Shelle Wrote:

Bless You,
Markus did ya ever figure out where or how for me to learn more about divination with a mirror?

Markus Replied:

Wow, apologies for the delay on all your letters... I had denied myself internet access for a full 2 and a half weeks because I felt I was falling behind in school and had a particularly difficult section of exams, papers, and all around studying to do. This was a complete disconnection... no email, no website, no irc, no quake, no nothing! I know this particular letter was sent before that time but I did not collect the information until just before the tough times started, then had to set it aside. So, without further delay...

Scrying is a form of divination that uses the extra sensory levels of a mind to catch glimpses of time, either past, present, or future. When most people think of it, they think scrying in a crystal ball like the supposed gypsies of medieval time (I say supposed because most gypsies didn't use crystal because it was too expensive, though they did indeed excell in scrying in general.) Other techniques or scrying can be in smoke, flame, water, mirror (like you suggested), even the ouija board and autowriting are forms of scrying. The smoke, flame, mirror, and crystal ball are forms of sensory scrying, the ouija and autowriting (or painting) are forms of mechanical scrying. So you see, there are MANY ways to do it... I've had limited practice with it, but know the principles quite solidly... so here ya go.

To scry with a mirror, it is usually more effective to use one painted with flat black paint. There is a specific ritual for it, including the herbs and such to rub on it while washing before painting it. if you are interested in that particualr ritual, I'll see if I can dig it up for you and mail it. I have heard it twice before but don't remember it well enough to recite without refreshing my memory :)

Once you do have the mirror prepared, or this technique can be used with smoke or inky water (again, some believe the type of ink used influences the success), sit in a dark room with a single candle. Place the candle about 6 inches in front of the mirror (or smoke or water or whatever) so that it is low enough that while sitting comfortably, you are not glaring INTO the flame. It will hurt your eyes and extended exposure to a bright flame in an otherwise dark room could indeed cause severe damage to your eyes. It should be low enough that it does not block the mirror and you can look the actual flame and into the surface of the mirror. From there, relax and open your mind, allowing images and feelings to wash over you... they will seem to appear in the mirror.

Take a pause here to explain the main principle... there are natural energy patterns around you, capable of foretelling everything that COULD come to pass, and recording everything that has happened in the past. Your subconscious is able to interpret these energy patterns, everyone's sub is... the problem comes in relating that information to the conscious mind in a manner that you can understand. It might sound an easy task, but the two minds talk in completely different "languages." Anyway, one way that sub is able to communicate with your consciousness is through images and emotions, not to mention sound and taste but these are less common to occur. The images that will appear then are actually interpretations of the energy patterns transfered through the subconscious to the conscious. Sorta like dreaming, but it's and active initiation of the "dream" and it is while you are awake.

That being said, the above technique, in theory should work (it's one of the most common used)... just like with Tarot, or the flame manipulation, some ways work for some people, others for others. The key is to keep your senses sharp... and WRITE IT DOWN!!! (hehehe... I always say that don't I? there's a reason) Even distant sounds that seem like they come from outside or sensations that are no more than a chill or warming of the neck, or images that flicker through your mind and are gone may have some significance in the scrying. Usually they are so small that you might not notice them, the sharpness will come with practice. What IS the most important is to WRITE IT DOWN (*grin* there it is again) because the meaning of the scrying will become more obvious in patterns that show together with the collection of things you WRITE DOWN! (ok, you get the point ;)

Let's see... example... your hunting for a promotion and want to know whether you are going to get it or not... you scry for a bit and see an image of a bird spiralling upward into the sky. What does it mean? depends... is the sky dark or light? clear or cloudy? If you miss these little details, you'll miss the more accurate meaning. Once you get as much of the "picture" as you can... (since you wrote it down... hehe) you can take the time to go back and analyze what it means. The bird spiraling up is assuredly a good sign, but into a cloudy sky may indicate it will be a bit of a rough ride before you get what you are seeking. Get it?

If communication between your consciousness and subconsiousness were as easy as having a conversation with another you, we'd all win the lottery! It's much more abstract, so be prepared for a bit of frustration and hard work if you intend to get good at it. Also, along with writing the picture, write what you think it means... wait until the time you were attempting to scry comes to pass and Write what happened. Take the time to look back and see what you did right and what you did wrong... learn from mistakes, you'll learn much faster.

Hope this is what you were looking for :) If you have any questions about it, I'll do my best to answer. Now if you want to talk Tarot, then we can really rok! ;)

Peace and Love,
Markus the Miraculous
hehe