CRYSTAL BALLS AND CRYSTAL GAZING 181
of
landscape and inanimate objects. These forms seemed to grow out of the
bright points of light which frequently appear when the eyes are
closed, and Lang suggests a similar origin for the visions of the ''
scryers''—namely, the development of the images from dark or light
points in the glass.
In
regard to this, we have an interesting passage in the works of Ibn
Kaldoun, a Persian writer, born in 1332, who gives the following very
acute analysis of the phenomena accompanying crystal-gazing.10
Some
believe that the image perceived in this way takes form on the surface
of the mirror, but they are mistaken. The diviner looks at this surface
fixedly until it disappears, and a curtain, like a mist, is interposed
between him and the mirror. Upon this curtain are designed the forms
he wishes to see, and this permits him to give indications, either
affirmative or negative, concerning the matter on which he is
questioned. He then describes his perceptions as he has received them.
The diviners, while in this state, do not see what is really to be seen
(in the mirror); it is another kind of perception, which is born in
them and which is realized not by sight but by the soul.
As to the character and quality of the crystal to be used, Abbot Tritheim, the master of the famous Cornelius Agrippa, says: n
Procure of a lapidary a good, clear, pellucid crystal of the bigness of a small orange,—i.e., about
one inch and a half in diameter; let it be globular, or round each way
alike; then you have got this crystal fair and clear, without any
clouds or specks. Get a small plate of pure gold to encompass the
crystal round one-half; let this be fitted on an ivory or ebony
pedestal. Let there be engraved a circle round the crystal;
afterwards the name: Tetragrammaton. On the other side of the plate let
there be engraved, Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael, which are the four
principal angels ruling over the Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mercury.
10 Ibn Kaldoun, in Notices et Ext. de MSS. -de la Bib. Imp., vol. xix, p. 221.
11 See Barrett, " The Magus," London, 1801, p. 135.
