Water Scrying (Hydromancy)
One of the oldest forms of divination, practiced by ancient Greeks, Celts, and cultures worldwide.
Method:

• Fill a dark bowl with water (add black ink or place a dark stone in the bottom)
• Work by candlelight or moonlight
• Gaze into the water's surface as you would a mirror
• Observe ripples, reflections, and visions that form

Best For: Emotional questions, intuitive development, moon magic
Tips:

• Use spring water or moon water for enhanced energy
• Add a drop of oil to create swirling patterns
• Work outdoors under the moon when possible
• Natural bodies of water (lakes, ponds) are powerful scrying surfaces

Candle Scrying (Lampadomancy)
Gazing at or through candle flames to receive visions and messages.
Method:

• Light a candle in a darkened room
• Gaze at the flame with soft focus
• Observe the flame's behavior: height, movement, colors, shapes
• Notice images that form in or around the flame
• Shadows cast on walls may also hold messages

Flame Meanings:

• Tall, strong flame: Positive energy, success
• Weak, low flame: Obstacles, low energy
• Flickering: Spirits present, unsettled energy
• Blue flame: Spiritual presence, truth
• Crackling/popping: Messages trying to come through
• Flame leans: Direction of energy or answer (toward you = yes, away = no)

Best For: Quick answers, spirit communication, energy reading
Tips:

• Use a white or black candle for neutral energy
• Colored candles add specific intentions
• Place the candle in front of a blank wall to read shadows
• Avoid drafts that cause unnatural flickering

Fire Scrying (Pyromancy)
The ancient practice of reading flames, especially in fireplaces, bonfires, or fire pits.
Method:

• Build a fire and let it establish steady flames
• Sit comfortably at a safe distance
• Gaze into the flames with soft focus
• Observe shapes, figures, and scenes that appear in the fire
• Notice the direction smoke travels and patterns it creates

What to Observe:

• Shapes in flames: Animals, faces, symbols
• Color of flames: Blue (spiritual), orange (normal), green (magic/transformation)
• Smoke patterns: Rising straight (positive), swirling (confusion), toward you (yes)
• Sparks and embers: Direction and intensity indicate energy
• How wood burns: Fast (quick results), slow (patience needed), uneven (obstacles)

Best For: Major life questions, seasonal rituals, group divination
Tips:

• Bonfires during sabbats are especially powerful
• Throw herbs into the fire for enhanced visions (mugwort, bay leaves)
• Never scry alone with large fires—have someone present for safety
• Record visions immediately as fire scrying can be intense

Smoke Scrying (Capnomancy)
Reading patterns and shapes in rising smoke, one of the most ancient divination forms.
Method:

• Burn incense, herbs, or resin on charcoal
• Allow smoke to rise freely
• Observe the patterns, shapes, and direction of smoke
• Note images that form and how quickly smoke dissipates

Smoke Patterns:

• Rising straight up: Clear path, positive answer, prayers heard
• Swirling or spiraling: Confusion, complex situation, transformation
• Drifting toward you: Yes, incoming energy or opportunity
• Drifting away: No, departing energy, release
• Thick, heavy smoke: Obstacles, heavy energy, cleansing needed
• Thin, wispy smoke: Light energy, easy resolution, clarity
• Smoke forms shapes: Animals, symbols, letters to interpret

Best For: Yes/no questions, cleansing readings, quick divination
Tips:

• Use mugwort, wormwood, or bay leaves for enhanced visions
• Work in a still room to read natural smoke movement
• Combine with mirror scrying by watching smoke reflected in the mirror
• Morning or evening smoke is traditionally most revealing

Crystal Ball Scrying (Crystallomancy)
Gazing into clear quartz, glass, or other transparent spheres.
Method:

• Place crystal ball on a dark cloth or stand
• Dim lighting with candles behind you
• Gaze into the depths of the sphere
• Look for clouds, colors, or images forming within

Best For: Deep spiritual questions, past life work, spirit communication
Tips:

• Clear quartz is traditional but any sphere works
• Larger spheres (3+ inches) are easier for beginners
• The crystal may cloud over before visions appear
• More expensive than mirrors but highly prized

Other Scrying Surfaces
Oil Scrying: Pour oil on water and read the patterns Cloud Scrying: Gaze at clouds to see shapes and receive messages Ink Scrying: Drop ink in water and interpret the patterns Stone Scrying: Use polished black stones like obsidian or onyx Blood Scrying: Historical practice using blood (not recommended for modern practice)