#Scrying

[bolszaja-miedwedica]

"i asked chat gpt" well i asked the crystal ball and it showed me a bull's shit

[sitting-1n-silence]

Tools for working the Book of Oberon

Within the Book of Oberon (which you can read my introduction to here) operations call for a verity of tools. Some more obscure and easier to make or acquire than others. This list will focus on the core tools needed to begin practical use of this grimoire, made with methods described in this grimoire and modified based on practicality and my experience. Most of these tools can be created at once in the day and hour of mercury.

The Garments

Within Oberon there are a few notes about what the magician should be wearing. Suggesting white garments, made of linen, and sometimes having specific symbols marked on it. Or the attire of a priest. Other operations might request the use of a crown, but this won't be something I explore here. The BoO also gives a prayer to be said as the magi puts on his holy vestments.

While putting on the garment say the following:

Ancor, Amacor, Amides, Theodonias, Anitor, by the virtues of your holy angels, 0 Lord, I put on the garments of salvation, that this which I desire I will be able to bring about, through the most holy Adonay, whose kingdom endures for all the ages. Amen.

Should the magician choose they can also adorn the chest or cuffs of the garment with the following names of power to keep them safe from harm: [Note: I use a lamen instead]

+ Emanuell + Saboath + On + Messias + Sother + Agla + Adonay + Yana + You + Tetragramaton + Semephoron + Vay + Any + Eye + Ass + Essereayeey + Adonay + Sabaothe +

with the Hebrew letters "Yod-He-Vau-He."

Holy Water, Fire, Oil, and Incense

Within this grimoire there are various prescriptions for hallowing water, fire, oil, and the suffumigations. In almost all cases this water and oil are used in the consecration of the space and of other tools, the fire for lighting these incenses for suffumigation. So I'll be combing the blessing of these ritual implements into one simple spring of prayers, as well as give a few alternative blessings from the grimoire.

To consecrate the water:

I sprinkle you, O holy water, in the circle and in the place of almighty God, who made you blessed and consecrated, and has given power to his servant, especially to the priests to consecrate in his name, who is the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and I bless, invoke, and exorcise you, O water, in the name of God, and Mary his mother, and besides in his name and virtue and of all the saints male and female, with all the celestial assembly, in order that you, O water, may be consecrated through that God who has made you, and ordered you to be consecrated for our protection and defense against all temptations of the Devil, and against his assaults and snares, by the power of the Holy Ghost, who is merciful to us, and may it be deemed worthy everywhere and for everything, through Christ out Lord. Amen.

To consecrate the oil:

I exorcise you O creature of oil, by him through whom all things have been made, that all phantasms may immediately be ejected from you. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ + Be blessed oh creature of oil, and sanctified, through our Lord Jesus. Amen.

For the incense use the following blessing:

O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless these creatures of spices, in order that the strength and virtue of their scents may grow, so that no enemies nor phantasms may be able to enter through our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

To exorcise and bless the vessel and fire for incense:

I exorcise you O creature of fire, by him through whom all things have been made, that all phantasms may immediately be ejected from you, so that it will be unable to harm anybody. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Ghost. + Bless of Lord this creature of fire, and sanctify it, for the praise of your holy name, so that no harm may come from bearing or seeing it, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Glass/Crystal/Mirror

The grimoire provides 2 operations for making a magic scrying tool. I prefer the 2nd one for the fact that it's easier and shorter to preform. [Tho the first one is worth looking into as it also begins the work of creating a book for the magi, and to consecrate other necessary tools.] The procedure is for enchanting a scrying tool so that it's spirit provides clearly and honestly all things you want you know. It could be a glass receptacle, a crystal, or a mirror. I have made use of all 3 and found each to be equally as potent when properly enchanted. Once made this tool can be used when conjuring any spirit, but especially angelic ones. As well as for answering questions truly.

To hallow the spirit of a mirror:

Take a clean white cloth and place it on a fine table, atop that set your scrying tool of choice. Then say the following prayer,

0 almighty and eternal God, be present at these mysteries of your great kindness; be present at our devout invocations, so that you may deign to make this mirror worthy to be blessed in your name, which we strive to sanctify, to send out your spirit of blessing, and pour over it your blessed spirit, that what is to be done by our humble ministry may be accomplished by the effect of your power, although we are unworthy to perform such great mysteries. Yet as you do not abandon the gifts of your grace, so incline the ears of your goodness to our prayers, that this mirror which is blessed in your name, by the power of your holiness, may accept and become a perfect receptacle for accepting your angelic creatures in your holy name, to show a demonstration of the past, present, and future of a true and perfect knowledge, that we may be able to call upon your ineffable grace, without ambiguity or accusation, whatever it visibly manifests with rays to our eyes, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Ghost, God forever and ever. Amen.

