The first instance of mirror gazing that we know of is with the ancient Greeks, who believed that under certain circumstances, they could interact with the spirits of the dead. In order to accomplish this, they constructed psychomanteums, or oracles of the dead, where those seeking to meet with the spirits of the dead could do so. They would use oil in huge polished bronze cisterns to gaze into in their Oracles. Oracles were large labyrinthine sub-ground structures which they visited on mystical and spiritual pilgrimages.They would stay in small, dimly-lit cells for prolonged periods prior to gazing into the depths of the oil. When they began gazing, their "reality circuits" were shut down to a great extent and their expectations did not include the physical world.
Unfortunately, there are long gaps in the history of mirror gazing. However, there are numerous vignettes that describe the role that mirror gazing has played in various different cultures throughout the world. These vignettes are taken from literature, mythology, religion, and politics and they will demonstrate that mirror gazing to contact spirits has served an important function for many different people.
We can find mirror gazing in the shamanic tradition throughout the world.
In Siberia, Tungus Shamans used copper mirrors to work with spirits. In their language, the word "mirror" is derived from the word for "spirit" or "soul", and so, the mirror was regarded as connected to the soul. In fact, the word Shaman, originated with the Tungus tribe.
The Shamans of Madagascar would use mirrors in order to contact spirits during their ceremonies. In this culture, it was appropriate to discuss any visitations with spirits and was usually done communally.
Nostradamus gazed into a cauldron filled with water or oil, or into dark mirrors. He also removed himself from the physical world prior to gazing. In short, the best experiences tend to come when the observer has suspended expectations and deprived him or herself of material concerns.
Blood was used as a gazing medium by the Pawnee Indians. When a tribal member killed a badger, they would pour the blood into a bowl, and during the evening, the children would look at their reflections. If they saw themselves with gray hair, it meant a long life. If the picture was indistinct, the child would die of sickness, if no picture was seen at all, the child would someday be killed by an enemy.
The Fez and the Zulus of Africa used mirror gazing by filling a vessel with water to see visions.
Shamans in northern equatorial Africa made medical diagnoses by gazing into a kettle filled with water.
A Celtic manuscript dating back to the twelfth century shares the adventures of an early king of Britain, named Lludd. He used cauldron gazing as a way to capture dragons.
Sat Jan 04, 2014 1:48 pm by Ian
