Samhain is a time to see, not just with your eyes, but with your mind and heart. It's traditional to make predictions at this turn of the wheel (it is the New Year, after-all), and there are lots of tools that can help us do this. One of my favorites is a scrying mirror. You can make a scrying mirror out of things that are probably in your home right now--save for the peacock feathers. You will need:

• Coffee can
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• Cardboard
• Black Paper (If you have no black paper, you can paint the cardboard black once it has been cut--see directions below. Use as many coats as you need to get a solid color. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next.) 
• Cling film plastic wrap
• Peacock Feathers (Besides looking pretty, the tips of peacock feathers look--and function--like eyes, and since this tool is going to help you “see" in a different way, they will make a great frame for the mirror.)

Using the coffee can, trace a circle onto the cardboard, and then the black paper.

Cut out the circles.

Glue the black paper onto the cardboard. 

Cover the black surface with the cling film. Wrap the edges around the back and secure them with glue so that the black surface is smooth and tight.

Trace another cardboard circle and glue it to the back of the mirror to cover the cling film edges and keep everything neat.

Clip off the tops of the peacock feathers.

Place a drop of glue on the back of a feather tip, then place the feather, glue side down on the edge of the circle (the glue drop will determine the placement of the feather).

Repeat the process, layering each feather on top of the last that you placed.

To use your mirror, sit in a comfortable place where you will not be disturbed. Hold the mirror in both hands, and tilt it so that you can see nothing reflected in its shiny surface. Breathe deeply and gaze into the mirror. Now here's the hard part—let your mind wander. Don't think of anything, just gaze into the glass. This may take a few seconds, or several minutes. It may take you a couple of tries; sometimes its not easy if you've had a busy or exciting day not to think of anything. Don't give up!

Once you're mind is clear, thoughts will come to you—you may not understand them. You may suddenly think of an object, or of a person. You may see people you know, or don't recognize. Keep your Book of Shadows close by and record your scrying observations.

by Natalie Zaman