Scrying Attraction, Circle of Protection

[Crick]

Salutations,

I finally invested in a black scrying mirror. It's absolutely beautiful, but a little intimidating. I've always been the meditation type, and quite the dreamer. I've not used it yet, I want to read up on them more before I go jumping into something I don't know. I've been reading everything possible on them for the past month, and still have not decided how I want to cleanse it, or what symbols I'm choosing to put in the back of the wood frame for protection. It's just sitting (covered in thick velvet, I'm making sure to cover any "vibes") on my closet shelf. I'm in no hurry to use it until I feel comfy with knowledge about it, but at the same time I'm itching with the need to make it my own. I feel like it's sitting back there collecting various energies that are passing through, and not mine.
I also need practice, and direction. I wont know until I'm right there upon it trying to scry to see just how gifted I am in the art.

I love the idea of mirrors, I've always thought that mirrors (no matter what type) are completely 2 ways. Though I've been reading that mirrors are more "dangerous" (?) to scry with rather than crystal balls?
Should one always cast a circle of protection around them? Even when using divination tools like tarot cards?

I have a funny feeling I won't know what is going to work for me until I try it all...though I am most at one with water, and would not be surprised if a bowl with inked water worked the best.....we shall have to see.

Any input on the matter is greatly appreciated!
Lovems!

[Release.the.bats]

Mirrors are more "dangerous" because it is incredibly easy for an energy being to pass through them. That's why I always seal the mirrors in my home with sage smoke, candle wax, and the soot end of an old match. As far as I know with crystal balls, beings don't come through them, they just "see" things.
I like your suggestion with the ink, you should go for it. I had an ex friend who was connected with water, and the only magick or divination that ever worked for her without negative side affects, was scrying with water.
As for symbols of protection, you could get a book of talismans and amulets, or make your own sigil.
Whether you should cast a circle of protection, most of the time yes, but it's not completely necessary. It is advised however, because you can easily absorb what you don't want and then have a hard time "coming back" from it all. But, it isn't as though you cannot scry without a shield, you can, but that should be your own judgment.
I'm a bit confused with the tarot question, are you asking whether you should always have a protective circle when you read? Or just when you read near mirrors or scrying tools?

[Crick]

Oh, sorry...let me clarify! I was just wondering if it was common to cast a circle of protection for ANY kinds of divination. Rune casting, tarot reading, crystal ball gazing, mirror scrying, etc.

[Release.the.bats]

Oh, i'm not sure.
I've never done that and I don't know anyone who has.
But some people might prefer too, and I can understand why.

[[cherokeewind]]

Oh, sorry...let me clarify! I was just wondering if it was common to cast a circle of protection for ANY kinds of divination. Rune casting, tarot reading, crystal ball gazing, mirror scrying, etc.

Oh, it depends on the type of divination you are using. Pendulums faily safe, you can charge them or just cleanse, dedicate it. I never have to cast a circle for readings.

But if you have a pendulum chart, a once only charging with that chart is simple. In your circle after saying a chant (one for charging it) 3 times, pick up the pendulum and ask questions over the chart. Now put down the pendulum and finish building up the energy in the circle.

A crystal ball...a good psychic powers ritual first 1-3 times doing a reading (or until you don't need it). I never tried charging a crystal ball, but it becomes charged by using it a couple times, during a good candle burning ritual.

Mirror scrying, I've always used a circle, unless it is charged with a good psychic powers spell.
To use a mirror you have not charged with a spell...
Cast your circle, say this chant 3 times.

“Mirror, mirror, (or crystal ball) let me see;
Goddess show the truth to me,
Goddess light, mirror (crystal ball) now so bright.

Past, present, future, all shall soon be clear;
Out from darkness shines my hope,
No more to fear the secret things hidden.

Mirror, mirror, (crystal ball) scry for me,
As I will so mote it be!”

Runes, just need to become in tune with them...possibly a water element spell of the West.