Then the consecration,

0 God, who permitted this mirror to be made from fragile matter for the use of human kind, in order that he may judge by the illuminating rays, the different multi-layered appearances observed by looking at its different shapes; look kindly on the face of this mirror and multiply your blessings in it, that the inrush of your abundant grace gladdens the soul, as with the command of your greatness, in order that it may obtain grace from your Holy Ghost, which through the holy secret mixture of clarity and light, He (the Holy Ghost) may make this mirror fruitful, that a sanctifying energy being accepted and conceived in it, through your truthful angels, whom we intend to call upon through the power of your name, because of your usual mercy and nature, it may represent by looking at. Therefore O Lord, may all unclean spirits depart from this blessed mirror, most clear and true; may all devilish wickedness, delusions, and deceptions withdraw far from this mirror. May the creature of this mirror be free from all attacks, assaults, and purged of all deceits and immune to all treachery, and may the divine light surround it, so that all doubts and uncertainties are indicated, that your angels may reveal very clear that which is hidden or doubtful, so that anyone who gazes into this mirror may operate it in, O perfect Holy Ghost, and successfully understand what he asks about with certainty. Therefore I bless you, O mirror + by the living God, + by the true God, + by the holy God, + by the God who has granted you special power for showing appearances, so that being consecrated and strengthened you may accept and retain the power for which we have directed you. Be blessed and consecrated through Jesus Christ his only son our Lord, who has wished you to be consistently translucent and to send in the shapes and to demonstrate through different reflections with invocations to you almighty merciful God, be present with us, and infuse into this mirror the celestial harmony of your good clarity, speak with your mouth the benediction of this stone, so that thought you, for the common use of people, and may your angel be present in it to reliably answer our questions.

Put 5 drops oil on the surface of the mirror in the shape of a cross (4 points and one in the center) then say,

May the power of the Holy Ghost descend into this mirror. May it stir up the knowledge manifested in the mirror, that is may further the effect most gently, so that all doubts are resolved with certainty, so that all people gazing into this mirror may themselves enjoy true knowledge and perfect certainty, and command of the information and demonstration, through you, 0 Lord who lives and reigns and rules forever. Amen.

Now put 5 drops of oil on the right thumb, make a cross on the mirror connecting the prior drops of oil, and say the following,

Through this anointing may this mirror be consecrated, blessed, and sanctified, so that it may have the perfect power we desire for revealing the angels to us, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Next blow on the mirror for 5 seconds, then say,

Descend into this mirror so it may be consecrated, blessed, and sanctified, so that this mirror may have the perfect power we desire for revealing the angels to us, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Lastly way before the mirror;

I conjure you, O exhalation, by the name (insert name), by the Holy Mother, instilled by the concerns of the phantasm, be filled by the greatest breath, by the best practice, by all the infernal tributes, by the holy Mary Magdalene, by the blessed Margaret, by the head of the holy John the Baptist, by Peter and Paul, by the virtues of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you join this mirror to respond to everything that is asked.

Soon the spirit of the mirror shall appear to you as a voice, saying and will show what you ask. This is also your opportunity to get a spirit seal from this creature before sending them on their way. When you are ready bid the spirit license to depart, request that it comes back whenever called. This is the spirit of the mirror who will aid in bringing forth other spirits and answers when the magi desires them.

The Ring

Various points in the BoO mention the use of a magic ring, and there are various experiments for the construction of a magic ring. For the purposes here I'll be focusing on one specific conjuration for a ring. Instilling the ring to have power over spirits and to aid you in excising them.

It goes as follows:

For 3 days prior to this rite abstain from impurity. You may eat and drink water, but refrain as best as you can from your vices. Place the ring you have chosen for this consecration on your altar. Where you will be celebrating 3 masses [note: I did not hold 3 masses over the ring I use. Instead, I simply prayed over them with psalms]. Then put the ring in a clean place [I wrapped mine in white cloth] and perfume it with fine fragrances.

