Crystal balls are spheres made of quartz or glass used for divination. They were once highly valued for their ability to focus concentration and increase magical power. While some still use them for divination, they are largely rejected by the Western establishment due to lack of scientific testing. They are sold in occult shops and can be used as decorative items. Experienced users recommend buying licensed crystal balls specifically designed for scrying.
A crystal ball is a crystal sphere made of quartz or glass, most commonly. The orb is supposed to project images of the future to a diviner or diviner in a process known as divination. Like many paranormal and esoteric items, the crystal ball is largely rejected by the Western establishment, as users of the ball often do not allow for controlled scientific testing of their abilities. Many people keep crystal balls as novelty or decorative items, while others take them quite seriously as magical items.
Humans have longed for the ability to see into the future for centuries. The art of divination has been practiced for thousands of years and at one point people placed a high value on individuals who could make reliable prophecies. Crystals were among many objects said to focus the user’s concentration, increasing their magical power and opening the doors of divination. Many of the beliefs related to crystal balls were associated with religions, and the rise of beliefs such as those associated with Christianity has led to a decline in the serious use of crystal balls.
Supposedly, someone with clairvoyant properties can look into a crystal ball and see the future. The future can be projected in the form of concrete images, or more fragmented material, depending on the presumed capabilities of the user. Many crystal ball users have traditionally maintained a veil of secrecy at work, under the guise of protecting the uninitiated from harm. Of course, this veil also gives a certain amount of authority and glory to the person using the crystal ball.
Pagans and practitioners of alternative religions continue to use crystal balls and other divination tools such as mirrors and basins. These objects are sometimes known as ‘shew stones’ or ‘scry glass’, as they are used to show or predict the future. Soothsayers and mystics also keep crystal balls around, in part for their impressive decorative qualities. The divinatory abilities of all of these groups seem dubious to some people, especially those heavily trained in the scientific method.
This doubt is illustrated by many derided slang terms that involve the teasing of crystal balls and other objects of divination. Many people may sarcastically ask “what does the crystal ball say” about a fairly predictable event, for example. A popular toy, the Magic Eight Ball®, also pokes fun at the concept of the crystal ball.
Many occult shops sell crystal balls, along with other scrying accessories. Some experienced users claim that only items specifically designed for scrying can be used as crystal balls, discouraging people from acquiring items that may have originally been made for other purposes. If you’re buying a crystal ball purely for novelty and ornament, you’re probably safe with a plain glass globe from any market. If you have a sincere interest in divination and prophecy, however, you may wish to acquire a licensed crystal ball and may want to consider studying with someone who takes the art of divination seriously.
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