History and Magic of the Crystal Ball

The crystal ball is perhaps the most widely known divination device. It is one of a number of objects (including mirrors, bowls of water, and almost any reflect surface) that can be used for “scrying”. The mystery and misunderstanding about crystal balls and scrying is also widespread.

Fifth century Christians believed that “witches and evil spirits” inhabited scrying devices and would catch users in a hypnotic trance in order to pass messages to them from the devil. Utilizing a crystal ball was strongly discouraged, but by the 17th century it was common for German priests to place one on the altar during services. Priests also instructed parishioners in the correct prayers to use when scrying.

Children under the age of twelve were frequently employed to act as the “intermediaries with the angels in the stones”. One reason that children were used as gazers was that they were believed to be pure of spirit and more open to these communications than adults. Another reason was that children were looked on as innocents and not capable of being accomplices in schemes to defraud people.

England’s Queen Elizabeth I consulted Dr. John Dee, philosopher, alchemist and mathematician, on various occasions for advice in governmental matters. A smoky quartz ball that belonged to Dee is now in the British Museum. Edward Kelly teamed-up with Dee to interpret angelic communications, which became the basis for the Enochian system of magic. However, the proverbial pendulum eventually swung back, and in 1824 a law was passed in England making the practice of divination punishable with up to three months of hard labor.

Whether or not the church sanctioned the use of scrying devices, they were used and mentioned throughout classic literature. Chaucer’s knight in “The Squire’s Tale” of The Canterbury Tales arrives with a mirror that allows those who look into it to see the “coming shadow of adversity”. Shakespeare also uses this device in Measure for Measure and Macbeth. Writing in the 13th century, Roger Bacon’s stories mention scrying with a crystal ball that allowed someone to see what was happening in faraway places. Centuries later, several of J.R.R. Tolkein’s characters in Lord of the Rings use crystal balls called “Palatirs” that allowed them to see and communicate at great distance.

In Victorian England, a form of the crystal ball became popular as the garden gazing ball. This globe of colored glass was intended to reflect the beauty of the surrounding garden as well as produce a calm, peaceful state of mind for the gazer.

How a Crystal Ball May Work
In their various natural forms, crystals have been used for healing by many cultures throughout history. People of the past knew, and we are learning, that disease may not always originate in the physical body. The “subtle” body—the aura—may encounter problems or become unbalanced, which can manifest into the physical body. A crystal emits vibrations that effect the flow of energy around it and can help resolve issues in the subtle body. This is the basis for crystal therapy.

Vibrations surround us all the time, but we are mainly aware of them as sound and light. Vibrations are carried through our bodies by electrical impulses that jump the synapses between the cells. This “electrical wiring” is part of the electromagnetic field that extends outside of our bodies and creates the aura. The vibrations of crystals interact with this electromagnetic field.

As previously mentioned, people believed that crystal balls were inhabited by spiritual beings, but by the early 20th century, more scientific explanations were being offered. George Kunz, gemologist for Tiffany & Company in the early 1900s, suggested that as one gazes into a crystal ball the optic nerve eventually tires and stops sending visual data to the brain and that the brain then projects information. According to Kunz, the gazer believes he/she is receiving information from the crystal but in fact it is coming from within the gazer.

This seems partially plausible, but rather than putting a user into a hypnotic trance perhaps the crystal ball helps induce an altered state of consciousness. Just as the monotony of rhythmic drumming can produce such a state, perhaps when the optic nerve stops sending data to the brain a similar effect occurs. Like shamanic journeying and astral project, one must travel inward in order to reach other realms. While a spirit may not reside within a crystal, the energy vibrations of the crystal interact with the user’s subtle body and aid him/her in reaching another state of consciousness.

The first time I gazed into a crystal ball, which belonged to a friend, I felt mesmerized and drawn into it. Looking back, I think that a shift in consciousness occurred, which I had not expected.

Getting Started
There are many types of crystal balls available in a wide range of crystals: clear, colored as well as with frosted inclusions. Some people feel that interior frost and cracks inhibit energy; others believe they enhance energy. There is no right or wrong choice because it is a personal preference and everyone’s energy is unique. It is important that the energy of the crystal ball feel comfortable with your energy. As to size—it should fit easily in your hands because sometimes you may want to hold it while gazing and it is important for it to be comfortable and not too heavy.

Before using it, the crystal ball needs to be cleansed and attuned to the elements. I advise against soaking it (or any crystal) in salt water because this will leave a salty film on its surface. To consecrate and attune it, begin by passing it through the smoke of burning sage or mugwort or your favorite incense (fire). Set the ball on a plate with potting soil (earth) and then place it on a porch or by an open window (air) overnight in the light of the full moon (water).

As you are doing this, repeat the incantation:

Crystal ball the shape of Luna,
Deep your secrets lie within,
By fire, earth, air and water,
Now it’s time to begin.

When you are ready to use your crystal ball, cast a circle and create sacred space. Sit in a darkened room with a candle (or other light source) behind you so it is not reflected in the ball. Hold it in your hands and relax. You may want to sit in silence or use meditation music or a shamanic drumming CD.

As you sit in meditation before scrying, become aware of the weight of the ball in your hands. This sphere has the shape, energy and integrity of your sacred circle. See the ball in your mind’s eye. Become aware of your energy moving from your heart center, down your arms to the ball. It may help to visualize this as a soft blue light connecting your energy with the energy of your crystal ball.
The crystal ball is a tool to aid in understanding and deepening you spirituality. Have a question in mind that you need help with or simply leave you mind open to receive information that you may need at this time. When you are ready, place the crystal ball on your altar and look into it with a soft gaze. Don’t expect a clear picture as though you are watching a movie. Images will be subtle and brief like reflections of clouds moving across the surface of a still lake.

Another way to scry with your crystal ball is to combine it with a picture. This can be a card from a tarot deck, an image of a deity with whom you feel a close affinity or a picture of a place you have visited or would like to visit. Begin with meditation or centering, and have the light source behind you. Place your chosen picture upside down on the altar behind the crystal ball. Viewed through the crystal, the image will appear right side up. Use a soft gaze and watch for subtle alterations within the image.

To keep attuned with your crystal ball, place it on your night table or wherever it would be within sight and reach when you sleep. In this way your subconscious mind and the natural relaxed rhythm of your energy will interact with the energy of the crystal. You may want to coordinate when you place the ball by your bedside with moon phases or various events in your astrological cycle.
It may take time before you see anything because you and the crystal ball need to attune to each other. Remember, information will be subtle. Be patient and you will be rewarded.

© Sandra Kynes
Published in
Llewellyn's Magical Almanac