Scrying is similar to other meditative divination techniques in that the reflective surface becomes the focus object. In the dim light, the flickering reflections can reveal images or messages to the gazer.

The objects called crystal balls can come in actual quartz crystal or glass. Made of genuine crystal, they are intense power objects. Quality can vary from extreme clarity to murky cloudiness. In real quartz, precise clarity can be prohibitively expensive, and often a few inclusions give a ball character and depth. With a glass ball, clarity again is paramount and balls should be thoroughly inspected for bubbles and cracks. Some balls have a slight cut on one side to make a flat base while others are intact as round and will roll away when put down on a flat surface. A ringed base or pedestal with a circular depression or hole will hold perfect spheres securely.

Scrying mirrors are often polished black surfaces that reflect images almost as clearly as a silvered mirror. They can be the size of a hand mirror, or be a large wall or tabletop piece. Some have decorative borders of ivy, celtic designs or large pentacles etched into them, while others are plain. A high gloss surface is what is most desired, with an area clear for gazing. For mirrors, flaws and marks usually unwanted.

Silver bowls are also used for scrying, and are usually filled with water. A great example of this technique can be seen in the first installment of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring.” While the Fellowship shelters in Lothlorien after escaping from Moria, Frodo wakes up in the night and follows the Lady Galadriel to a sheltered grove. There, in the middle of a raised pedestal, is her gazing bowl. It is a bright silver, presumably the rare Elvish silver mithril, and she fills with it with water from a nearby spring, inviting Frodo to glimpse the future by looking into the waters.

The classic method for crystal ball gazing involves looking into the ball while it sits on a dark cloth with a single light source either behind or below it. Some methodologies say the light source must be flickering. A lit base is a good option but if you have a larger-size genuine crystal ball make sure your base is sturdy enough to support the heavy weight. Short candles work well as a low light source for behind the crystal. You will want to try and line up the candle so you see the reflection in the gazing surface, but not too much glare.

For whatever tool you choose, a dimly lit, quiet space is best. You may cast a circle and have a focusing ritual if you wish. Or you may gaze in a manner more like a meditation. Sit in a manner which is comfortable with your scrying tool in front of you. Gaze as long as is intuitively necessary. If you become distracted, let your mind wander and then still again. Images or symbols may appear in the flickering patterns on the reflective surface. If you suffer from epilepsy, do not use a flickering light as that can trigger seizures. Scrying can be done with a steady light source.

Some people like to keep a voice-activated tape recorder nearby and just talk aloud about what they see when they gaze.  Others wait until the gazing period is over and then make written notes on what they noticed or experienced.  If you are trying to make any predictions or develop your faculty for "seeing" keeping notes is essential so that you can go back and see what came true later or not.

If you do acquire a crystal ball (glass or quartz) there are a few things of which you need to be careful.

• Keep the ball covered when not using it.  Although many people recommend covering your crystal ball as a way of shielding it from energy, what you really in fact are shielding it from is light.  Crystal balls act as magnifiers in the presence of strong, direct light, such as bright lights and especially sunlight.  If sunlight falls on a crystal ball, the light gets concentrated and has the ability to set paper, fabrics and other flammables on fire.
• Beware of where you keep it.  This relates to the light issue just discussed but it also pertains to drops or falls.  You don't want your crystal ball to break, nor do you want anyone injured by it should something like an earthquake happen.  Keeping your crystal ball on a lower shelf or short table is better than putting it up at adult shoulder level.