Dictionary term
Scrying
Direct answer
Scrying is divination by gazing into a reflective, dark, watery, smoky, or symbolic surface to receive images or impressions.
Scrying means gaze-based divination, handled here as historical vocabulary only.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Also appears in
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-15
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Scrying when explaining divination, crystal balls, mirrors, water gazing, spirit-contact claims, and Christian boundaries.
- Do not use it for
- Do not teach scrying setups, surfaces, questions, interpretation, trance methods, or entity contact.
- Reference category
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Related terms
- Spell, Grimoire, Discernment, Spiritual Warfare
The story behind Scrying
Scrying appears in ancient divination, medieval and Renaissance magic, folk practice, spiritualism, and popular fortune-telling imagery.
Scrying in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, Scrying asks whether the desire to see is becoming refusal to trust.
The Great Almanac frames Scrying with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Scrying in the Bible
Christian discernment should not seek guidance through visionary techniques or spirit-mediated impressions.
Why Scrying matters
Scrying matters because it appears in folklore, crystal-ball imagery, John Dee's angelic sessions, and modern occult practice.
Example in a reading: A page can mention that Dee and Kelley used scrying language without describing procedure.
Interpretive caution: Do not teach scrying setups, surfaces, questions, interpretation, trance methods, or entity contact.
How Scrying is used in a reading
Use Scrying when explaining divination, crystal balls, mirrors, water gazing, spirit-contact claims, and Christian boundaries.
Where interpretation stops
Information on Scrying is presented strictly for educational, historical, and devotional purposes. Complex or sensitive spiritual topics are approached with absolute calm and balance, avoiding any ritual instructions, superstitions, or exaggerated claims. If you are experiencing distress, anxiety, or safety concerns related to these themes, we warmly encourage seeking support from trusted local pastoral, clinical, or counseling resources to ensure your well-being.
Safety note
Sources and editorial method
This concise reference separates established definitions from historical, symbolic, or interpretive claims. Entries without external references are presented as editorial summaries rather than primary-source scholarship.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Personalized next step
See how Scrying connects to your own birth chart, numerology, spiritual timing, and personal almanac.
Cast your natal chartRelated terms
These related entries help place Scrying inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
