Scrying with Water and Mirrors

Ancient Reflective Scrying Methods

Long before crystal balls became the iconic scrying tool, ancient seers gazed into water, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces to access visions and divine the future. Water scrying (hydromancy) and mirror scrying (catoptromancy) are among the oldest divination practices, used by cultures worldwide for thousands of years—from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe to indigenous shamanic traditions.

These methods work on the same principle as crystal ball scrying: the reflective surface acts as a portal, a focal point that quiets your conscious mind and activates your clairvoyant vision. But water and mirrors each have unique properties that create different scrying experiences and access different types of visions.

This guide will teach you both water and mirror scrying techniques, helping you discover which resonates most powerfully with your psychic abilities.

Water Scrying (Hydromancy)

Why Water Works for Scrying

Water is the element of emotion, intuition, and the subconscious. When you scry with water, you're working with:

• The fluid, flowing nature of psychic vision
• The reflective quality that mirrors inner sight
• The connection to lunar and emotional energies
• The ancient association with prophecy and divination
• The natural movement that helps induce trance states

What You Need for Water Scrying

• A dark bowl: Black, dark blue, or dark ceramic (8-12 inches diameter)
• Water: Spring water, moon water, or tap water
• Optional additions: A few drops of ink for darker surface, silver coins for moon energy, herbs or essential oils
• Lighting: Candles or dim light
• Quiet space: Where you won't be disturbed

Water Scrying Technique

Step 1: Preparation (5 minutes)

1. Fill your dark bowl with water (about 2-3 inches deep)
2. Place it on a stable surface at comfortable viewing height
3. Position candles behind you so they don't reflect directly in the water
4. Create dim, atmospheric lighting
5. Ground and protect yourself
6. Set your intention or question

Step 2: Enter Scrying State (5-10 minutes)

1. Sit comfortably before the bowl
2. Take deep breaths and relax completely
3. Activate your third eye (focus between eyebrows)
4. Call in your guides for assistance
5. Enter a light meditative trance

Step 3: Gaze into the Water (15-30 minutes)

1. Look at the water's surface with soft, unfocused eyes
2. Don't stare hard—gaze gently into the depths
3. Let your vision blur slightly
4. Notice any changes in the water:
   • Cloudiness or mist forming
   • Colors appearing
   • Images or symbols emerging
   • Scenes playing out on the surface
   • Ripples or movement (even when water is still)
5. Observe without analyzing
6. Let visions flow naturally

Step 4: Close and Record (5 minutes)

1. Thank your guides and the water element
2. Close your third eye
3. Ground thoroughly
4. Pour the water outside (returning it to earth)
5. Immediately record all visions and impressions

Advanced Water Scrying Methods

Moon water scrying: Use water charged under the full moon for enhanced psychic visions

Outdoor water scrying: Scry in natural bodies of water (lakes, ponds, still pools) for powerful earth energy

Rain scrying: Collect rainwater in your bowl during a storm for intense, transformative visions

Herbal water scrying: Add mugwort, lavender, or other psychic herbs to enhance visions

Mirror Scrying (Catoptromancy)

Why Mirrors Work for Scrying

Mirrors have been used for scrying since ancient times, believed to be portals between worlds. When you scry with mirrors, you're working with:

• The boundary between physical and spiritual realms
• The reflective nature of consciousness
• The ability to see beyond surface reality
• The tradition of mirrors as magical tools
• The power of self-reflection and shadow work

Types of Scrying Mirrors

Black mirror (most traditional):

• Glass painted black on one side
• Obsidian mirror (natural volcanic glass)
• Creates the darkest, most powerful scrying surface
• Best for deep visions and spirit communication

Regular mirror:

• Any mirror can work, but darker is better
• Antique mirrors have accumulated energy
• Can be used in dim light for scrying

Making your own black mirror:

1. Get a picture frame with glass
2. Paint the back of the glass with black acrylic paint (3-4 coats)
3. Let dry completely
4. Reassemble frame
5. Consecrate for scrying use

Mirror Scrying Technique

Step 1: Preparation (5 minutes)

