Quick Specs
- Material: Polished black obsidian
- Size: 6 cm diameter
- Includes: Display stand
- Best for: Scrying, divination, meditation focus, inner vision work
Obsidian Mirrors and the History of Scrying
Black mirrors have been used as divination tools for thousands of years. The Aztec deity Tezcatlipoca was associated with a smoking black mirror, and Aztec priests gazed into polished obsidian to seek visions and communication with the spirit world. Obsidian was ideal for this purpose because it forms from rapidly cooled volcanic lava, creating a dense, highly polished surface without the light-scattering structure of crystal. The result is a surface that absorbs rather than reflects, making it easier to soften focus and enter the receptive state that scrying requires.
This 6cm mirror is a working-sized piece: large enough to scry with effectively, compact enough for personal altar use. The included stand keeps it upright and angled correctly without requiring a separate holder. Polished obsidian also carries a long-standing protective association, particularly around absorbing and neutralizing unwanted energy.
The Technique of Scrying
Scrying is not about seeing literal images in the mirror. It is a practice of softened, receptive attention, gazing into a dark reflective surface while allowing the analytical mind to step back. Impressions, symbols, or shifts in the mirror’s appearance arise from that in-between state. Dim candlelight placed slightly to the side creates the right conditions. Most practitioners find that consistent short sessions produce clearer results than any single long attempt.
How to Use Black Obsidian Scrying Mirror
A step-by-step approach to beginning scrying practice with a black obsidian mirror.
- Prepare Your Space
Place the mirror on its stand in a dim room. Use a candle positioned to the side so light plays across the surface without appearing directly in your line of sight. Burn incense or sit in silence for minimal distraction.
- Soften Your Gaze
State your intention quietly before you begin, whether a question or openness to whatever arises. Fix your gaze on the surface and soften your focus until you are looking through rather than at it. Breathe slowly.
- Receive and Record Impressions
Allow whatever arises to come without forcing it. You may notice shifts in the mirror, mental images, or feelings that surface. Keep a journal nearby and record any impressions immediately after the session while clear.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I stock this mirror because scrying is one of those divination methods that gets overlooked in favor of tarot and runes, and it deserves more attention. Obsidian is the traditional material for a reason: the surface quality is genuinely different from painted glass alternatives. The stand is a practical addition that makes the mirror easier to use without improvising a holder. For other divination tools, browse my divination collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
This mirror is 6 centimeters in diameter, a compact working size for personal altar use and close-range sessions. It is smaller than a palm-sized mirror, ideal for focused individual practice. A stand is included.
Common approaches include passing the mirror through sage smoke, placing it under moonlight overnight, or setting a clear intention for its use. Many practitioners cleanse it before each session. Avoid extended water soaking.
No, but patience helps. Scrying is a skill that develops with practice. First sessions often produce little visible response, which is normal. Consistent short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes develop the receptive state faster.
Natural obsidian has a different visual quality than glass. Its depth and the way it absorbs light create a unique scrying surface. Many experienced practitioners prefer it for that reason over a painted glass mirror.
Beautiful didnt start sorting yet but soon I will