Quick Specs
- Type: Black Obsidian Scrying Mirror
- Size: 8cm diameter (approximately 3 inches)
- Material: Natural black obsidian (amorphous volcanic glass, SiO2)
- Includes: Display stand
- Best for: Mirror scrying, divination, altar work, psychic development
Black Obsidian Scrying Mirror: A Tool with Ancient Roots
Obsidian is volcanic glass formed when silica-rich lava cools rapidly, leaving behind a smooth, jet-black mass with no crystalline structure. Its Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5 and characteristic conchoidal fracture have made it a prized material for tools and ritual objects for thousands of years. The Aztec and Mesoamerican civilizations were among the first to recognize obsidian’s reflective surface as spiritually significant. Tezcatlipoca, one of the supreme Aztec deities, takes his name directly from the obsidian mirror: “Tez-catl-i-poca” translates as “smoking mirror.” His obsidian mirror was believed to reflect the true nature of the world, showing hidden truths, destinies, and the movements of enemies, so the material has carried a tradition of revelatory sight for well over two thousand years.
In Europe, the most famous obsidian scrying mirror is the one used by Dr. John Dee, court advisor to Queen Elizabeth I and one of history’s most documented practitioners of ceremonial magic. Dee’s Aztec obsidian mirror, acquired in the sixteenth century, is now held in the British Museum. He used it to receive communications from angelic beings and to develop his Enochian system of magic, making this particular form of divination one of the most historically documented practices in Western occultism.
Obsidian Mirror vs. Crystal Ball: Different Techniques, Different Results
These two divination tools are sometimes grouped together, but they work through fundamentally different principles. A crystal ball is transparent, and the practitioner gazes through the sphere, allowing refracted light and visual depth to produce the trance state. An obsidian scrying mirror is opaque and works by reflection: the dark, non-distracting surface absorbs ambient light rather than bouncing it, which encourages the eyes to soften their focus and the conscious mind to quiet. Many practitioners find the flat black surface easier to work with than a sphere, especially when learning, because there is nothing to look at, only a depth of darkness that the mind begins to populate with impressions. Browse my scrying tools collection if you want to compare formats.
The 8cm size makes this mirror genuinely portable. It fits in a bag or travel kit, it can be held in one hand during a session, and it is small enough for a personal altar without dominating the space. Practitioners who work outdoors, travel frequently, or prefer intimate one-on-one work tend to favor this size over larger statement pieces.
How to Use a Black Obsidian Scrying Mirror
Black mirror scrying works through a soft, defocused gaze that quiets the conscious mind and opens the practitioner to impressions and intuitive imagery.
- Prepare Your Space
Dim the room and place a single candle out of your direct line of sight but close enough to cast a faint glow on the mirror surface. Position the mirror on its stand at eye level, angled so it reflects nothing but darkness.
- Enter a Soft-Focus Gaze
Settle into a comfortable seated position, take several slow breaths, and allow your eyes to rest on the mirror surface without straining. Relax your focus so the mirror appears slightly out of focus. This soft gaze is the key.
- Observe and Record
Hold your gaze for at least 10 to 15 minutes. You may notice the surface seeming to shift, cloud, or deepen. Note any impressions, colors, or shapes that arise without forcing interpretation. Write observations in a journal.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I carry this obsidian mirror because it represents a real divination tradition with documented historical depth: from Aztec temple use, to Dr. John Dee’s Elizabethan cabinet of curiosities, to the working altars of contemporary practitioners. Obsidian is a genuine natural material, not glass or resin, and the conchoidal surface fracture gives it a depth that polished alternatives don’t replicate. The included stand makes it practical for table or altar use without needing a separate purchase. If you work with crystals and stones alongside your divination practice, explore my crystals and gemstones collection for complementary materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
An obsidian mirror is opaque and works by reflection, encouraging a soft unfocused gaze on a dark surface. A crystal ball is transparent and works by refraction through depth. They produce different trance states and suit different working styles.
Yes. The 8cm size is the traditional personal scrying mirror size. It is held or placed at close range on its stand, which means the surface fills your field of vision in a focused session. Larger mirrors suit group or display use.
Wipe the surface gently with a dry soft cloth. Many practitioners cleanse obsidian with moonlight, smoke from incense, or by briefly placing it beside selenite. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, as UV exposure can affect the surface over time.
Many practitioners cover their scrying mirrors between sessions using a dark cloth or pouch. This is a traditional practice believed to keep the mirror’s reflective quality contained and prevent passive environmental influence.
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