Scrying the Photograph

Using images to access the unseen

“Scrying involves gazing into a medium, hoping to receive significant messages or visions that could offer personal guidance, prophecy, revelation, or inspiration.” - Wikipedia

"white dresses" by Eloise Capet and diving image by unknown artist

When I am running low on poetic ideas, or my mind is racing in 14 different directions, I find looking at art really helpful to focus my writing. Nothing gets me out of overthinking like simply describing what’s in front of me and letting that description act as a doorway within me to a memory or a feeling.

Writing Exercise: Scrying the photograph

I first did an exercise like this in a workshop with the incredible poet and ceremonialist, Danielle Vogel - definitely check her out and take a class with her if you can!

• Choose two photographs, yours or two that you find intriguing (I saved some interesting ones in this gallery on Pinterest if you want some inspo)

• and begin by simply describing the first photograph in great detail.

• As you describe it, are there feelings or knowings or memories that come up for you? Write to those, too.

• When you have done that, focus on the other photograph and do it again.

• Once you’ve done that, place the photographs side by side, and write to the space between them. What is the story that exists there? Why did you choose these two photographs? What do they say about you?

Allow yourself to write beyond the images, beyond the memories, and into the mystical opening that can sometimes happen when we dive deeply into the unseen realm. Trust the images that come, let one lead to another, until you are both lost and found.

a tiny excerpt from a new project I’m working on

I’d love to see the images you choose and the work that comes from them! Share in the comments or tag me if you post them!

On Saturday July 19th, at 4pm Eastern, I am leading a live writing session over Zoom. I will share some poems, offer some prompts, and hopefully we’ll generate some new work together. These writing calls are included for paid subscribers - upgrade now if you want to join us! I will send the Zoom link separately on Sat morning.

with joy,

Alix