On the 4th day say over the ring,

Hoccindinos + Osytheon + Stimulamaton + Elioram + Messias + Sother + Emanuel + Sabaoth + Adonay + Panthater + Primellus + Grabaton + by these holy names, and by other names which it is not permitted to name, I humbly urge you, that this ring which is here present, which the wise Solomon prepared and used in his experiments, and obtained effectual power over all demons and evil spirits, and he was able to exorcise them at his pleasure through the power of this ring, and he was able to bind them fast in all his experiments, and may it be salvation and protection to the associates, through you, 0 God, who are the refuge of all, and the virtue, glory, and power, through the eternal ages. Amen.

Lastly recite psalm 120, 112, and 129 over the ring. After this the ring will be ready to be used.

The Sword

Many rituals within the BoO call for the use of a sword. There are no clear consecrations for the sword in the book, so when I worked this grimoire I didn't worry about consecrating my sword. The sword I used was a metal blade sharp enough to cut, but not sharp enough to do any serious damage. Occasionally I substituted my sword for a white or black handled knife per the texts suggestion.

On occasions I do feel called to hallow my sword I use a simple exorcism based on others in the BoO. I would say the following while sprinkling my blade with holy water,

Creature of iron/metal I exorcise and bless thee in the names of the Father, the Son, and the Holy ghost. Amen. +++

Using holy oil I mark the sword with 3 "+" signs. One on the handle, one where the blade meets the handle, and the last one by the tip of the blade.

The Hazel Rods

These are treasure hunting tools first and foremost, but they can also be used to lead to you anything you wish. So should you find that through working this grimoire you need specific materia these may come in handy.

To make the hazel rods:

On the first Friday of an increasing moon before the sun has risen look for a hazel tree. Find branches that are about a year in age or less. Cut them in 4 stroke while saying,

In the name of the Father, I have sought thee. In the name of the Son, I have found thee. In the name of the Holy Ghost, I do cut thee

Followed by John 1:1, the Pater Noster 3 times, and 7 Ave Marias. Then say,

O Lord by whose providence mankind is increased, and all things have their being, humbly we beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and that thou will grant to us that all things may be brought to good pass that we take in hand, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come unto thee. Let us pray. 0 Lord, by whose providence the earth and all therein was created, grant grace to these, thy creatures, that they may be unto me aiding, both now and at all other times as when I shall have cause to use them, so that the rather by them I may come to the knowledge of that thing I desire. This grant, good lord, I do beseech thee for thy dear Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. I conjure you, hazel rods of one year growing this day, by the ineffable names of God + Hely + Helyson + Orca + Tetragrammaton + that you bring me without all manner of deceit and craft unto the place where any treasure is hidden, or any other thing, and that by the virtue of the holy name of God written in you. I command you that you do not rule in vain. I adjure you, 0 hazels of one year's growth, by the three kings of Cullen, Jasper, Melchior, and Balthazar, that, as they being wise and prudent men, were conducted and led by a star where as they found Christ, that so you may bring me into the certain and sure place where any treasure is or metal is hid or hath any being, and that this be done. I bid and command you by the power of God the Father, who hath made you, by God the Son, who hath redeemed me, and by the Holy Spirit who hath sanctified me and all creatures. Amen.

On the first rod write "Arifax + Agla +" 3 times, and on the other write "+ Adonay + Raavarax" 3 times.

[magickkate]

I got some messages that asked me to explain a bit more about scrying, and I wanted to make a separate post to clarify this method of divination from my main post on commonly used divination methods. So, let's dive in!

Scrying is a form of divination that involves gazing into a reflective surface or medium to receive insights, visions, or messages from the spiritual realm. It's a practice that has been used by various cultures and civilizations throughout history, dating back to ancient times.

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: Scrying has been practiced by cultures around the world for thousands of years. It has roots in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China, where it was used for divination, spiritual guidance, and accessing hidden knowledge.

2. Psychic Abilities: Some practitioners believe that scrying can help enhance psychic abilities such as clairvoyance (seeing visions), clairaudience (hearing messages), and clairsentience (feeling energies). By quieting the mind and opening oneself to the messages of the spiritual realm, practitioners may strengthen their intuitive faculties.

3. Modern Applications: While scrying has ancient origins, it continues to be practiced today by witches, psychics, and spiritual seekers around the world. Modern practitioners may incorporate scrying into their magical or spiritual practices, using it as a tool for guidance, insight, and personal growth.

