Selenomancy
Selenomancy
Selenomancy is a specialized form of divination that examines the various aspects, phases, and appearances of the moon.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek selēnē ('moon') and manteia ('prophecy')
Method
This divination is one of the simplest. It's best to do it outside if at all possible, because, after all, you are relying on the moon to illuminate the water for you! If you can't perform this ritual on the night of the full moon, the night immediately before or immediately after is just as acceptable.
In addition to a clear sky and a full moon, you'll need the following items:
A table or some sort of flat work space
A dark bowl
A pitcher containing enough water to fill the bowl
A journal or notepad to write in, as well as a pen
Optional: your favourite meditative music
If your tradition normally requires you to cast a circle, do so now. If you'd like to play some music, go ahead and start your cd player. Sit or stand comfortably at your workspace. Begin by closing your eyes, and attuning your mind to the energy around you. Feel the soft earth under your feet. Hear the rustling of the wind in the trees. Breathe in the scent of grass and earth that lingers in the air. Raise your arms out to your sides, palms facing up, and feel the energy of the moon above you.
Take some time to gather that energy. It's a pull, a palpable sensation that we can feel, if we just take the time to look for it. Feel that silvery power above you, and recognize your connection to it, and to the Divine.
When you are ready to begin scrying, open your eyes. Notice the night all around you. You may feel an unusual sense of clarity and alertness – don't be alarmed, it's just that lunar energy at work. Raise the pitcher in one hand, holding it over the bowl. As you do, visualize wisdom and guidance within the water. As you pour the water into the bowl, from the pitcher, see the energy of the moon charging that water. Recognize that this water can show you the mysteries of the moon.
When the bowl is full, position yourself so that you can see the moon's light reflected directly into the water. Stare into the water, looking for patterns, symbols or pictures. You may see images moving, or perhaps even words forming. You may have thoughts pop spontaneously into your head, that seem to have nothing at all to do with anything. Use your journal, and write everything down. Spend as much time as you like gazing into the water — it may be just a few minutes, or even an hour. Stop when you begin to feel restless, or if you're getting distracted by mundane things (“Hm, did I feed the cat?”).
When you are finished gazing into the water, make sure you have recorded everything you saw, thought and felt during your scrying session. Messages often come to us from other realms and yet we frequently don't recognize them. If a bit of information doesn't make sense, don't worry — sit on it for a few days and let your unconscious mind process it. Chances are, it will make sense eventually. It's also possible that you could recieve a message that's meant for someone else — if something doesn't seem to apply to you, think about your circle of friends, and who it might be meant for.
Afterwards, you can leave your water out overnight to charge it even more, or you can pour it away into your garden as an offering.
SEE ALSO:
- Lunamancy
- Augury
- Divinations