I got a crystal ball in hopes of learning how to use it. It’s a small one, I’d say just slightly larger then the average chicken egg. Dowside, I still don’t kow how to use it. I just need a basic outline on how to use it, what to do, and what not to do.
A crystal ball is used via a method of divination called scrying, which is not specific to a crystal ball.
Scrying is, basically, gazing into (or near, or past) an object, typically a vague object in a dimly lit area, to perceive visions of images, shapes, colors, or even concepts. It is not like in the movies, wherein a witch gazes into the ball, and sees a camera-like view of some scenario as it unfolds.
I have not practiced scrying enough to develop success, though sometimes I think I should start again. Here is the little I know:
The environment should be set up to minimize distractions, and to remove distraction from the field of vision within the object. With a black mirror or bowl of water, for example, candles are suggested for lighting (yes, LED candles would be great, or a night light off to the side somewhere -- it is more about dim light and its placement), placed to each side so they do not reflect in the surface, and the person's own face does not show as a reflection.
The person takes a few deep breaths, and focuses on the question (in the case of a question asked, though there are other uses -- which I would not suggest just diving into). For some, answers may come immediately. For some, the vision may adjust. There are claims of a foggy state coming into the surface or visual image of the scrying object, though different people experience this differently. Some will see, for example, a grey fog cast over the surface of a black mirror, or the periphery outside the object blurs. Many insist this is the point when you know, "it's working." That is, when visions may begin.
Perception of answers, visions, whatever you may want to call them, differ from person to person. When just starting, a lot of people have simpler, more abstract impressions. Some who have talked on their growth mention they saw things such as solid-colored shapes, some geometric, some abstract. They still considered these as results, and inferred an answer from the colors' correspondences, maybe applied some numerology to the shapes, or remembered an emotion associated with a given moment in the experience.
As time goes on, basically the brain gets used to what is going on, and it is easier to allow the visions to flow. Some people have an audible experience as well, and some may claim to see visions of scenarios, though a lot of people may have a dream-like glimpse of concepts, such as a person of a vague description, and an intense emotion associated with that person. It is something which develops with time, and as with many things, everyone may develop their own style and specific method.
Some tips:
Always have a question. This helps interpret the visions.
A crystal ball is not an absolute necessity, though they are certainly useful. Some people will use a (dark colored) bowl of water, a black mirror (basically, paint one side of a pane of glass, like in a photo frame, and use the unpainted side as the mirror), a phone screen, even a dark painted finger nail.
Patience and acceptance are important. Even if you do not perceive any visions, or any which you may consider relevant, it does not mean the experience was in vain. Also do not expect things to happen immediately. Sometimes it takes a few minutes.
Shorter sessions at first can lead to longer sessions. There are some aspects of scrying which rely on a 'bored' brain. There are effects which can be caused by under-stimulating the visual cortex for several minutes, such as seeing facial distortions in a restroom mirror. But waiting too long can cause the brain to give up on visual input, and wander into the realm of pure imagination -- that is daydreaming in stead of a meditative state. Just remain aware of the possibility. Your own limitations are different from others', and your experience may show you that being on the cusp of the two states, or even meandering into that of daydreaming may yield better results for you.
Journal everything! Really, it helps keep track of things that work better or worse, whether your perceptions of things is changing, and more.
A little off-topic but still kind of going towards the whole theme of deprivation of senses in order for our brains to create its own stimulus in the lack thereof, I would love to try a sensory deprivation chamber as a form of scryingeven perhaps in its most extreme formthat would be really fun but also nerve racking as in those chambers you are in such a complete state of stasis that it can be a very potent experience
