The Looking Glass

Scrying is the practice of looking into a reflected surface as a mirror or water to determine one’s future. Although generally associated with the Halloween witch standing over a bubbling cauldron, every female has believed in magic at one time or another. I can remember standing in front of a mirror as a little girl, primping and dreaming of the future. Holding my purple ballerina mirror in one hand, I’d envision what I would be when I grew up. We all remember the whimsical song made famous by Doris Day. I can still recall singing along while gazing at my reflection.

“When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother, what will I be. Will I be pretty? Will I be rich? Here’s what she said to me.”

“Que sare sare. Whatever will be will be. The future’s not ours to see. Que sera sera. What will be will be.”

But despite the catchy lyrics of this tune, females of all ages are true romantics at heart. Whether superstition, magical spell or make believe, the idea of seeing one’s future in a reflection is irresistible. Dreams come true for those who believe. And isn’t that the main reason little girls can’t wait for Halloween each year? To dress up in costumes of their most revered fairy tale character? Eyes twinkle a little brighter when dressing as Cinderella, the Fairy princess or any number of the legendary characters made famous by the infamous Walt Disney. Little girls believe in magic and the magic of Halloween builds sweet and nostalgic memories she can pass on to her own children.

And on that same romantic whim, the practice of scrying possesses an aura of magical enchantment. There are a few variations on the enduring scrying ritual. One is for a young woman to go to her mirror at midnight, light a candle and comb her hair. According to legend, if she concentrated very hard, she would see the image of the man she would marry. Another, my particular favorite, is for a woman to take a stroll to a moonlit pond at midnight, lighting her way with a lamp and gaze into the water. The reflection that would materialize was said to be her future soulmate.

Do you believe in magic? What fantasy character did you portray as a child? What Disney character does your little girl want to be this year for Halloween?