1. Set up your mirror at eye level (standing or sitting)
2. Position it so you can see your reflection
3. Create very dim lighting (single candle behind you)
4. Ensure no direct light reflects off the mirror surface
5. Ground and protect yourself strongly
6. Set clear intention

Step 2: Enter Scrying State (5-10 minutes)

1. Stand or sit before the mirror
2. Breathe deeply and relax
3. Activate your third eye
4. Call in protective guides
5. Enter meditative trance

Step 3: Gaze into the Mirror (15-30 minutes)

1. Look at your reflection with soft focus
2. Gaze at the space between your eyes (third eye area)
3. Let your vision blur and soften
4. Notice changes:
   • Your face may seem to shift or change
   • Other faces may appear
   • The mirror may cloud or darken
   • Scenes may appear around or behind you
   • Symbols or images may emerge
   • Your reflection may disappear entirely
5. Don't be frightened by changes—they're normal
6. Observe with detachment

Step 4: Close and Record (5 minutes)

1. Thank your guides
2. Close your third eye deliberately
3. Cover the mirror (black cloth is traditional)
4. Ground very thoroughly
5. Clear your energy
6. Record all visions immediately

Advanced Mirror Scrying Methods

Spirit communication: Invite specific spirits to appear in the mirror (with strong protection)

Past life scrying: Ask to see your past life faces in the mirror

Future scrying: Request visions of future events or your future self

Shadow work: Use the mirror to confront and integrate your shadow aspects

Comparing Water and Mirror Scrying

Water Scrying Is Best For:

• Emotional and intuitive visions
• Flowing, fluid information
• Lunar and feminine energy work
• Gentler, softer visions
• Beginners (less intense than mirrors)
• Questions about emotions, relationships, flow

Mirror Scrying Is Best For:

• Direct, clear visions
• Spirit communication
• Shadow work and self-knowledge
• More intense, powerful visions
• Advanced practitioners
• Questions about identity, truth, hidden things

What You Might See

Common Visions in Both Methods

• Clouds or mist: Forming and moving across the surface
• Colors: Swirling or appearing (each color has meaning)
• Symbols: Shapes, letters, or meaningful images
• Faces: People you know, strangers, or spirits
• Scenes: Events playing out like a movie
• Light or darkness: Areas of brightness or shadow
• Movement: Even when the surface is still

Interpreting Visions

Literal visions: Showing actual events or people

Symbolic visions: Metaphorical images requiring interpretation

Past visions: Showing what has been

Future visions: Showing what may come (possibilities, not certainties)

Spirit visions: Showing guides, angels, or deceased loved ones

Safety and Ethics

Essential Safety Practices

• Always protect yourself before scrying (especially with mirrors)
• Only invite beings of highest light
• Never scry when emotionally unstable or intoxicated
• Close sessions properly
• Cover mirrors when not in use
• Ground thoroughly after each session
• Don't scry for extended periods (30 minutes maximum)

When to Stop Immediately

• Visions become frightening or threatening
• You feel drained, sick, or violated
• Entities appear that feel malevolent
• You can't close the session when you want to
• You feel you're losing control

If this happens: Stop, close forcefully, strengthen protection, clear space, and seek help if needed.

Building Your Scrying Practice

Practice Schedule

Week 1-2: Water scrying only, 15 minutes, 3x per week

Week 3-4: Continue water scrying, increase to 20 minutes

Week 5-6: Try mirror scrying, start with 10 minutes

Week 7-8: Alternate between water and mirror, find your preference

Month 3+: Regular practice with your preferred method

Tracking Progress

Keep a scrying journal:

• Date, time, and method used
• Question or intention
• Visions received (describe in detail)
• Your interpretation
• Verification (did it prove accurate?)
• How you felt during and after

Your Reflective Portal Awaits

Water and mirrors have served as portals to the unseen for millennia. These simple, accessible tools can open your clairvoyant vision and connect you to profound wisdom, guidance, and insight.

Start with water if you're new to scrying—it's gentler and more forgiving. Progress to mirrors when you're ready for more intense visions. Or use both, discovering how each serves different purposes in your psychic practice.

The surface is waiting. Gaze into its depths and see what it reveals.