Catoptromancy

Catoptromancy is divination by gazing into a mirror, from the Greek katoptron, “mirror.” The practitioner stares at the reflective surface, often in dim light, waiting for images to appear. It is mentioned as early as antiquity, when polished metal mirrors or vessels of water were also used. The black mirror, made of obsidian or tinted glass, is a widespread form among occultists. It is a close relative of crystallomancy, sharing its principle of the fixed gaze.