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Here are some key aspects of the practice of scrying:

⦿ Tools: Scrying can be performed using a variety of tools, including: -> Crystal balls: Smooth, polished spheres made of crystal or glass. -> Black mirrors: Mirrors with a dark, reflective surface, often made of obsidian or other black stones. -> Bowls of water: Still water in a dark-colored or reflective bowl.- Flame: Gazing into the flame of a candle or fire. ⦿ Preparation: Before scrying, it's important to prepare yourself and your space. This may involve cleansing and consecrating your scrying tool, setting a sacred space for your practice, and quieting your mind through meditation or relaxation techniques. ⦿ Technique: To scry, you fix your gaze on the surface of the scrying tool while allowing your mind to relax and enter a receptive state. You may begin to see images, symbols, or visions appear in the reflective surface. It's important to maintain a soft focus and an open mind, allowing the messages to come through naturally. ⦿ Interpretation: After a scrying session, it's helpful to journal your experiences and interpretations. Pay attention to any symbols, images, or feelings that came up during the session and reflect on their significance. Trust your intuition and the guidance you receive from the spiritual realm. ⦿ Types of Scrying: While the most common form of scrying involves gazing into a reflective surface, there are other variations of the practice as well. This includes water scrying (gazing into bodies of water), fire scrying (gazing into flames), and even scrying using smoke or clouds. ⦿ Uses: Scrying can be used for various purposes, including divination, receiving guidance or insights, connecting with spirit guides or ancestors, and accessing subconscious or hidden knowledge. It can also be used as a tool for personal and spiritual growth, meditation, and self-reflection.

4. Ethical Considerations: Like any form of divination, it's important for practitioners to approach scrying with respect, integrity, and ethical awareness. Practitioners should be mindful of the potential impact of their readings on themselves and others and strive to use their abilities responsibly and ethically.

5. Experimentation and Exploration: Scrying is a deeply personal practice, and there is no one "right" way to do it. Practitioners are encouraged to experiment with different scrying tools, techniques, and environments to find what works best for them. Trusting one's intuition and inner guidance is key to successful scrying.

Overall, scrying is a versatile and powerful practice that allows practitioners to tap into their intuition, connect with the spiritual realm, and gain valuable insights and guidance. It’s a deeply personal and intuitive practice that can be adapted and customized to suit individual preferences and needs.

Regular practice, combined with an open mind and heart, can lead to deeper insights, clearer visions, and a stronger intuitive connection with the spiritual realm. Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced practitioners, studying relevant literature, and participating in supportive communities can offer valuable support and encouragement on the scrying journey.

This is not a tool I regularly use, simply because of my headaches. Either it’s the mundane tapping into your head saying, “Hey, knock it off, you don’t need to do this.” or it’s the magical side saying “Hey, you have better places to put your time and energy. this is not one of them.” So if you are interested in this practice by all means utilize it to the best of your ability, but if you can’t seem to focus or get really bad headaches all the time, this may not be the BEST practice for you. It is an option, though! just be careful, witchlings!

Remember to approach scrying with a sense of curiosity, wonder, and reverence for the mysteries of the universe. Trust in your own intuition and the guidance you receive, and allow the magic of scrying to unfold in its own time. With dedication and perseverance, the practice of scrying can become a profound and transformative tool for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

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Learn more: How to Scry Candle Wax in Water Tarot, Pendulums, Scrying, and More! Ways to Improve Psychic Gifts + Removing Mental Blockages Using A Witch's Mirror: Scrying, Automatic Writing, Spirit Work

[jynxynis-on-fr]

please look at this scry in celebration of moderns getting eclipse today

triple saffron with chorus/flair/eclipse and water dark eyes

eclipsed sunrise :3

[astra-ravana]

Why You Should Learn Multiple Divination Methods

Divination is a powerful tool for gaining insight, guidance, and clarity in life. While many practitioners have a preferred method, learning multiple forms of divination offers unique advantages and deepens your spiritual practice. Here’s why expanding your divinatory skill set is beneficial.

Different Tools for Different Questions

Each divination method excels in certain areas. By knowing more than one, you can choose the most effective tool for each situation, for example:

• Tarot provides in-depth storytelling and psychological insight.

• Runes offer direct, ancient wisdom with a no-nonsense approach.

• Pendulum dowsing gives quick yes/no answers for direct guidance.

