Scrying: How to Use This Ancient Practice in Art Therapy
Scrying—sometimes referred to as “seeing” or “peeping”—is an ancient divination practice that involves gazing into a reflective surface to gain insights, spark creativity, and explore the subconscious. Historically, mediums such as water, mirrors, crystals, and polished stones were used for guidance and spiritual discovery. At Active Kreative, we have embraced scrying’s potential to deepen self-reflection in the context of art therapy, integrating both traditional and contemporary materials to help our clients unlock their hidden creativity and emotional awareness. Below, we explore what scrying is, how to apply it effectively, and how we incorporate it into our art therapy workshops—complete with real-life testimonials from our participants.
Understanding Scrying
Origins and Purpose:
Scrying is an age-old technique, with roots in diverse cultures around the world—from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Celtic and medieval European traditions. It involves focusing on a reflective or translucent surface to enter a meditative or trance-like state in which intuitive images, emotions, or symbols may surface.
Modern Perspective:
Today, scrying is not exclusively tied to fortune-telling or esoteric practices. Therapists and creative practitioners recognize that engaging the imagination through the use of reflective surfaces can foster introspection, promote mental relaxation, and stimulate creative thinking.
How to Practice Scrying
While there are many ways to scry, the key is to create a calm and reflective space—both physically and mentally. Below are the general steps:
Choose Your Medium: Traditional options include water bowls, mirrors, crystals, or even polished stones. In our workshops at Active Kreative, we often use bowls of water or water mixed with paint, ink, or natural dyes.
Set the Mood: Find a quiet, comfortable area with minimal distractions. Dim or soft lighting can enhance the experience, allowing subtle reflections or movements of color to be more noticeable.
Focus and Relax: Begin by taking a few deep breaths to calm your mind. Gently gaze into the chosen surface without straining. Let your eyes relax, allowing your thoughts to drift and your imagination to wander.
Observe What Emerges: Notice shapes, patterns, or impressions that appear. These can come in the form of colors swirling in water, faint images in the reflection, or even a mental picture that arises unexpectedly. There is no right or wrong image—what you see is unique to your personal experience.
Document and Reflect: After the session, jot down notes, draw sketches, or record any insights or symbols that stood out. This documentation is key for art therapy, where the material can be used to explore deeper emotional or creative themes.
Scrying in Art Therapy: The Active Kreative Approach
Why Combine Scrying and Art?
Scrying taps into the imaginative part of our minds. When combined with art therapy techniques, it becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery. By observing shapes and colors in a reflective surface, participants can translate these fleeting images into drawings, paintings, collages, or even digital art. This artistic output provides concrete evidence of subconscious symbols and emotional states, allowing for deeper discussion and personal insight.
Our Workshop Structure:
Introduction & Safe Space: We begin each session by explaining the basics of scrying and setting intentions. Participants are encouraged to keep an open mind and explore without self-judgment.
Hands-On Scrying Session: Bowls of water are placed on tables, often near a soft light source (such as a candle or small lamp). Sometimes we add drops of ink, watercolor, or food coloring to create fluid patterns that participants can interpret.
Artistic Response: After spending time scrying, participants are invited to use crayons, paints, or mixed-media materials to recreate what they saw or felt in the water’s reflections.
Group Discussion: We conclude with a voluntary sharing circle. Participants have the opportunity to discuss the images, emotions, and insights that arose during the session. This reflective practice encourages empathy, emotional awareness, and peer support.
Real-Life Testimonials and Case Studies
Below are a few anonymous testimonials from individuals who have joined our scrying-based art therapy workshops at Active Kreative:
“I had never done anything like scrying before, but I was surprised by how peaceful it was just staring into the water. When I started painting the shapes I’d seen, it felt like my emotions were pouring out onto the paper.”
– Workshop Participant, 34 years old“The moment I added a drop of blue paint to the water and watched it swirl, I noticed patterns that reminded me of ocean waves. After the session, I realized I’d been missing the beach I used to visit with my family as a child. It brought back happy memories and helped me deal with homesickness.”
– Art Therapy Client, 26 years old“At first, I didn’t see anything in the water. But once the facilitator Valerie encouraged me to just relax and let the colours mingle, I started seeing shapes that looked like trees. That led me to create a painting of a forest path, which symbolized a journey through a difficult time in my life. It was unexpectedly cathartic.”
– Workshop Participant, 49 years old
These testimonials highlight how scrying can unlock buried feelings or memories, offering a gentle way for those in therapy or in need of creative exploration to approach personal challenges.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Scrying into Art Therapy
Use Non-Toxic Materials: If you’re adding inks or dyes to water for scrying, opt for non-toxic or water-based products. This keeps the practice environmentally friendly and safe for all participants.
Experiment with Color: Different color combinations can evoke different emotional responses. Consider the symbolism of colors—blue for calm, red for energy, green for growth—and see if they resonate with your group.
Introduce Texture and Light: Sometimes adding natural elements like petals, leaves, or glitter can enhance the reflective patterns. Varying the light source—from candles to small lamps—can change the ambiance and the images participants perceive.
Encourage Journaling: Before and after scrying, guide participants to jot down a few notes about how they feel, what they expect, and what they experienced. This reflective practice enhances the therapeutic aspect by documenting personal growth over time.
Be Open and Non-Judgmental: Emphasize that there is no “correct” image or interpretation. Each participant will see what resonates with their subconscious. Fostering an environment of open-minded curiosity is crucial for a meaningful experience.
Scrying, with its calming and dreamlike qualities, offers a unique entry point into the subconscious—an opportunity to gently explore emotions, memories, and creative impulses. At Active Kreative, we’ve found that integrating scrying into art therapy empowers participants to translate intangible impressions into tangible art. Through guided observation, mindful discussion, and open-ended creativity, individuals can reveal personal insights that might otherwise remain hidden.
If you’re curious about scrying or interested in experiencing this transformative fusion of ancient wisdom and modern art therapy for yourself, consider joining one of our upcoming workshops. By gazing into a bowl of rippling water or swirling inks, you may just discover reflections of your own untapped imagination and emotional well-being. Reach out to us at Active Kreative and begin your journey of seeing beyond the surface.
