šŸŖž Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - The Art of Scrying

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to everyone who joined in for last weekā€™s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Natural Healing :green_heart:

After spending time studying holistic healing and the gifts of nature, itā€™s time to narrow our gaze and search deeper- so peer inside, weā€™re looking in to another area of magick this week! :mag: :sparkles:

The theme for this weekā€™s challenge isā€¦

Scrying Divination Crystal Ball Witch Challenge

:mirror: :mag: The Magickal Art of Scrying :crystal_ball: :black_circle:

For those who know how to truly look, there are no limits on what they can see

What does ā€œscryingā€ mean?

Scrying may be described as the art of divining by looking into sacred, physical surfaces. Scrying is also referred to as the practice of making use of suitable media to connect to the supernatural realm, with the hope of uncovering hidden spiritual wisdom or visions.

The practice of scrying has been a part of many ancient traditions and cultures around the world. It is particularly deeply rooted in the ancient Greek, Celtic, and Egyptian cultures. The origins of the English term ā€œto scryā€ go back to Old French, and are related to the word ā€œdescribe. ā€ It can also means to ā€œreveal.ā€

From Spells8: Scrying for Beginners

Long associated with magick and the occult, scrying is a form of divination that anyone can use. While crystal balls may be the first scrying tool that comes to mind for many, in truth, scrying can be done with a wide variety of tools both specialized or mundane :crystal_ball:

While some definitions of scrying focus on examining reflective surfaces (such as crystal, stone, mirror, water, etc.) other definitions of scrying extend to cover searching within any physical medium for symbols to interpret including those that are not reflective (such as smoke, flame, candle wax, tea leaves, clouds, etc). For the sake of this challenge, you are free to pursue any method of scrying of your choice :candle:

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This weekā€™s challenge is about exploring Scrying- but as always, how you do so is up to you!

So are you ready? Because itā€™sā€¦

CHALLENGE TIME!

:bell:


Picture from Pixabay

STEP 1 : Give it a try- go on and scry! :mag:

This challenge is all about scrying- but how you choose to take on this theme is up to you!

Still not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge.

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Train Your Eyes to Scry :eyes:

Like any ability, skills are developed through research and practice. Whether you are a practiced pro or are entering the world of scrying for the first time, there is always more to be gained through your studies! :books:

Consider jumping in (or refreshing your knowledge) by reading the basics of scrying in this helpful beginnerā€™s guide. Feel free to share an interesting point or something you learned for your challenge entry :crystal_ball:

Scrying for Beginners: How to Scry Using Various Methods
Scrying-methods-begginers-wicca

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Crystals & Crystal Balls :crystal_ball:

Arguably the most well-known method of scrying, crystal balls are a tool used by fortune tellers, witches, and soothsayers to peer into the unknown for answers.

For those who donā€™t have a crystal ball on hand or want to try something new, did you know that you can use almost any crystal to scry for answers? Consider giving it a try this week! :gem:

How to Use a Crystal Ball: Techniques & Tips for Divination
Crystal-Balls-360x240

Crystal and crystal ball discussions in the forum:

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Smoke and Mirrors :mirror:

Have you ever heard the phrase ā€œlike smoke and mirrorsā€? Itā€™s a saying used when the truth is hidden or facts arenā€™t coming to light. But for those skilled in scrying, these places that conceal things from others become an ideal place to seek out the hidden truth.

Incense Smoke for Scrying and Divination
Incense-Smoke-Divination-Header-360x240

Mirror Magick: Divination, Scrying, and Spells
Mirror-Magic-Header-360x240

Discussions in the forum about scrying with smoke and/or mirrors:

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Other Methods of Scrying :droplet:

There are many mediums that can be used for scrying- from water and other liquids :ocean:,
to watching flames :fire:, and more. Consider experimenting with a lesser-known method, or perhaps create your own!

A note that the suggestions above are just a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity- if you feel called to explore scrying in another way, please feel free to do so! :blush:

As always, all witches are encouraged to embrace their own unique practice with how they explore the theme :star2:


Picture from Learn Religions: Types of Magical Scrying



STEP 2 : Share Your Experience :writing_hand:

Click here for a note about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For lurkers and those who donā€™t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you! :blush:

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

Getting Your Credit :white_check_mark:

In order for your entry to be counted, all you have to do is write/share about your experience and label it as your challenge entry. There is a lot of chatting here (which is awesome- chatting and discussion are very welcome!) so please clearly write that it is your entry so I know to count it! :pray:

Where Should I Share My Entry? :thinking:

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click ā€œreplyā€ :repeat: to this post and write your experience in the text box that pops up!

