapes: You may see geometric patterns, symbols, or abstract shapes
• Images or scenes: Pictures, faces, or full scenes may appear
• Colors: Flashes or waves of color
• Movement: The surface may appear to ripple or move
• Impressions: You may receive feelings, words, or knowing without visual images

Step 7: Receive and Record

• Don't judge or analyze what you see—just observe
• If nothing appears, that's okay—scrying is a skill that develops over time
• When you feel complete (or your timer goes off), thank the mirror and any guides
• Ground yourself by touching the earth or eating something
• Immediately write down everything you saw, felt, or sensed
• Cover the mirror with its cloth

What You Might See

Common Beginner Experiences

• Nothing at all: Completely normal—keep practicing
• Your reflection fading: A sign you're entering the right state
• Mist or fog: Often the first visual phenomenon
• Peripheral movement: Seeing things at the edges of the mirror
• Feeling or knowing: Receiving information without visual images

Intermediate Experiences

• Symbols appearing: Geometric shapes, runes, or meaningful symbols
• Colors or lights: Flashes or waves of color
• Faces or figures: May be guides, spirits, or symbolic representations
• Scenes or landscapes: Like watching a movie in the mirror

Advanced Experiences

• Clear, detailed visions: Specific scenes with narrative
• Communication with entities: Receiving messages from guides or spirits
• Past or future visions: Seeing events from other times
• Remote viewing: Seeing distant locations or people

Tips for Successful Scrying

Practice Regularly

Scrying is a skill that improves with practice. Try to scry at least once a week, ideally at the same time and place to build consistency.

Be Patient

Many beginners see nothing for weeks or months. This is normal. The skill develops gradually as you train your psychic sight.

Don't Force It

Trying too hard creates tension that blocks visions. Relax, be open, and let visions come to you rather than chasing them.

Work with Moon Phases

Many practitioners find scrying easier during the full moon or new moon. Experiment to see what works for you.

Keep a Scrying Journal

Record every session—date, time, moon phase, what you saw (or didn't), and any insights. Over time, patterns will emerge.

Trust Your Impressions

Not all scrying is visual. You might receive feelings, words, or knowing. Trust all forms of psychic information.

Start with Questions

If open-ended scrying feels too vague, start with specific questions. "Show me what I need to know about [situation]."

Common Challenges and Solutions

I See Nothing

Solutions:

• Keep practicing—this is the most common beginner experience
• Try different lighting conditions
• Ensure you're truly relaxed and in a light trance
• Try scrying with water instead of a mirror
• Work on developing your third eye through meditation

I See Too Much (Overwhelming Visions)

Solutions:

• Strengthen your protection before scrying
• Set clearer boundaries about what you're willing to see
• Shorten your scrying sessions
• Ground more thoroughly before and after
• Take a break if needed

I See Scary or Disturbing Images

Solutions:

• Remember: not all visions are literal—many are symbolic
• Strengthen your protection practice
• Set the intention to receive only visions for your highest good
• End the session immediately if you feel unsafe
• Cleanse yourself and the mirror thoroughly
• Consider working with a teacher or mentor

My Eyes Get Tired or Strained

Solutions:

• You're staring too hard—use a softer gaze
• Blink naturally
• Shorten your sessions
• Adjust the lighting
• Take breaks to rest your eyes

Safety and Ethics

Protect Yourself

• Always set protection before scrying
• Work only with entities aligned with your highest good
• If something feels wrong, end the session immediately
• Ground thoroughly after each session
• Keep your mirror covered when not in use

Respect the Practice

• Don't scry while intoxicated or emotionally unstable
• Don't use scrying to spy on others or violate their privacy
• Don't share others' private information received through scrying
• Use scrying for guidance and growth, not ego gratification

Know Your Limits

• Scrying is not a substitute for medical or mental health care
• Don't make major life decisions based solely on scrying visions
• If scrying causes distress, take a break or work with a teacher
• Remember that visions are often symbolic, not literal

Interpreting Your Visions

Symbolic vs. Literal

Most scrying visions are symbolic rather than literal predictions. A vision of fire might represent passion, transformation, or anger—not an actual fire.

Personal Symbol Dictionary

Over time, you'll develop your own symbol language. Keep track of recurring symbols and what they mean for you.

Trust Your Intuition

Your first impression of a vision's meaning is usually correct. Don't overthink or over-analyze.

Context Matters

Consider the question you asked, your current life situation, and your emotional state when interpreting visions.

Final Thoughts

Scrying with a black mirror is a profound practice that connects you with ancient seers and opens doorways to hidden knowledge. While it requires patience and practice to develop, the rewards are immense—enhanced intuition, clearer guidance, and direct access to the wisdom of your higher self and spiritual guides.

Remember that scrying is a skill, not a talent. Everyone can learn to scry with consistent practice and patience. Some people see vivid visions immediately, while others develop the ability gradually over months or years. Both paths are valid.

The black mirror is waiting. What will you see in its depths?