• Scrying (mirrors, water, flames) connects you with visions and subconscious messages.

Having multiple techniques allows you to select the best one for your needs.

Cross-Validation for Stronger Readings

Using multiple forms of divination to confirm a message strengthens its reliability. If tarot, runes, and pendulum dowsing all point to the same answer, you can be more confident in your reading.

Adaptability in Different Environments

Some divination methods require more space or time than others. Having multiple techniques lets you practice divination anywhere, for example:

• Tarot and runes are great for detailed readings but require physical tools.

• Numerology or astrology can be done mentally when you’re without tools.

• Pendulums and scrying can be subtle enough for on-the-go divination.

Deeper Understanding of Symbolism and Intuition

Each system has its own symbolic language. Learning multiple forms of divination enhances your ability to recognize patterns and messages from the universe. For example:

• Studying astrology deepens your understanding of tarot’s planetary influences.

• Learning numerology helps with interpreting numbers in divination spreads.

• Scrying sharpens your intuitive abilities for other methods.

The more symbols and correspondences you understand, the stronger your divinatory skills become.

Personal and Spiritual Growth

Every divination system has its own philosophy and historical roots. By exploring multiple methods, you:

• Gain a broader perspective on the unseen forces in your life.

• Connect with different spiritual traditions and expand your knowledge.

• Strengthen your intuitive and psychic abilities through diverse practices.

Enhanced Connection with Spirits and Deities

Some deities or spirits prefer specific divination methods. Expanding your knowledge allows you to communicate more effectively with different energies.

• Hekate is often associated with scrying and key-based divination.

• Odin, a god of wisdom, is connected to the runes.

• Mercury/Hermes aligns with dice and lot casting.

• Many demons are associated with divination practices, such as Gremory, Dantalion, Flereous, Delepitore, and more.

Having multiple methods lets you tailor your practice to your spiritual allies.

Avoiding Divination Burnout or Bias

Using only one form of divination can sometimes lead to mental fatigue or a fixed perspective. Switching between different methods keeps your practice fresh and prevents over-reliance on a single tool.

Knowing multiple forms of divination makes you a more well-rounded and adaptable practitioner. It strengthens your intuition, deepens your spiritual connections, and gives you access to the best method for any question or situation.

Types Of Divination

[lunar-witches]

🌟 Types of Divination 🌟

🃏 Tarot Reading: Ah, the classic! Shuffle those cards, lay 'em out, and let the symbols tell your story. It's like a psychic storytime with beautifully illustrated cards.

🔮 Crystal Ball Gazing: Channel your inner fortune teller and gaze into the shimmering depths of a crystal ball. See visions, symbols, or just a really fancy paperweight – your call!

☕ Tea Leaf Reading: Sip your cuppa, but don't toss those leaves! The way they settle in your cup can unveil the mysteries of the universe. Get ready to decipher some leafy hieroglyphics.

🖐️ Palmistry (Chiromancy): Study the lines, mounts, and shapes on your palm. Each crease tells a story about your life path, personality, and potential. It's like reading a roadmap to your destiny right on your hand!

🕊️ Feather Divination: Feathers are more than just fashionable accessories for birds! They can carry messages from the spirit world. Find one, meditate on it, and decode its wisdom.

🌀 Runes Casting: Norse warriors used them, and now you can too! Grab some ancient runestones, cast them, and let the runic symbols weave tales of your destiny.

🕯️ Candle Scrying: Light a candle, focus on the flame, and let your visions come to life within the flickering glow.

🌿 Pendulum Magic: Swing that pendulum and ask it some yes-or-no questions. Allow the pendulum to swing freely and always keep your hand still to allow the energy to truly answer you questions.

🌗 Numerology: Numbers, man! They're everywhere, and they've got a lot to say. Discover your life path, destiny, and soul numbers.

🔍 Scrying Mirrors: Stare into the abyss... or, well, a special mirror! Gaze deep, and let the answers reveal themselves.

🌊 Water Scrying: Gaze into the reflective surface of water – be it a pond, a lake, or even a scrying bowl. Watch as ripples reveal the unseen.

🐚 Shell Divination: Channel your inner mermaid! Listen to the whispers of seashells and let them reveal their secrets. You can also collect a handful of different shells and cast them. Their placement, pattern, etc, can reveal important details!

