How to Create a Scrying Mirror from Scratch: Black Mirror Divination Tool
Gaze into the Darkness, See the Light
Scrying—the practice of gazing into a reflective surface to receive visions, insights, or messages—is one of the oldest forms of divination. From crystal balls to bowls of water, from polished obsidian to still ponds, humans have long sought wisdom in reflective surfaces. The black mirror, also called a magic mirror or witch's mirror, is a particularly powerful scrying tool. Its dark, non-reflective surface creates a void—a blank canvas where visions can appear, where the subconscious can project images, where the veil between worlds grows thin.
Unlike a regular mirror that reflects your physical appearance clearly, a black mirror absorbs light, creating a dark, mysterious surface. When you gaze into it, you don't see yourself clearly—you see shadows, movement, shapes that may or may not be there. This ambiguity is exactly what makes it powerful for scrying. Your conscious mind can't quite grasp what it's seeing, so your psychic mind takes over, interpreting the shadows as symbols, visions, or messages. The black mirror becomes a portal, a window, a doorway to deeper sight.
This tutorial will teach you how to create your own scrying mirror from scratch, how to consecrate it, and how to use it for divination and psychic development.
Why Create Your Own Scrying Mirror?
Personal connection: Handmade tools carry your energy.
Customizable: Choose size, shape, and frame to suit you.
Affordable: Much cheaper than buying antique or specialty mirrors.
Powerful: The act of creation charges the mirror.
Unique: Your mirror is one-of-a-kind.
Traditional: Many witches make their own scrying tools.
Psychic development: Creating the mirror begins your relationship with it.
Heirloom quality: Well-made mirrors last for generations.
Types of Scrying Mirrors
Black Mirror (Most Common)
- Glass painted black on back
- Creates dark, reflective surface
- Traditional and effective
- What we'll focus on in this tutorial
Obsidian Mirror
- Polished obsidian stone
- Natural black mirror
- Expensive but powerful
- Used in Aztec and Mayan traditions
Water Mirror
- Dark bowl filled with water
- Temporary but effective
- Traditional in many cultures
Crystal Ball
- Clear or smoky quartz sphere
- Different technique than flat mirror
- Also used for scrying
Materials & Supplies
For the Mirror
- Picture frame with glass - $5-25
- Or glass/acrylic sheet cut to size - $8-20
- Black paint (acrylic or enamel) - $5-12
- Paintbrush or foam brush - $3-8
For the Frame (Optional)
- Wooden frame (if not using picture frame) - $10-30
- Or build custom frame from wood - $15-40
- Paint or stain for frame - $8-20
- Decorative elements - $5-30
Finishing
- Felt or velvet backing - $5-15
- Glue - $3-8
- Sealer (optional) - $8-15
Tools
- Screwdriver (for frame) - $5-15
- Scissors - $5-10
- Cleaning supplies - $3-8
Method 1: Picture Frame Black Mirror (Easiest)
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 2-3 hours + dry time | Cost: $15-40
Use existing picture frame—simple and effective.
Instructions:
- Choose picture frame:
- Any size (8x10 to 12x16 common)
- Round, oval, or rectangular
- Simple or ornate frame
- Must have glass (not just acrylic)
- Remove glass from frame
- Clean glass thoroughly:
- Both sides
- Use glass cleaner
- Dry completely
- No fingerprints or dust
- Paint back of glass black:
- Lay glass flat, back side up
- Apply thin, even coat of black paint
- Let dry completely (2-4 hours)
- Apply second coat
- Let dry
- Apply third coat for complete coverage
- Let dry 24 hours
- Check for coverage:
- Hold up to light
- Should be completely opaque
- Add more coats if needed
- Optional: Seal painted side
- Place glass back in frame (painted side toward back)
- Add backing (cardboard or felt)
- Secure frame
- Consecrate mirror
Method 2: Custom Framed Mirror (Intermediate)
Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 4-6 hours + dry time | Cost: $25-70
Build or customize frame for personal touch.
Instructions:
- Have glass cut to desired size:
- Hardware store can cut glass
- Or purchase pre-cut glass
- Round, oval, or rectangular
- Paint glass as in Method 1
- Build or purchase wooden frame:
- Frame should fit glass snugly
- Can be simple or elaborate
- Decorate frame:
- Paint or stain
- Carve symbols
- Add crystals or charms
- Moon phases, stars, mystical symbols
- Seal frame
- Mount glass in frame
- Add backing
- Consecrate
Method 3: Handheld Scrying Mirror (Intermediate)
Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 3-5 hours + dry time | Cost: $20-50
Portable mirror with handle—traditional design.
Instructions:
- Find or create handheld mirror base:
- Small hand mirror (remove existing mirror)
- Or build from wood (round with handle)
- Cut glass to fit mirror shape
- Paint glass black
- Decorate handle and frame
- Mount glass
- Add protective backing
- Consecrate
Method 4: Obsidian Scrying Stone (Advanced/Expensive)
Difficulty: N/A (purchased, not made) | Time: Consecration only | Cost: $30-200+
Natural obsidian—powerful but pricey.
