The use of crystals and other bright, shining objects, has been common to psychic investigators of all times, and in practically all lands.  In the earlier days of the race, pieces of clear quartz or shining pebbles were generally employed.  Sometimes pieces of polished metal were so used.  In fact, nearly every object capable of being polished has been employed in this way at some time, by some person.  In our own day, the same condition exists.  In Australia the native sooth-sayers and magicians employ water and other shining objects, and, in some cases, even bright flame, sparks, or glowing embers.  In New Zealand, the natives frequently employ drops of blood held in the hollow of the hand.  The Fijians fill a hole with water, and gaze into it.  South American tribes use the polished surface of black, or dark colored stones.  The American Indians use water, or shining pieces or flint or quartz.  Shining pieces of metal are frequently used by the primitive races.  Lang, writing on the subject, has said:  “They stare into a crystal ball; a cup; a mirror; a blot of ink (Egypt and India); a drop of blood (the Maoris of New Zealand); a bowl of water (American Indians); a pond (Roman and African); water in a glass bowl (Fez); or almost any polished surface, etc.”

In the present-day revival of interest in crystal-gazing among the wealthier classes of Europe and America, some of the high-priced teachers have insisted upon their pupils purchasing pure crystal globes, claiming that these alone are capable of serving the purpose fully.  But, as such crystals are very expensive, this advice has prevented many from experimenting.  But, the advice is erroneous, for any globe of clear quartz, or even moulded glass, will serve the purpose equally well, and there is no need of spending twenty-five to fifty dollars for a pure crystal globe.

For that matter, you may obtain very good results from the use of a watch-crystal laid over a piece of black velvet.  Some, today, use with the best effect small polished pieces of silver or other bright metal.  Others follow the old plan of using a large drop of ink, poured into a small butter plate.  Some have small cups painted black on the inside, into which they pour water—­and obtain excellent results therefrom.

Above all, I caution the student to pay no attention to instructions regarding the necessity of performing incantations or ceremonies over the crystal or other object employed in crystal-gazing.  This is but a bit of idle superstition, and serves no useful purpose except, possibly, that of giving the person confidence in the thing.  All ceremonies of this kind have for their purpose merely the holding of the attention of the person investigating, and giving him confidence in-the result—­the latter having a decided psychological value, of course.