🗝️ Key Casting (Cleidomancy): Gather a collection of old keys, close your eyes, and toss them onto a cloth. The position and arrangement of the keys will unveil symbolic messages or answers to your questions. It's like unlocking the secrets of the cosmos, one key at a time.

🎶 Music Divination (Alectryomancy): Play some tunes and let the lyrics, melodies, or even random song selections speak to you. The songs that resonate can offer messages or insights about your current situation. Let the music be your mystical DJ!

With this ever-growing list of divination methods, you'll have a magical tool for every occasion. Trust your intuition and let your inner seeker explore the mystical world of divination. Happy divining, cosmic explorers! 🔮🌠

[broomsick]

Short guide to varðlokkr

Briefly exploring ritual singing and spirit work in the nordic tradition, and their possible uses in neo-pagan practice.

Before performing divination, it's said that völur would sing, or more often than not, have someone sing a ritual song in order to "rouse the spirits". This ritual was a way to call upon nearby spirits—generally guardian spirits, to come and answer their questions. The practice of varðlokkur, or "ward songs/protection songs", is tightly interwoven with the art of seiðr. According to the few sources that mention the topic, it was performed by seeresses seeking to prophecize, or by women willing to sing it in their stead.

Before diving deeper into this topic however, it's important to note that the interpretation of the term varðlokkr, and in a sense, the very basis of its current scholarly understanding, depends on its possible etymology. Two hypotheses stand out in this regard: varðlokkr is either spelled with one or two k's, either varðlok or varðlokk. The former would refer to "locking", or "fastening", and is often associated with a passage in the Grógaldr (The Spell of Gróa) where the shamaness refers to Urðar lokur, or Urð's locks/bolts. In this case, the song is a matter of "locking" the spirits in. Whereas varðlokkr would stem from the same root (vǫrðr, meaning to guard or ward), but in this case, lokkr would come from lokka, meaning to lure, or entice. It's generally agreed upon that both these instances showcase how the idea of protection was a key element in the perception of this practice.

These so-called "Weird-songs" sometimes required the use of a rhythmical sound created using drum beating, rattles, or by hitting the ground with a staff. They served as an invocation to higher powers or local spirits, who would be keen to protect ("ward") the seeress as she glimpsed into the future. According to pre-Christian belief, the sound of these songs had the power to appease surrounding spirits, but also to entice and lock them into the space for the duration of the divination. Letting her spirit wander out of her body in order to scry, the völva/seiðrkona became vulnerable, hence the need for higher protection. Now "bound" to her until the completion of the ritual, the guardian spirits would be inclined to lend their help. Depending on the intepretations, this type of ritual singing could also have been a means to reach a trancelike state before fortune telling.

'Many spirits,' said she, 'have been present under its charm, and were pleased to listen to the song, who before would turn away from us, and grant us no such homage. And now are many things clear to me which before were hidden both from me and others.' Eiríks saga rauða, chapter 3

The trance aspect of this practice is often debated, however. Granted, it's possible to point out similarities between seiðr and the "out of body" travel of Sámi and Siberian shamans. After all, a few sources tell us that varðlokkr would also serve to bring the völva back into her own body once she'd prophecized. Still, scholars more often than not consider varðlokkr and other seiðr practices as putting oneself in a "receptive state" in order to comprehend messages sent from the spirit world.

At the beginning of the séance all those present seem to have taken part in the singing, but a special choir was appointed for continuing operations:  this is in several accounts said to consist of women or one woman. Singing continues throughout the séance, the purpose being to remind the shaman of his mission.  Some sources indicate that the singing was concentrated or confined to the final stages of the trance, and the aim here was to wake the shaman. Louise Bäckman & Åke Hultkrantz

Think of varðlokkr as a way to blend music, divination and spirit work. A modern practitioner who already works with Dísir, vættir, ancestors, and the like can involve these familiar spirits in the ritual, for example, by calling upon a passed loved one to protect them during divination, or even to aid in finding answers. It's generally agreed upon that during the Scandinavian pre-Christian times, the wisdom of the dead occupied a vital place in many such shamanic practices. One could seek advice from passed mentors or loved ones in this manner. Even disregarding the idea of "rousing" spirits and "locking" them, I believe that one could still use to music as ritualized invocation—especially when it comes to ancestor work, in order to ask for advice or insight.

