The Art of Crystal Ball Gazing
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The Art of Crystal Ball GazingCrystal balls have been used for scrying for thousands of years. Scrying is the art of looking into a reflective surface, such as glass, water, a mirror, or a crystal, to gain mystical insight. Most everyone is familiar with the image of a gypsy fortune-teller gazing into her crystal ball and divining someones future. Along with this image comes the common misconception that crystal balls have magical powers that enable them to foretell the future. |
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However, the images seen with a crystal ball arent the foretelling of future events, but rather images from deep within ones subconscious mind, and the crystal ball is the door through which these subconscious thoughts can be accessed. When using a crystal ball, a trance-like state is induced that dissociates ones consciousness, enabling information from the subconscious to pass through the minds eye. It is here the images are seen, not in the crystal itself. Selecting a Ball:Most crystal balls are clear and made of glass, lead crystal, reconstituted quartz, or natural quartz. Although clear quartz is the most common crystal used for scrying, smoky quartz, amethyst, beryl, selenite, and obsidian have also been used. Most crystal gazers prefer a ball that is at least 4-5 in diameter so reading is easier and less straining, but a 3 ball works just as well. I wouldnt recommend using one much smaller than that. Cleansing:When you get your ball, wash it using a soft cloth, water, and mild soap. This will not only make your ball clean physically, but also help cleanse the balls energies as well. To completely cleanse your ball of any previous and/or negative energy, it is best to smudge it as well. To smudge, simply light a sage smudge stick and pass the ball through the smoke several times. Read more about smudging… Your crystal ball should be cleansed (smudged) before each use. Handling and Storage:A crystal ball is very personal. You shouldnt let anyone else touch it as their energies and subconscious thoughts will pass onto it and contaminate your ball, causing inaccurate readings. The ball may also lose its charge, or your personal influences with it may become weakened and/or corrupted. When not in use, you should wrap your ball in dark cloth and keep it in a light-proof box in a place where it will not be touched by others. Charging:To charge your ball, place it in the light of a full moon (when the light is strongest) for several nights. This will also make it easy to remember when to recharge it. Do NOT place your ball in direct sunlight. This will weaken the balls magnetism and may render it unable to draw images. This is why it should be stored in a box, away from light. Using Your Crystal Ball:The following is only a suggestion or starting point from which you can find a way that works best for you. Use a quiet room where you will not be disturbed. Create a relaxed atmosphere by burning candles or incense or by playing soft music. I suggest working by candlelight as too much light on the ball can make the images distorted or difficult to see. Dim lighting also relaxes the eyes, making it easier to focus on the ball. To reduce reflections, place the ball on a dark surface such as a small black pillow or cushion, piece of velvet, or silk handkerchief reserved especially for this purpose. You may wish to perform a cleansing ritual on the room and yourself, followed by a protection ritual before beginning your work with the ball. Attain a meditative state using whichever method works for you. It is very important to relax your mind and body as this is key to using many psychic abilities including crystal gazing. Hold the ball in your hands for awhile to energize it and strengthen your psychic bond with it. Think about the purpose for this session. You may wish to visualize the topic, or ask a question about it either in your mind or out loud. Put the crystal down and begin to stare into it. Let your eyes relax and go out of focus. Try to clear your mind and concentrate on feeling open and receptive. In awhile you should see a mist filling the crystal and then gradually clearing. Keep your eyes relaxed and unfocused. Watch for symbols or images appearing in your minds eye. Do not try to force the images to come. Let them come naturally. It is okay if you do not see any images the first several times you use the ball. Most people need practice at achieving the necessary receptive and relaxed state of mind before images will appear. When you do see images, dont try to make sense of them right away. Just take a mental note of what you see. Once you have seen the images that you need, they will fade away and the ball will again fill with mist. Blink your eyes, breathe deeply, and allow your mind to return to the physical plane. A drink of water and a snack will help ground you as you reconnect with the Earths energies. Thank the ball for its message and put it away. Take notes of the images you have seen as well as any thoughts or impressions that come to mind. The images may not be what you expected. Sometimes it may seem that the images have nothing to do with your topic or are just plain nonsense. Your subconscious mind gives you the information you need. The images are often symbolic, and so it may take you some time to decipher their meaning. Go with your instinct and intuition. Most often your first impression is the correct one. Crystal ball gazing takes a lot of practice and patience, but in time you will become more receptive and more adept at reading the crystal.
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