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Although, as we have seen, many different materials were used for scrying, the preference was often given to polished spheres of beryl; in modern times, however, the rock-crystal is considered the best adapted for the purpose.
In his introduction to "Crystal Gazing," by N. W. Thomas, (London, 1905.) Andrew Lang writes of what he terms hypnagogic illusions--images which appear when the eyes are closed and before sleep supervenes. When faces appeared to him in this way, they were always unfamiliar ones, with the single exception of having once seen his own face in profile. The same was almost invariably true of landscape and inanimate objects. These forms seemed to grow out of the bright points of light which frequently appear when the eyes are closed, and Lang suggests a similar origin for the visions of the "scryers"--namely, the development of the images from dark or light points in the glass.
In regard to this, we have an interesting passage in the works of Ibn Kaldoun, a Persian writer, born in 1332, who gives the following very acute analysis of the phenomena accompanying crystal-gazing. (Ibn Kaldoun, in Notices et Ext. de MSS. de la Bib. Imp.)
"Some believe that the image perceived in this way takes form on the surface of the mirror, but they are mistaken. The diviner looks at this surface fixedly until it disappears, and a curtain, like a mist, is interposed between him and the mirror. Upon this curtain are designed the forms he wishes to see, and this permits him to give indications, either affirmative or negative, concerning the matter on which he is questioned. He then describes his perceptions as he has received them. The diviners, while in this state, do not see what is really to be seen (in the mirror); it is another kind of perception, which is born in them and which is realized not by sight but by the soul."
As to the character and quality of the crystal to be used, Abbot Tritheim, the master of the famous Cornelius Agrippa, says (See Barrett, "The Magus," London, 1801.):
"Procure of a lapidary a good, clear, pellucid crystal of the bigness of a small orange,--i.e., about one inch and a half in diameter; let it be globular, or round each way alike; then you have got this crystal fair and clear, without any clouds or specks. Get a small plate of pure gold to encompass the crystal round one-half; let this be fitted on an ivory or ebony pedestal. Let there be engraved a circle round the crystal; afterwards the name: Tetragrammaton. On the other side of the plate let there be engraved, Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Raphad, which are the four principal angels ruling over the Sun, Moon. Venus, and Mercury." |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 9
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