Alternatively, you could create a new post in the forum (this is good for when you have a lot to share and/or would like to discuss aspects of your entry not related to the current theme)

Note : If you do choose to create a new thread, please add the ā€œchallenge-entryā€ tag and/or add a hyperlink back to this post so that it can be easily found- thank you! :bowing_woman:


Deadline :spiral_calendar:

:exclamation: This challenge will close in 6 DAYS :exclamation:

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00 AM CET (Central European Time)
( Time Converter: 2023-05-23T05:00:00Z)

(Note that the time zone is CET- if you donā€™t see your time displayed above, you can use this time zone calculator to check for your time zone!)


Prizes :gift:

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize! :gift:

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

:gift_heart: :gift: :gift_heart:


Picture from Pixabay

A warm reminder that the challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice :open_book:

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team.

And for those new to challenges- welcome! :heart: Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways :hugs:


Picture from Pixabay

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In smoke and mirrors, in stone and flame,
The vast unknown can now be claimed.
For if you look, thereā€™s much to spy-
Wait no more- go on and scry!

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Blessed Be! :mirror::sparkles:

20 Likes

Ohh, yay! I am excited for this challenge. I have missed the last 3 :(.
My mom gave me a black mirror a couple of weeks ago and I havenā€™t used it yet. This is the perfect week to start!

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Iā€™m going to have a go. I tried before and went cross-eyed :joy:. My daughterā€™s great at it, she uses a mirror, so Iā€™m going to have a go with my Crystal again, looking at these lessons and see what happens. :sparkling_heart:

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Iā€™ve never done this before. So I got some research to do. :smiling_face:

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Yaaay! Iā€™m looking forward to this one. I have a crackle glass scrying ball and I made myself a black scrying mirror a few challenges back but I havenā€™t used either yet so this is the perfect opportunity! :mirror_ball::black_circle:

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This reminds me when I would stare at the puddles in the playground at recess in elementary school to see the future. Any form of divination is a big no-no in Christianity, so my teachers would tell me to stop and go play. Well, they canā€™t stop this week or ever again! Not actually going to stare at a puddleā€”I do plan to use water.

EDIT: Itā€™s memories like these that make me realize Iā€™ve been a witch for a long time because Iā€™ve been drawn to parts of The Craft like divination and a scrying.

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I honestly havenā€™t ever tried scryingā€¦ heard of itā€¦ know a little about itā€¦would still need to research it a little bitā€¦ I do have a clear crystal ball & a broken or cracked glass ball that I suppose I could use to try it out though. Going to have to go through some things to figure out which one appeals the most for this challenge & how to approach it. :thinking: I love the ones that I really have to give a good amount of thinking to be able to figure out how to approach themā€¦ usually means Iā€™m learning something new :wink:

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Challenge Entry

I have been coming up on this a lot lately, but I am interested in doing the mirror scrying. At the moment since I am doing Pyromancy and working my way into Ceremancy and Capromancy. After meditation or after doing a spell I will find myself staring at the flames studying them, watching them dance, and see if I can pick up on anything. Looks like I was doing Fire Scrying without even knowing it.

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Oh thatā€™s always a good time too! When you are already doing something but had no idea until it pops up somewhere! Likeā€¦ Oooohhhhā€¦ thatā€™s a thing! :star_struck:

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Seems to be happening a lot lately @Susurrus :rofl:

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145 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - The Art of Scrying

Challenge entry ā€“ GARNET

Scrying, also known by various names such as ā€œseeingā€ or ā€œpeepingā€, is the practice of looking into a suitable medium in the hope of detecting significant messages or visions. Through the ages, scrying in various forms also has been a means of divination or fortune-telling.
Wicapedia.com

Iā€™ve never seen it done or even read about it except in fantasy fiction.

In Ancient Egypt, the use of seers and magicians was common, & they used many means of prophacy, like water, ink, smoke and oil for scrying.

Egyptian society and hierarche was steeped in superstition and magic. In the reading Iā€™ve done lately, they were a very devoted people in their worship. Still, one must remember many of the Egyptian Pantheon werenā€™t exceptionally forgiving.

I found a very interesting site about the ancient Egyptian Water scrying ritual. Take a peek if you get the chance

The Otherworldly Oracle (aka Kitty fields ) Is the owner of above mentioned site, and has set up a sweet and educational site.

Iā€™m very aware that this isnā€™t anywhere as complete or informative to pass as a challenge entry.
Iā€™m still feverish and supposedly on bedrest.

ā€˜Bless you allā€™

Garnet

15 Likes

Feel better @Garnet and thank you for this it looks pretty simple to do.

