Methods of Scrying – Water Scrying

History

Water scrying is one of the oldest and most traditional method of scrying. It was made famous by French physician Michel de Nostradame (commonly referred to as Nostradamus). Nostradamus didn’t write much about his methods of scrying; two quatrains from the first century represent nearly all we know:

Gathered at night in study deep I sat,
Alone, upon the tripod stool of brass,
Exiguous flame came out of solitude,
Promise of magic that may be believed.

The rod in hand set in the midst of the Branches,
He moistens with water both the fringe and foot;
Fear and a voice make me quake in my sleeves;
Splendor divine, the God is seated near.

Materials

Given our best translation, here is how to use the Nostradamus method of water scrying. First, you will need a large deep bowl or dish, ideally made from glass, brass, or silver. Generally, the best type of bowl to use is a deep, rounded one, as this gives a more bell-like tone. Don’t feel like you have to go out and buy something fancy, though; a simple kitchen mixing bowl works just fine. Whatever type, the bowl should have a smooth, even rim (we’ll talk about why later). 

The bowl traditionally should be set on a short pedestal base made of brass or laurel boughs. Using a small cushion is fine as well; the bowl simply needs to be elevated enough to allow it to vibrate freely. Feel free to experiment to see which bowl works best for you, how much water to fill it with, and how to elevate it for the best sound.

The water used in the bowl should be collected from a freshwater pond, spring, stream, river, lake, or other moving source of water. You should never collect water from a stagnant or polluted source. If at all possible, find a fountain or natural spring with supernatural properties to collect your water from. After use, the water can be stored and used again for future scrying. Make sure to discard it before it gets cloudy or contaminated, though. It’s best to collect new scrying water once a month, preferably during the full moon and under the light of the moon. Tap water works just fine if you bless it (however your faith dictates) and sea salt can be added for extra protection if desired. If you can’t collect the water in the light of the full moon, pour the water into a sealed vessel after it’s collected. Place this vessel in the light of the full moon. The vessel should be clear so the light can shine through it. After it’s charged, wrap the vessel in white linen or blue silk and store until use.

The wand used for this method of scrying is traditionally made of laurel or bay, but hazel or willow work just fine as well. It’s best to collect it fresh so there will be dried sap or resin on it. Otherwise, some rubber tubing slipped over the end of the wand will work. This will allow the wand to catch the edge of the bowl so it will resonate and vibrate, like a singing bowl. This is why it’s important to have a smooth, even rim on your bowl. 

Method

To begin, you will use the same method mentioned in the previous blog post:

Darken the room and light with only a single, small light source such as a candle. Make sure the candle is located in a place that won’t distract you. The background should be basic, with nothing to distract you from your scrying tool. A blank wall would do well, or a simple, black cloth. It is common to burn incense. No music should be played while using the Nostradamus method.

Cast your circle, say a protective prayer, invoke your deities, and begin scrying. Dip the end of the wand in the water until thoroughly wet. Start moving the want around the rim of the bowl in a clockwise, circular motion, allowing water to trickle off the end of the wand and onto the rim of the bowl. The wand should slip around the edge of the bowl and begin to resonate, producing vibrations. If you’re having trouble with this, try using the index finger on your dominant hand in place of the wand. Hold the wand crosswise in your dominant hand so it passes over the basin while you circle it. 

The bowl should start to produce a tone. Listen to the sounds and watch the ripples in the water. Allow these things to lull you into a receptive state. Every now and then, stop moving your wand of finger and listen to the harmonies as they fade away. Look deep into the water and past it using your third eye. You should begin seeing (hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling) the information you seek. 

Once you are finished scrying, close your circle, thank your deities, and say a closing prayer. Extinguish your candle and incense and return your scrying materials to storage.

Next week we’ll talk about another method of scrying – crystal scrying! So check back soon!

Sources

Buckland, Raymond. Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft. St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A: Llewellyn Publications, 1986. Print.

Palm, Diana. Mediumship Scrying & Transfiguration for Beginners: A Guide to Spirit Communication. United States, Llewellyn Worldwide, Limited, 2017.

Tyson, Donald. Scrying for Beginners. Woodbury, Minn., U.S.A: Llewellyn Publications, 1997. Print.