Scrying with Mirrors: A Guide to Contacting the Dead and Gaining Wisdom

Introduction to Scrying: A Portal to the Spirit World

Scrying, the practice of gazing into reflective surfaces to access spiritual insights, has been a cornerstone of occult traditions for centuries. From the polished black obsidian mirrors of Mesoamerican shamans to the crystal balls of medieval Europe, scrying opens doorways to commune with ancestors, spirits, and even Daimons—entities of wisdom from the other side. This guide explores the transformative power of scrying, with a focus on obsidian mirrors, their connection to the Left Hand Path, and why you should absolutely get a polished obsidian stone to begin your journey.

Unlike fear-based narratives that “demonize” spirit contact, this post embraces the wisdom I have gained on the Left Hand Path, encouraging fearless exploration of the unseen.

Whether you seek to connect with a loved one, invoke ancestral guidance, or deify yourself through self-reflection, scrying is a powerful tool. Let’s dive into the history, methods, and personal experiences that make this practice so profound.

The History of Scrying and Obsidian Mirrors

Scrying has roots in ancient cultures worldwide. The Aztecs and Maya used polished obsidian mirrors for divination, believing they were portals to the divine. These mirrors, often called “smoking mirrors,” were associated with the god Tezcatlipoca, whose name means “Lord of the Smoking Mirror.” His obsidian mirror revealed truths, both beautiful and terrifying, about the human soul (Smithsonian Magazine).

In Renaissance Europe, occultists like John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I’s court astrologer, used scrying to communicate with angels. Dee and his partner Edward Kelley employed a black obsidian mirror, now housed in the British Museum, to channel messages from celestial beings. Their meticulous records of these sessions, known as the Enochian workings, remain a cornerstone of Western occultism (British Museum).

Today, modern occult practitioners such as myself, continue these traditions, blending ancient techniques with personal innovation. The black obsidian mirror remains a favorite for its grounding energy and ability to pierce the veil between worlds.

Never take someones word for what you will experience. The spirit world is for you to explore and enjoy while being conscious of the work you do, taking notes of what worked, what didn’t and also journaling your experiences. You can even make videos to reference later and post them to YouTube for instance, for not just your later viewing, but also others’ who may be researching the same subject can find you and relate to your experience.

There is no perfect way to work with the spirit world but there are good protocols to follow.

But HEY, if you dont try you will never know. The adversary teaches us how to be better practitioners. What someone may do, you do not have to do. Each soul has their own lessons to learn, and the evolution of each spirit is at a different degree. This is why its important to have a group where you can talk about these things and bounce ideas off each other. (Such as my FaceBook Group) Hint.. click the link and join today. Lets make it the norm to talk about these things!

Why Scry with an Obsidian Mirror?

Obsidian, a volcanic glass, is revered for its protective and truth-revealing properties. Unlike glass mirrors, obsidian’s dark, reflective surface absorbs light, creating a void-like space perfect for spiritual visions. Here’s why you should get a polished obsidian stone immediately:

Clarity of Vision: Obsidian’s reflective surface enhances focus, helping you see beyond the physical into the spiritual realm.
Protection: Its grounding energy shields you from unwanted influences, making it ideal for spiritual practitioners who invite spirits with or without containment.
Connection to Ancestors: Obsidian’s ancient origins resonate with ancestral energies, making it easier to contact loved ones or daimons.
Self-Deification: Gazing into your own reflection, as in my Left Hand Path practice of left-eye-to-left-eye scrying, fosters self-awareness and divine insight.

Obsidian mirrors are affordable and widely available from reputable sources like Etsy or crystal shops. A small, polished stone is all you need to begin.

Proven Methods for Scrying with Mirrors

Here are step-by-step methods used by occult practitioners today, including personal techniques inspired by Left Hand Path wisdom and experiences like those shared by Traci Moon, The Luxury Witch.

1. Mirror Gazing (Self-Reflection Method)

Traci Mirror Scrying — Make it stand out

When my sister died, I saw my face morph into hers, and she was able to look me in the eyes, face to face.

This method involves gazing into your own eyes in a mirror to access spiritual insights or connect with spirits or your past lives, ancestors, friends, pets etc.

Setup: Choose a quiet, dimly lit room. Light a single candle to create soft illumination. Place your obsidian or glass mirror at eye level.
Intention: Set a clear intention, such as “I seek wisdom from my ancestors” or “I invite [loved one’s name] to appear.”
Gazing: Focus on your left eye in the mirror, staring into your own reflection. Allow your vision to soften. You may see your face morph—perhaps into an ancestor, a past life, or even a mythical figure like Merlin, as Traci describes.
Duration: Gaze for 10–20 minutes. Note any visions, sensations, or messages.
Personal Insight: Traci shares,
“I gaze left eye to left eye and watch my body transform. I often appear as an old man, like Merlin in his wise old age. His long white hair, his nose that has grown along with his ears. Each wrinkle stands out but even more so, I was lucky to have a female body in this lifetime. It reminds me of the beauty of youth and of being a woman. However, you should not get scared that you may see the opposite sex appear, This happens. Some lifetimes you may be a man, other lifetimes, a woman, and even other ones, you may experience energy without form. This connects you to ancestral knowledge for crafting rituals, understanding energy, and even having gifts from the ancestors on how to create ritual tools, or how to lead spiritual journeys.”.
Everybody is on their own spiritual path, you yourself must choose what you want to do, some don’t even have to choose, it was part of a contract upon coming here in this lifetime for you to discover, or teach or explore the spiritual realms. And some are still sleeping, they have no idea about the spiritual world and have fear. This is something they have to work through. Organized religion puts the “fear of god” into most with a fear of eternal dwelling in hell, this is why i cant stand this Right Hand Path Sickness and continue my work on the spiritual path, regardless of whether its popular, understood or accepted.