Next to nothing is known about what varðlokkr actually sounded like. However, I think it's still interesting to explore the idea of ritual singing as a shamanic practice. For someone interested in experimenting with galdr, seiðr, or any such shamanic practices in the Nordic tradition, varðlokkr seems like a great place to start.

So how does one incorporate ritual singing into neo-pagan practice? I'm sorry to say that it's exceedingly difficult to somehow reconstruct varðlokkr, as history has left us with nothing but bits and pieces to work with. However, three main particularities stand out and aid us in tracing a general outline: 1. the Weird-song is sung before divination as an opening practice; 2. its purpose is to call upon spirits; and 3. it most likely served as a sort of short-term ward for the person performing the ritual. These three concepts may be preserved, and the freedom to build around them is yours.

For this reason, we even have the option to simply pick a song which feels sacred and play it before rune casting, or tarot reading for example (needless to say such a practice also applies to any and all methods of divination, including scrying). After all, there's really no indication that the practitionner must sing the song themselves. Even in the few accounts mentioning varðlokkr, the seeress isn't always the one singing.

But if you decide to sing the varðlokkr yourself, it's also possible to learn the lyrics to a song that's already part of your practice. If working with the spirits of the dead, and especially with passed loved ones, why not play a song that a given ancestor loved in life? Artist Einar Selvik has composed a short skaldic-type song called Vardlokk, which has understandably become my own ritual song. I play it to get into a spiritual state of mind, helping me tremendously before spirit work—which coincides in many ways with the original purpose of varðlokkr. But it's safe to say any type of music may be used. And if you're interested in trance or trance adjacent practices, chanting may be used in such a manner as well.

There are many ways for us neo-pagans to adopt the practice of varðlokkr, since in one way or another, music is always tightly intertwined with religious practice. One can choose to wholly disregard the spirit work aspect and simply explore the idea of ritual song and its ties to divination. No matter the case, shamanic practices were an inherent part of Nordic religious tradition, and I think it can be useful for modern practitioners to learn about them and explore the possibilities that they offer.

If you're interested in further reading, I've linked at the beginning of this post an ask I answered a while back pertaining to seiðr, galdr, and other shamanic practices of the Norse. Within the post are also a few suggested pieces of reading that have helped my personal understanding and research.

[oldschoolfrp]

When your new dice also work as spell foci for scrying (Robert Adams cover for White Dwarf 21, Oct/Nov 1980)

[thesorceresstemple]

[gavamont]

A parakeet wizard that gets frustrated that every time they try to use their scrying mirror some other parakeet wizard that looks a lot like them shows up and blocks their view.

[horribly-fermented-cherries]

The signs come to me in banal places

[wizardsisananimal]

Hazmat Simulator

[sitting-1n-silence]

Thoughts on the way spirits present themselves:

Sometimes, when we're calling spirits, they're arrive without us knowing. The spirit could be standing right in front of us waving, and our subtle senses just aren't fine-tuned enough to see them. Some get around this by working with a scryer. Others might build the ritual pressure in the space until the spirit is compelled into become more visible. Something i find consistently reliable is utilizing forms of passive divination.

This way, you have ways of diving a spirit's presence without having to pull your attention away from your conjurations or ritual actions.

Passive divination methods for spirit conjuration could include:

Burning incense to see figures and signs in the smoke

Letting candles melt to look for symbols in the wax

Hanging bells around the space

A water scrying set up where the surface is oily to more easily produce images

Above, I included photos from a ritual I did a while ago where I used candles and stone with a similar purpose. This stone was being consecrated as a tool to scry with in the future, and I wasn't receiving clear signs that the spirit i called had come. It wasn't until I looked down and saw the melted wax in the form of a black hand that I realized they were sitting with me. It was small and very subtle, so subtle I could've easily missed it.

Having passive ways of scrying and divining the presence of spirits can be a huge help when exploring new spirits and conjuration methods. It takes some discernment to know how to use them, but when applied well, they are a huge boon to one's setup.

[blackthornwren]

Scrying and spirit work require similar focus and dedication. That tried and true advice to keep a notebook handy when scrying and write down everything you see - when you see it, exactly as you see it?

It's because if you wait and return to it later, you have a good chance of losing details. But even worse than that is the chance of embellishing something that you didn't initially experience, which hinders progress. The mind rails against missing data and tries desperately to fill in the blanks with imaginative details, creating false images rather than letting itself accept the missing pieces of an imprecise art.

[oil-eclipse]

i try to scry, theda desmond (2025)