Instructions:
- Purchase polished obsidian mirror:
- Flat, polished surface
- Various sizes available
- Natural black stone
- Optional: Create stand or frame
- Cleanse thoroughly
- Consecrate
Decorating Your Mirror Frame
Symbols to Add
- Moon phases
- Stars and celestial imagery
- Third eye or eye of Horus
- Serpents (wisdom, transformation)
- Ravens or crows (psychic sight)
- Keys (unlocking mysteries)
- Spirals (journey inward)
Techniques
Painting: Acrylic paint, metallic accents
Wood burning: Permanent, beautiful designs
Carving: Dimensional, tactile
Crystal embedding: Small crystals glued to frame
Metal accents: Brass corners, decorative elements
Consecrating Your Scrying Mirror
Initial Cleansing
- Pass mirror through smoke (sage, incense)
- Sprinkle with salt water (avoid getting water on painted surface)
- Sound cleanse (bell, singing bowl)
- Moonlight bath (full moon, overnight)
Consecration Ritual
- Create sacred space
- Light candles (dim lighting)
- Hold mirror and state intention:
- "I consecrate this mirror as a tool for scrying and divination."
- "May it reveal truth, show visions, and enhance my psychic sight."
- Anoint mirror frame (not glass surface):
- Psychic oil or mugwort oil
- Four corners or around edge
- Breathe on mirror surface:
- Give it life and connection to you
- Gaze into mirror for first time:
- Just a few minutes
- Introduce yourself
- Begin relationship
- Wrap in dark cloth
- Store in dark place when not in use
How to Use Your Scrying Mirror
Preparation
- Dim lighting (candlelight ideal)
- Quiet space, no interruptions
- Comfortable seating
- Relaxed, meditative state
- Clear intention or question
Basic Scrying Technique
- Set up space:
- Dim room
- Light candle behind you (not reflecting in mirror)
- Sit comfortably
- Hold or prop mirror:
- Angle so you don't see your reflection clearly
- About arm's length away
- Relax and breathe:
- Enter meditative state
- Let thoughts settle
- Gaze softly at mirror:
- Don't stare hard
- Soft, unfocused gaze
- Look at surface, not through it
- State question or intention (optional)
- Watch for images:
- Shadows, shapes, movement
- Symbols, faces, scenes
- Colors, lights
- May be subtle at first
- Don't force it:
- Let visions come naturally
- If nothing appears, that's okay
- Practice builds skill
- Session length:
- Start with 5-10 minutes
- Build up to 20-30 minutes
- Stop if tired or uncomfortable
- Record visions:
- Write down what you saw
- Even if it doesn't make sense
- Meaning may become clear later
- Close session:
- Thank mirror
- Cover with cloth
- Ground yourself
What You Might See
- Clouds or mist forming
- Shadows moving
- Faces or figures
- Symbols or letters
- Colors or lights
- Scenes playing out
- Your own face changing
- Nothing (especially at first—this is normal)
Interpreting Visions
Types of Visions
Literal: What you see is what it means
Symbolic: Images represent something else
Emotional: Feelings more than images
Knowing: Information without visual
Recording & Analysis
- Keep scrying journal
- Record date, question, what you saw
- Note feelings and impressions
- Look for patterns over time
- Some visions make sense later
Care & Maintenance
Physical Care
- Keep covered when not in use (dark cloth)
- Store in dark place
- Clean glass surface gently (avoid painted back)
- Handle with respect
- Don't let others use without permission
Energetic Maintenance
- Cleanse after each use (smoke or sound)
- Recharge in full moon monthly
- Re-consecrate annually
- If mirror feels "off," deep cleanse
The Portal in the Glass
A scrying mirror is more than a painted piece of glass—it's a portal, a window between worlds, a tool for seeing beyond the veil. When you gaze into its dark surface, you're not just looking at paint and glass; you're looking into the void, into possibility, into the realm where visions live. The mirror doesn't create the visions—you do, through your psychic sight, your intuition, your connection to the unseen. The mirror simply provides the blank canvas, the dark screen, the still surface where your inner sight can project outward.
Every time you scry, you're developing your psychic abilities, training your inner eye, learning to see what's hidden. The mirror is your teacher, your partner, your window to deeper sight. Treat it with respect, use it with intention, and it will serve you well.
The darkness holds visions. The void holds truth. Your mirror awaits.
Create Your Window to the Unseen
You now have everything you need to create a scrying mirror that will serve your divination practice and psychic development.
Choose your method and materials. Create your mirror with intention and care. Consecrate it properly. Begin your scrying practice gently, with patience and openness. The visions will come in their own time, in their own way. Trust the process, trust your mirror, trust your sight.
Your scrying mirror awaits. Let's create your portal to deeper vision.
May your visions be clear, your sight be true, and your mirror reveal what you need to see. Happy creating! 🔮✨