Scrying for Samhain: How to Make and Use a Scrying Glass

A scrying glass, also known as a black mirror, is a tool used for peering into the future. The dark, reflective surface is ideal for initiating psychic experiences while in a meditative state.

Samhain is the perfect night to cleanse, consecrate, dedicate and first use your scrying glass. This time of year has long been considered traditional for practicing divination, with the veil between the worlds at its thinnest. Make it a sabbat gift to yourself.

Samhain Craft: Making a Scrying Glass

Purchase a picture frame. An oval or round one is ideal, but you can also use a rectangular frame if you prefer. A frame with a "kick stand" will help your scrying glass stay propped up as you use it.

Remove the glass, cardboard backing and the sample picture. Discard the sample picture. Clean one side of the glass with alcohol and a cotton ball to a streak-free surface and let it air dry.

Paint the surface with black acrylic paint. Let the first coat dry about 30 minutes. Add a second or third coat until it is solid black.

When it is completely dry, insert the glass and cardboard backings back into the frame, with the painted side on the inside of the frame. When you look into it, you'll see the reflective glass surface and can look into the depths of inky blackness.

Samhain Magic: Using a Scrying Mirror

Samhain night (October 31^st) is ideal, especially if you are conducting a ritual in observance of the season. But you can actually use your scrying glass any night.

Clean the top of the glass (remember, the painted side is protected inside). Pass it through the smoke of a cleansing incense, such as sage or sandalwood. Pass it over a flame. Anoint the frame (not the glass) with salt water. This cleanses and consecrates it by the 4 sacred elements.

Lay it on your altar and draw a pentagram- a 5-pointed star in a circle - above the scrying glass while offering it a blessing. Announce to your Gods what it is to be used for and ask the protection of your Gods and Guardian Spirits when using it.

Prop it up on its stand. Light two white candles and put one on each side. The room should be dark other than the candles.

Gaze at the scrying glass and let your vision soften. Go into a meditative state as you gaze and see what impressions come to you.

Remember- it's not a TV screen. The movie of your life is not likely to play out on it. You may not get any visual images at all- the scrying glass only acts as a meditative tool. You might see full visions, random images, thoughts might pop into your head or feelings might creep up on you. Let things come, don't have expectations or you'll blow your concentration.

Keep your scrying glass covered with a soft cloth and put it away when you're done with it. Don't let anyone but you gaze into it to keep the tool imbued with your power. The stronger your connection with it, the more successful your sessions will be.

Blessed Samhain and happy scrying.