Spiritual Alchemy: Scrying, Spirit Communication, and Alchemical Wisdom - Jenny Tyson 2016

Scrying
Practical Applications

Scrying is the art of seeing what cannot be seen with the physical sight. It is often done with the aid of what is termed a speculum—a crystal, a mirror, or a similar reflective object.

During the first few months of my year of training for initiation, as I was learning to open to the spirits, Edward also began to teach me how to scry. We used as a speculum a regular silvered mirror that was easy to work with during the daytime. People often use black mirrors for scrying, but these have distracting reflections when used during the day. The small, round mirror I used could also be used at night with candlelight if it was positioned carefully. The setup I will describe works effectively during the day or night.

In my scrying training, the red silk tablecloth that serves as an underlay was placed over the work table. On top of it were set four wax foot-seals inscribed with the Sigillum Dei Aemeth (the Seal of the Truth of God described in Dee’s Enochian diaries). The small table of Nalvage rested on these foot seals, and on top of the table of Nalvage was placed the large Sigillum Dei Aemeth. Over this was draped a red silk tablecloth with tassels. Finally, the mirror was placed on top of the upper tablecloth (see photo on the following page).

Edward’s method of teaching me was very simple. No opening ritual or magic circle was used. The Sigillum Dei Aemeth and the table of Nalvage, described earlier, served to intensify mental focus during scrying. These tools were eventually discarded, and I do not use anything except the mirror at this time.

A view from the side. The table of Nalvage underlies the mirror.

The library I use as my meditation room had, by that point in my practice, been completely dedicated to spiritual work. Edward and I had a habit of praying and would sometimes pray before a session, but often the scrying would follow directly after our work on opening the heart.

The photo shows the mirror that was used for scrying. It is a round three-inch mirror set on a block of pine board. Edward preferred the wood to remain unfinished, so no paint, wax, or varnish were used on the block. The mirror was glued on with carpenter’s glue. The materials were obtained at a local craft store. I use a piece of folded-up metal mesh to adjust the angle of the mirror.

Once seated in front of the mirror, the scryer looks into the mirror with a steady, unblinking gaze. The images will be gray and unfocused at first. The optical artefacts that arise spontaneously from gazing intently at the mirror then begin to merge into images. I also saw lights and effects around the mirror and table as well. Edward would ask me to open my heart while I was doing the scrying, and eventually someone (either a teacher or a homunculus) would help me open my heart and assist me from inside.

HOW TO SCRY

Step One: Angle Mirror

I will describe the scrying procedure as an orderly exercise for a practitioner of the art.

This exercise must be done in a sitting position. Even though I’m severely nearsighted, I remove my glasses. The mirror should reflect only the ceiling. I find the white ceiling in our library to be good to work with. According to Edward, it is not important what color the ceiling is. This can also be done outdoors.

Step Two: Trance and Open

Enter the meditative trance state and open your heart. Once you are well opened, gaze into the mirror. It is important not to blink while watching the mirror. Blinking will destroy the delicate visions that appear. The ability to control the reflexes of the eyes by focusing totally on the mirror is key to being able to scry well. It is irritating to the eyes to do this. The eyes must not only be still while doing this but the mind and heart must also be trained to be perfectly steady when working. The ideal state is one of mental and spiritual passivity and absolute physical quietness.

I would relax my body. I would sit in a comfortable chair, which was usually the recliner. Sometimes a firmer and more upright chair is better for scrying because the angle of viewing is better. Breathe slowly, deeply, and regularly. Close your eyes for a minute while you open your heart to the visions you will see. Clear your mind of any preconceived notions of what you want to see. It is very important to have an open mind and heart during the session.

Once you’ve attained a moderate trance state without moving, open your eyes and study the speculum. Focus all your attention on the mirror. As you do this you may notice sensations in your body. I personally feel numbness.

Step Three: Steady Focus

The visions do not start instantly—at least, in my case they didn’t. It usually took a few minutes. Then I would see a tunnel, and then images would emerge as if through smoke. Steady, unwavering focus on the speculum must be maintained. Blinking and eye movement should be minimal.

Ignore all physical sensations and continue to study the speculum with unwavering focus. Keep your vision steady. As you do this you will notice a change in the appearance of the mirror. The changes will look shadowy at first, and in a few minutes you will be able to make out shapes. Describe what you see as you see it. Learn to observe the details in the vision. Keep very steady as you’re doing this or the vision will disappear.

The appearance of the vision will be like faint clouds moving across the mirror at first. With practice the vision will improve in clarity. Stay open and connected to Universe and the Cosmic Father at this time, and allow them to guide you through. Once you master gaining the vision, you can begin to control it. You will start to notice that the vision is following stray thoughts that pop into your head (yes, we all have these while trying to trance). Continue to focus on the mirror and maintain the connection with the divine energies. This will help prevent shadows.

The visions should be regarded as shadows until you have some experience and can tell the difference between the visions that come from outside your spiritual sphere and ones that are internally generated. To help you learn to discern internally generated scrying visions from true sight, it is best to work with information that can be verified after scrying. Also, if the visions have a frightening content, there is a strong possibility that they are self-generated from fears. Until confidence is gained, intentionally attempting to attain visions of frightening or upsetting things should be avoided.

Step Four: Describe and Record

It is a good idea to learn to describe your vision as you see it, without breaking trance. It is difficult to maintain a trance while doing this at first, but with some practice it can be mastered. Record your sessions on a voice recorder and transcribe them after you have completed the session. It’s very important to transcribe as soon as possible after a session has ended. Do not rely on your ability to remember what the visions were. Spirit visions tend to be difficult to remember after the fact.

Details are important in the visions, so make your descriptions as detailed as possible. Describe everything. Do not filter out things that seem irrelevant. Sometimes small things that do not seem to apply to the inquiry at the time are very important and symbolic in nature. It’s unlikely that you will notice this as you are working. These symbols tend to become apparent after the recording is transcribed and studied.

TIPS FOR PRACTICE

1. Make your expectations realistic. Scrying is an art, and it is a learning and development process. Have patience with it. Not everyone views the same way. Some do not see in color when scrying. Abstract patterns might appear and take on meaning even though they do not visually look like the target that is being worked with.

2. Learn what your subconscious is saying. Your subconscious speaks in symbols. Each person must develop their personal symbology. It takes work and good recording as well as studying your patterns over time.

3. Take care not to overdo. Scrying is hard on the eyes. I do not know how Edward was able to do this for twelve hours at a stretch when he worked with Dr. Dee. I cannot do anything more than thirty minutes or so. Keep sessions short.

4. Know when to take a break. If things seem off or the session becomes unpleasant, it is time to stop and renew your focus.

5. Once you become familiar with the procedure with the mirror, try other speculums. Edward designed the mirror for my needs. It is not the only way to do scrying. You may respond better to water, smoke, or a dark mirror. I find even a white wall works well. Do not be afraid to experiment. Just because it’s not a traditional medium does not mean it’s not effective. Every method you read about was found by experimentation. Your work and findings are just as valid.