Methods of Scrying – Fire Gazing

Background

Fire scrying, also referred to as pyromancy, is an ancient method of scrying that dates back to the seventh century B.C. and has been practiced in many cultures around the world. As I mentioned last week, fire scrying and fire divination are different. Fire scrying is looking for images in the fire while fire divination is interpreting the movements and shapes of the flame. Fire divination doesn’t require psychic ability.

This week we’re going to talk about another form of fire scrying – fire gazing. Unlike lamp/candle scrying, this method involves gazing into the embers of a fire rather than the flame itself. You can do it indoors in a fireplace, or outdoors in a campfire or bonfire. 

*Please practice proper fire safety when fire scrying! I’m not responsible for any fire related accidents*

Indoors

If employing this method indoors, build a fire in your fireplace. Some sources say to use hardwood, some say to use old, weathered wood. Others don’t specify any type of wood. It’s important to do what feels right to you. 

Some sources say to let the fire burn until it begins to die down, then lay a cedar or juniper log and three handfuls of sandalwood chips on the fire. This step is optional. While the fire is still roaring, ask your question and gaze into the fire as it burns down. 

Once the fire has burned down, gaze deep into the embers. Sit silently and watch the changing colors and varying brightness. After a time, you will start to see images appear. You may even hear messages in the crackling sparks. The images you see may be scenes of the past, present, or future, or they may be more symbolic and require interpretation.

Only gaze for about five minutes at a time to avoid straining your eyes.

Outdoors

If employing this method outdoors, the steps are very similar. Some sources suggest you should make a driftwood fire on the seashore after sunset. If you can’t, old weathered wood or hardwood is suggested. Again, choose what feels right to you.

The rest of this method is the same as the indoor version; ask your question as the fire burns, then gaze into the embers once it dies down. You will see images or hear messages.

Method

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

Start your fire. Darken the room (if inside). The only light source should be your fire for scrying. It is common to burn incense. 

Cast your circle, say a protective prayer, invoke your deities, and begin scrying. Stare directly into the flames and ask a question. Once the fire dies down, gaze deep into the embers. After a while, you’ll see images appear in the embers. Observe with an absent mind and reflect on your experiences later.

Once you are finished scrying, close your circle, thank your deities, and say a closing prayer. Extinguish your fire and incense.

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

Sources:

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

Cunningham, Scott. Divination for Beginners. Woodbury, Minn., U.S.A: Llewellyn Publications, 2008. Print.

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