Crystal Ball?

[Observer232]

Okay I have finaly gotten started on my studies, I have been learning the use of the tarot, as well as learned a relaxation ritual.

My question though is this.
I have currently come into possession of a crystal ball like object (a pretty decent one at that)

Are crystal balls the thing of folklore, or is there real magical use for these items.
If so how?

Is there a cretin ritual or spell needed to use this item? And if it's usable what can it do (and what can't it do)

[daecon]

Crystal balls are one of many objects that can be used for scrying. A scrying medium (also called a specularum) can be anything that is both reflective and visually neutral (usually either transparent or darkened.) The "neutrality" is necessary so the sight of the specularum itself does not distract the user. This is why an ordinary silver mirror is unsuitable. The reflectivity induces a light hypnotic trance in which the user's psychic potential is more easily accessed.

The basic technique for scrying is relatively simple. It's basically just a directed daydream. The user takes whatever preparations are typical for spellwork, grounds and centers, and gazes into the specularum, concentrating on the question. Visions "appear" in the specularum that the user can then interpret.

[Observer232]

thank you, I will give this some attempts and see what I can manage.
Is there any specific ways you prepare for these kind of endeavors?

[daecon]

Start with forming a magic circle, the whole deal with cleansed and charged sacred space and elemental Watchtowers. A prayer to Deity for Their blessing on the endeavor is also appropriate. The nature of scrying is to open yourself up to whatever esoteric influences are present and it's nearly impossible to maintain personal shields under these conditions, so you'll need all the protection you can get.

Dim the lights, a couple of candles is sufficient. Have a pen and paper ready to record your observations. Gaze into the specularum as if it were the surface of an infinitely deep pool of water and let your mind wander. Visions are typically brief flashes and highly subjective symbols. Use the paper for notes and don't worry about meaning yet, but remember to record your emotional reaction to the symbol as well as the vision itself.

A dream interpretation book can be a useful tool, but trust your own judgment. Visions are often specific to the visionary, with symbols of personal meaning. It's also sometimes useful to scry with a partner who can discuss the meaning with you. After discussion and interpretation, you can scry again, and repeat the pattern until you're satisfied you've explored everything you need to "see." The actual crystal gazing part rarely lasts more than a minute at a time. Interpretation can take much longer.

[Observer232]

Thank you very much, I think with this information I am ready to start attempting it! I will read up on protective circles and go grab some more candles!

[Jastiv]

I'm wondering if anyone has had any successs with regular mirrors in a dark room or crystal (or glass) balls.
I also wonder if people find that just closing ones eyes and looking into the darkness is better. It seems to work better for me.

[daecon]

Simply closing one's eyes and asking for visions is straight mediumship, not scrying. If you can do it, that's great, but it's an individual psychic talent, not a teachable technique.