History of
Crystal Balls
A crystal
ball is a crystal
or glass
ball believed by some people to aid in the performance of
clairvoyance.
It is sometimes known as a shew stone.
A body of water, either in a container or on the ground, used for
this purpose, is called a scrying
pool.
The
art or process of "seeing" is known as "scrying,"
whereby images are claimed to be seen in crystals, or other media
such as water, and are interpreted as meaningful information. The
"information" gleaned then is used to make important
decisions in one's life (i.e. love, marriage, finances, travel,
business, etc.).[1]
By contrast, some
professed seers say that they do not actually see images in the
crystal itself, but rather that the featureless interior of the stone
facilitates them in clearing their mind of distractions so that
future truths or events will become known to them.[2]
When the technique of scrying is used with
crystals, or any transparent body, it is known as crystallomancy or
crystal
gazing
The
art or process of "seeing" is known as "scrying,"
whereby images are claimed to be seen in crystals, or other media
such as water, and are interpreted as meaningful information. The
"information" gleaned then is used to make important
decisions in one's life (i.e. love, marriage, finances, travel,
business, etc.).[1]
By contrast, some
professed seers say that they do not actually see images in the
crystal itself, but rather that the featureless interior of the stone
facilitates them in clearing their mind of distractions so that
future truths or events will become known to them.[2]
When the technique of
scrying is used with crystals, or any transparent body, it is known
as crystallomancy or crystal
gazing.
Crystal balls are
popular props used in mentalism
acts by stage
magicians. Such routines, in which the performer
answers audience questions by means of various ruses, are known as
"C. G." (Crystal Gazing) acts. One of the most famous C. G.
performers of the 20th century, Claude
Alexander, was often billed as "Alexander
the Crystal Seer."
Usage: Narrow, specialist training required
Accuracy: High for trained users
Safety: High
