History
Water gazing, also called hydromancy, is the art of divining through water. This method of divination originated in ancient Greece and is said to have been created by Nerus, god of the sea and water.
The ancient greek method took place at night. It involved filling a vessel with water, placing torches around the vessel, and saying invocations. When sitting before the vessel, diviners would see the future in the reflections in the water.
Current Methods
There are several techniques of water gazing used today. There’s the classic water gazing method based on the ancient greek method, sycphomancy, water gazing in natural bodies of water, and water gazing into wells.
Water Gazing
The classic water gazing method, as I mentioned, is very similar to the ancient greek method. It’s recommended to use a blue ceramic bowl for this, but any color/type of vessel is fine – choose what feels right to you. If you choose to use a different color or if the color of the vessel is lighter, you can add some blue food coloring to the water to make it darker.
It’s best to perform this method of divination in a darkened room with only a small light source. You should have your back to the light when divining, unless you are using the reflection of a candle in the water for divining. You can also use the reflection of the moon in the water.
When you are ready, ask your question and gaze into the water. Just like some of the scrying methods we’ve talked about in the past, the idea is to look through the water rather than into it. After a while, you may see the water start to cloud. Eventually, you will see symbols in the water. Make sure you record the symbols you see! Stop divining when you don’t see any more symbols.
Sycphomancy
Sycphomancy is the use of cups or glasses in divination. There are many different ways to employ this technique. One way is to pour wine into a clear glass. Place a candle behind the glass. Ask your question and gaze into the wine. Search for symbols, record what you see, and stop when you see no more symbols.
Another method is the past, present, future method. This method is used when the question you have pertains to the past, present, and future. Some say you can only use this method when the weather has been calm for three days prior to divination, but this is optional. It is also recommended to dress in white for this method, but dress however feels right to you. For the past, fill a silver cup with wine; for the present, fill a copper cup with oil; and for the future, fill a glass cup with water.
The gold cup is another method of water gazing. Fill a gold cup with water to scry in. If you don’t have or can’t obtain a gold cup, placing a gold ring in a regular glass of water is fine. Set the glass in front of a mirror and gaze into the reflection of the ring and cup in the mirror.
Natural Bodies of Water
Water gazing can be done in natural bodies of water. It’s best to use a calm lake or small pool with a stream running into it. Sit in front of the body of water and shut out all distractions. Ask your question and you will see what you need to know reflected in the water.
Well
In order to use a well for water gazing, you need to have a lump of gold or silver. Gold is better, but not always easy to find or obtain. Toss your lump of gold/silver into the well – this will make the water clearer and more conductive for divination. Divine like you normally would.
Ocean
There are a few ways you can use the ocean for water gazing. The first is to watch the waves on the beach. Ask your question and look for symbols in the tide. Another is gazing into the sea from a high point. You can also scry in the reflection of the sun on the water.
Method
There are no special preparations you have to make in order to start divining, unless the technique you employ states so. If you would like, you can prepare by simply sitting quietly for a few moments, breathing deeply. Think of your question and move on to the technique.
If you desire, you can use the method mentioned in the previous blog posts. Cast your circle, say a protective prayer, invoke your deities, and begin divining. Once you are finished, close your circle, thank your deities, and say a closing prayer.
Next time we’ll talk about some other methods of water divination, so check back soon!
Sources
Cunningham, Scott. Divination for Beginners. Woodbury, Minn., U.S.A: Llewellyn Publications, 2008. Print.
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