Scrying for the Crying

By Robin Weaver

What can we expect in 2022? Analyst and experts have weighed in, but does anyone really know? For example, during the summer of 2018, could anyone have imagined 2019 and 2020?

And if you could predict the true future, would you?

In my case, I wouldn’t venture beyond next week’s lottery drawing, but let’s assume you actually want to know what happens this year.  You might consult your crystal ball. And you wouldn’t be alone. Humankind has been using crystals in an attempt to create magic for over 5,000 years, starting with the Sumerians.  The Egyptians buried their dead with crystals, and the Ancient Greeks rubbed crystals over their bodies to make them invincible—we see how well that turned out.

But, it was our good buddies, the Druids, who were first known to use crystals for predicting the future. They used polished balls of beryl, which is as clear as glass. Later, mathematician John Dee used his trusty crystal ball to advise Queen Elizabeth I.

In more modern times, crystal balls are associated with carnivals, or witchcraft. Still, they are pretty.

But here’s the odd thing. There may be some actual science behind the old crystal ball. While the future-seeker peering into the glass may believe some all-knowing divination is taking place, scientist believe a form of self-hypnosis occurs.  (Yes, there have been studies—sigh). Millais Culpin, a psychologist claimed (in 1920) the visions are "memories or fancies from the unconscious." More current studies in 1989 assert visions are likely "forgotten memory images."

So exactly how does a memory from the past predict the future?  I’m still scratching my head on that one.  

I only have one prediction for 2022.  Drumroll please….  An author on a blog will wish you a very happy new year.