Crystal Gazing
Divination & The Harry Potter Series
Season 13 of Every Day Tarot is all about divination, and today, we dive into the art of crystal gazing, also known as scrying. This practice has roots in cultures around the world and is often depicted in pop culture with the classic crystal ball. In the Harry Potter series, Professor Trelawney uses crystal gazing as part of her Divination lessons.
What we explore in this episode:
The ancient history of crystal gazing across cultures and traditions
Methods of scrying with a crystal ball
Crystal gazing as it appears in the Harry Potter books and films
Tarot cards that echo the symbolism of orbs and crystal spheres
The History & Practice of Crystal Gazing
Crystal gazing (scrying) has roots stretching back to 3000 BCE, with Babylonians, Egyptians, Celts, Mayans, and many others using reflective surfaces—water, mirrors, or crystal—to divine the future and seek guidance.
Practitioners are known to see shapes, smoke, colors, or even images within the ball that act as symbolic messages. Much like candle gazing, the practice blends meditation with vision, guiding the seeker into intuitive awareness.
Scrying at Hogwarts
Crystal balls appear several times throughout the books, mostly in Professor Trelawney’s classroom. She describes the practice as subtle and difficult, often leaving students frustrated when all they can see is swirling fog. Harry and Ron famously fumble their way through Divination exams, with Ron describing his examiner’s face reflected in the orb as a “vision.” Trelawney, meanwhile, sees ominous signs of death—echoing her pattern of foreboding predictions.
Later, during the Battle of Hogwarts, she even uses her crystal balls as weapons, hurling them from the tower. The practice, though ridiculed, reflects the deeper theme of divination as an art that requires patience, openness, and trust in the “inner eye.”
Tarot Cards
To explore the energy of this episode, I pulled cards from:
The Acolyte (Citadel Oracle) - new learning, apprenticeship, and curiosity
Six of Wands (Sasuraibito Tarot) - success, recognition, and clarity
Eight of Cactus / Eight of Pentacles (Desert Illuminations Tarot) - mastery, dedication, and humility in practice
Deck referenced from left to right:
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Season 8 - Suit of Swords
Season 9 - Suit of Cups
Season 10 - Tarot and Witchcraft
Season 11 - Tarot and Plant Allies
Season 12- Tarot and Animals
💭 Today's Tarot Pull:
From The Herbcrafter’s Tarot, I pulled the Hermit Usnea (Upright).
Clarity doesn’t come from rushing forward but from pausing long enough to let the fog settle. Soften your gaze and allow what needs to be revealed to rise naturally.
Reflective prompts on this card:
What fog or uncertainty are you being invited to look into more softly?
Where do you need solitude to connect with your own inner vision?
How can you carry the insights you find in stillness back into your community?
A 12-Week Tarot for Transformation Journey
Starting at the end of September, join me for a 12-week live course based on Tarot for Transformation!
We’ll spend three months together, working through the major arcana as archetypal guides. Each week, we’ll:
Focus on one major arcana card and the life themes it highlights.
Explore journaling prompts and exercises from Dreya Blume’s book.
Share experiences and support each other in a safe, witchy, and affirming space.
Participate in live one-hour calls (with replays available if you can’t join live).
This is not just about learning tarot — it’s about using tarot as a vessel for real, meaningful change in your life.
If you've ever longed for a supportive community to explore big personal shifts, or if you’re ready to commit to discovering your most authentic self, this journey is for you.
You can sign up to receive more information (no FOMO!). We’re planning to begin at the end of August, so there’s plenty of time to get ready.
📥 Sign up for the 12 Week Live Course of Tarot for Transformation here!
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Ways to Connect & Support:
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If you sign up before September 12, 2025 get 25% off with code Early Bird!
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