Crystalomancy

Crystalomancy, a mode of divination by means of transparent bodies, at one time very popular. A precious stone, crystal globe, or other transparent object was employed, but a Beryl (q.v.) was deemed most effective. In using it, the operator first muttered over it certain formulas of prayer, and then gave it into the hands of a youth or virgin—none others were pure enough to discern its revelations—who beheld in it the information required. Sometimes the wished-for knowledge was conveyed by means of written characters on the crystal; sometimes the spirits invoked appeared in the crystal to answer the questions asked. Dr Dee was a great adept at Crystalomancy, and two of his magic mirrors—cannel coal and smoky quartz, polished—are now in the British Museum. Even in the middle of the 19th century Lady Blessington's 'magic crystal' was in great repute in the upper circles of London; it figured in the libel case of Captain Morrison, R.N. ('Zadkiel'), v. Sir Edward Belcher (1863).