Editing Scrying (section)

==Media==
The media most commonly used in scrying are reflective, refractive, translucent, or luminescent surfaces or objects such as [[crystal]]s, [[stone]]s, or [[glass]] in various shapes such as crystal balls, [[mirror]]s, reflective black surfaces such as obsidian, water surfaces, [[fire]], or [[smoke]], but there is no special limitation on the preferences or prejudices of the scryer; some may stare into pitch dark, clear sky, clouds, shadows, or light patterns against walls, ceilings, or pond beds. Some prefer glowing coals or shimmering [[mirage]]s. Some{{who|date=January 2024}} simply close their eyes, notionally staring at the insides of their own eyelids, and speak of "eyelid scrying".{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

Scrying media generally either suggest images directly (such as figures in fire, fluid eddies, or clouds), or else they distort or reflect the observers' vision confusingly, in the manner to be seen in crystals or transparent balls. Such fancies have long been satirised by sceptics, for example in ''Hamlet'' III.ii:{{Citation needed|reason=don’t think this is a commonly accepted interpretation of this scene; provide a source if it is|date=June 2020}}

<blockquote><poem>
Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel?
By the mass, and 'tis like a camel, indeed.
Methinks it is like a weasel.
It is backed like a weasel.
Or like a whale?
Very like a whale.
</poem></blockquote>

Alternatively the medium might reduce visual stimuli to thresholds below which any clear impressions could interfere with fancied visions or free association. Examples include darkened reflections of night sky, or plain shadow or darkness.{{sfnp|Eason|2007}}