Speculum Obscura
The Black Mirror in the Work of the Goetia is used as a tool to communicate with the bound spirit or familiar after initial evocation. The sorcerer who summons the Angel or Demon may bind it accordingly to the vessel, and at a later time evoke the spirit again and use the Black Mirror to visualize its form and impressions it may send. If a specific Goetic spirit is bound with the magician as a familiar/famulus, then the Black Mirror is ideal in communication. Some have used divination boards in front of black mirrors to communicate with spirits, this techniques proves a powerful gnosis to step into, as you essentially bring the astral/ghost realm into the physical plane.
Taoist Wūshī used mirrors thousands of years ago made from beautifully polished dark green Jade. They were used as we use our speculums, for summoning, divination, and to reveal people’s true hidden nature. Wūshī used the Jade Speculum in an interesting way, it was through the mirror that they sent Servitors to attack their enemies, entering through their household mirror. Divining was accomplished by taking a round speculum in one hand while exhaling on its surface as they walked in a circle around a large yellow candle situated in the center of the floor. To attract spirits a candle was placed along with a piece of fresh fruit, and the Jade Speculum on a table at midnight. The spirits’ images would then reflect onto the mirror and their identities revealed.
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