2. Obsidian Mirror Scrying

This method uses a polished obsidian stone or mirror to contact spirits or gain insights.

Setup: Place your obsidian mirror on a black cloth. Light incense (sandalwood or frankincense works well) and a candle. Optionally, place graveyard dirt, ashes, or a photo of a loved one in front of the mirror to strengthen the connection.
Circle Casting: Cast a protective circle using your magick wand, a circle of salt, pinecones, or even visualization. Invite spirits to enter without containment, as Traci does: “I let them come face to face within my circle or invoke them into my body.”
Gazing: Stare into the obsidian’s surface, letting your mind relax. Visions may appear as images, symbols, or faces.
Timing: The first three days after a loved one’s passing are ideal, as their energy body remains strong. Traci notes, “On the third day, they have a sparkling golden glow.” After five days, contact shifts to dreams or subtle impressions. The longer the time has passed after their death, they do not manifest as their old body, but they can be summoned to you, at any point in your life.

3. Photo Scrying

This method uses photographs to connect with the dead, especially effective within the first three days after passing.

Setup: Place a photo of your loved one in a frame or hold it in low light. Light a candle to enhance the mood.
Gazing: Stare into the eyes of the person in the photo. As with mirror scrying, you may see their face morph or sense their presence. You may notice the image start to come to life, they may move or say something to you, revealing how they lived their lives.
Cultural Note: Some cultures, like certain Native American tribes, believe photographs capture the soul, which is why they avoid being photographed. Traci, a photographer, embraces this, collecting old Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes to scry with, and even old photo albums of people she does not even know. I often find gravestones with the persons photo on it. I enjoy this deeply and would love to have my photo on a stone someday. (which is unlikely, but hey a Lady can dream)

4. Graveyard Scrying

This method involves invoking ancestors at their gravesite, as Traci did with her great-grandmother Effie.

Setup: Visit the grave and create a circle with natural materials like pinecones or pine needles. Bring an obsidian stone or a photo.
Invocation: Invite the spirit to enter your body or share their perspective. Traci recalls, “I invoked my great-grandma Effie, born in 1901, died in 1934. She was in awe of modern cars and vivid colors.”
Outcome: This method allows you to experience the world through the spirit’s eyes, gaining insights into their life and wisdom.

5. Cloud or Sun Scrying

For those without mirrors, scrying can be done with natural elements like clouds or the sun (with caution).

Setup: Find a quiet outdoor space. Gaze softly at clouds or the sun’s reflection (never directly at the sun).
Intention: Focus on a question or spirit you wish to contact. Shapes in the clouds may form symbols or faces.
Manifestation: This method is less structured but can yield profound visions, especially for manifesting intentions.

Why Scry? The Benefits of Connecting with Spirits

Scrying offers numerous benefits, rooted in empowerment and wisdom rather than fear:

Ancestral Guidance: Connect with ancestors for insights into rituals, life decisions, or family history.
Healing Grief: Contacting loved ones within the first three days can provide closure. Traci notes, “My sister appeared in the mirror up to three days after her death, allowing us to connect face to face.”
Self-Deification: Left Hand Path practitioners use scrying to elevate their consciousness, seeing themselves as divine.
Freeing Trapped Spirits: Unexpected deaths or clingy family members can trap spirits. Scrying helps release them, as Traci does as a spirit walker.
Pet Connections: Leave food and water in your pet’s usual spot to summon their spirit, which can linger briefly after their passing. My pets always come to me in my dreams.

The Science and Spirituality of Scrying

While scrying is spiritual, it aligns with psychological principles. Gazing into a reflective surface (even your big black tv screen can be used which is why I have on in my ritual room) induces a meditative state, activating the brain’s default mode network, which fosters introspection and creativity (Scientific American). The morphing faces seen during scrying may result from the brain’s pattern-seeking nature, amplified by intention and spiritual energy.

Spiritually, scrying taps into the concept that “everything is energy.” Mirrors, photos, and even clouds or the sun can act as focal points to channel this energy, connecting you to the spirit world. The three-day window after death aligns with many cultural beliefs, such as the Tibetan Bardo period, where the soul transitions (BBC). I have noted this myself with several deaths that I have personally witnessed.

Tips for Successful Scrying

Low Light: Use candlelight or dim lighting to reduce distractions and enhance visions.
Clear Intention: Always state your purpose, whether contacting a specific spirit or seeking wisdom.
Patience: Visions may take time. Practice regularly to strengthen your abilities.
No Fear: As Traci says, There’s nothing to fear but fear itself. “The more you practice, the better it feels, so use scrying in your ritual practice.”
Record Insights: Keep a journal to note visions, messages, or sensations for later reflection.

Conclusion: Start Your Scrying Journey Today

Scrying with an obsidian mirror under low light conditions such as candlelight or other reflective surfaces is a powerful way to connect with the dead, gain ancestral wisdom, and elevate your spiritual practice. Whether you’re drawn to John Dee’s angelic communications, Traci Moon’s Left Hand Path invocations, or the ancient Mesoamerican tradition of the smoking mirror, the tools are within reach. Get a polished obsidian stone, light a candle, and begin gazing. As Traci, The Luxury Witch, says, “Dream on! Happy scrying!”

For personalized guidance or to contact loved ones or pets who have passed, reach out to Traci Moon, The Luxury Witch, at Luxury for Your Soul. Book a Reading with Traci Moon

Obsidian Mirror scrying to Contact Ancestors & Spirits