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Yay! This is something that Iā€™ve been thinking about learning

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@Phoenix_Rose Welcome back, Phoenix! No worries about missed challenges- thereā€™s always the Catch-Up Challenges :blush: A black mirror is a wonderful gift- good luck with your mirror work, I hope it goes well for you! :mirror: :two_hearts:

@tracyS Youā€™ve got this, Tracy- Iā€™m cheering for you! Good luck with your crystal scrying this week :gem::sparkles:

@brandy20 I hope thereā€™s a scrying method that calls out to you- good luck with your research, Brandy! :blush:

@Artemisia Theyā€™ve been patiently waiting for the right time it seems! Good luck with your lovely scrying ball and black mirror- may they both serve you well, Artemisia! :sparkling_heart:

@Kasandra Youā€™re free to follow your heart and pursue your talents, Kasandra- nothing but support for you here! :heart: Good luck with your water scrying- I canā€™t wait to hear how it goes for you :droplet: :sparkles:

@Susurrus It sounds like you have exactly the tools you need! Wishing you all the best with your crystal balls and research this week- I hope that if you do give scrying a try that it goes really well for you! :crystal_ball:

@Heav3n Wow! Youā€™ve been doing a lot of wonderful divination work- it sounds like you have a natural talent for scrying! :fire: :blush: I hope that, if you decide to give it a try, that mirror scrying turns into another beloved skill for you- good luck! :mirror:

@Garnet Thank you as always for your wonderful entry and fun historical facts- thatā€™s a really interesting water scrying ritual! Itā€™s neat that it involves an Amethyst crystal. I like the chant a lot too :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: Thanks again for sharing and I hope youā€™re getting some good rest- may you feel better asap, Garnet! :heart::pray:

@Nixi Thatā€™s awesome! Wishing you all the best with your scrying work, Nixi- I hope you have fun with it! :blush:

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My CHALLENGE ENTRY. I tried tonight with crystal ball, and candles. Itā€™s 11.30pm now as I write, spent about 25 minutes on this. At first I just saw the candles reflecting, after awhile my eyes felt heavy, but I carried on. Then a dark shadowy image appeared, at first like a stag with glowing eyes, then it opened its mouth and turned into a sort of dog, stayed like that for a bit then turned to look at me and went shadowy again and turned into a bird shape in flight, the face was clear for a bit, but the body and wings hazy, definitely bird-like, then I think my eyes got tired and it all disappeared. Not sure what it means, will look it up. But been trying to do this on and off for awhile and I think I got something this time, my eyes feel jetlagged now :joy:, but this was a big improvement from last time. :sparkling_heart:

12 Likes

I get that people have had some terrible experiences with Christianity, self included, as it is practiced in some churches or settings. I personally do not know any Christians who do think divination is wrong (including me). I am sure you have met them but I donā€™t know any. I would just like to reject the wholesale notion that Christians reject divination. Plenty sleep with wedding cake under their pillow and adhere to other folk practices. Many Christians do not adhere literally to all words in the Bible, I would say only a minority do, plenty read astrology, play cards, eat bacon and do all kinds of things the Bible prohibits and theyā€™re still Christian. I would like to point out that the Rider Waite Tarot deck is full of Christian imagery and Arthur Waite was Christian (and a Free Mason and a Rosicrucian) (although, of course, it can be used by anyone). Romany people are Christian and they have a rich history of divination (see Gillian Kempā€™s books). There are also Christian influences in the syncretic practices of Hoo Doo, Vou Dou, Santeria and Brujeria. Christian witches exist. The Charmed Ones: Christian. Hermione Granger. Christian. Samantha Stevens: Christian. Mayfair Witches: Christian. Good Witch: Christian.

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Iā€™m so glad you posted this! Christian witches do exist :sparkles::heartpulse:

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I donā€™t disagree with your post as a whole but without trying I can think of a dozen Christians who would never speak to anyone that even talked about Divination no matter who they were to them none that are actually okay with it. I can think of at least half a dozen who feel the same way about Crystals as well

Perhaps it isnā€™t fair to think of everyone as intolerant but it can be dangerous to think of everyone as tolerant

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Congrats, Tracy- that sounds like a big success to me! You received a really interesting vision in your crystal ball :crystal_ball: :grinning:

A stag, a dog, and birdsā€¦ I wonder if there is symbolism to explore in the animals themselves, or perhaps in the transformations- perhaps a changing situation or moving through phases of life or the seasons. Really interesting- wishing you all the best as you work through what you saw! :pray: :heart::blush:

This is really well-said! :pray: Broad categorizations can be helpful or hurtful, both, or neutral- but the larger the group of people, the harder it is for stereotypes to hold true, especially in groups with so many branches and differences across locations, cultures, and time periods. Just look at all of us witches! Weā€™re a relatively small group on the global scale, yet so wonderfully diverse souls, each unique on their own :mage: :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

That being said, Iā€™m always on board with ā€œsafety firstā€- if thereā€™s any reason at all for someone to feel unsafe in any situation, I agree that itā€™s best to proceed with caution or avoid the potential danger. Witches gotta stay safe! :people_hugging:

12 Likes

I have not done any scrying but im looking forward to fire or smoke scrying. Thank u for this.

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